Clubman Wins Top Gear Award
Top Gear has voted the MINI Clubman small car of the year for 2007. Odd, since after the last review I wasn’t so sure they actually liked it and we all know how Mr. Clarkson feels. I’m also pretty sure that on the last show of the year, they tried to vote it worst car of the year, and the ugliest.
At least the Clubman is in good company with the Audio R8, Nissan GT-R and the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe.
>’There’s no avoiding the conclusion that this car is, of course, wildly over-complex. But, in the right environment or with the right driver, the Mini in Clubman form remains a draw. This is still a Mini and yet it’s also something fresh. And you know what? That’s enough.’
[ TG Awards ’07 – MINI Clubman ] Topgear.com
I wonder what they are smoking over there?
Just goes to show that despite the major reaction Mr. Clarkson has with it that this is still a solid little car. Nice feather in the cap for Mini for sure, if you can score a positive view from a detractor it does show some nice things about the product your offering. The base fact that the Clubman is selling out on the British Isles does show despite the oddities for the RHD market with the car that potential buyers are not turned off.
That’s pretty interesting. Potential slogan:
<em>“MINI Clubman – The car you love to hate”</em> (or is it “…hate to love”)
Sorry but this year the award should go to FIAT 500
Let’s not forget…
While Jeremy Clarkson works for Top Gear the magazine and is a presenter on the Top Gear program…
Top Gear ≠Jeremy Clarkson…
and therefore could have differing opinions.
Clarkson’s major gripe was that it wasn’t functional; at least some of the aspects of it. I.e., the 3rd door, limited rear visibility, etc. But it seems Top Gear bypassed functionality for coolness and design…
hmmmm- that’s enough for me
I say Clarkson got it right and Top Gear sold out. I’m sure there is huge pressure on them to promote UK-built cars. MINI, Jag and RR all received “awards”.
^^ I feel like it was more for performance because the design is disappointing.
If you look at the start of the awards series (image 1) I think you’ll find the explanation as to how the MINI Clubman got into this list when previous Top Gear/Clarkson reviews made it out as one of the worst cars of the year: This list was apparently put together by the Top Gear Magazine editors – not Clarkson or the TV crew.
Whatever, I think I side with Clarkson. Just because it’s a Mini and “something fresh” shouldn’t be enough to make it one of the best cars of the year.
And everytime I see that rear end I wonder what in the world MINI was thinking… without even an option to get the rear all one color. It’s like a Pontiac Aztec.
Top Gear (the show) and Top Gear (the magazine) have often chosen different cars for their car of the year, among other awards. A quick glance at their wiki’ entries and you’ll see the cars chosen as car of the year for the past few years.
A very odd twist…but then again I suppose one isn’t meant to take these things all too seriously. Just like certain comments on MotoringFile.
At least people are saying what they feel. MINI can withstand a few honest comments.