Old school auto writer for the Chicago Tribune Jim Mateja lived with the Clubman Cooper around Chicago for a week and came away with the opinion that it still wasn’t big enough.
>Mini enthusiasts wanted more room to slip kids in the back seat without folding them in half, plus a little more cargo room to carry a change of underwear so they wouldn’t have to turn the pair they are wearing inside out on a trip.
>The added length contributes to more knee and leg room in back while the small access door on the passenger side makes getting into/out of the back seat much easier. The “suicide” door opens rearward, and the release handle is in the cabin.
>While leg and knee room is better, an adult still wouldn’t want to venture cross country in back. And if the headrests are left down they are pure torture.
Of course we can’t imagine Jim really ever “getting” a MINI. It certainly isn’t an age thing since we know some of the most enthusiastic MINI owners are oldsters (yes that means older hipsters). Instead we believe the tell-tale sign of MINI-incompatibility lies in the un-ironic ‘stache he so proudly sports.
The rear headrests should always be in the up position when passengers ride in the back seat. It is a safety feature and it is even mandated in the owner’s manual.
Josh, I had the same thought… the thought of riding in the backseat of any passenger car all the way across the U.S. gives me fits of claustrophobia. It seems a patently ridiculous standard to hold the MINI to.
Mr. Mateja seems to be the type of guy that would not mind spending time behind gthe wheel of a Crown Victoria, Grand marquis or Lincoln Towncar..With the glovebox full of Geritol…
Mr. Mateja isn’t in tune w/ALL car owners. How about an oldster like me, “born during the BIG one, WWII. Am ordering a Clubman to have 4, count ’em, FOUR MINIs total in MY stable. Best car owned in #% different domestic and foreign car models owned and operated !!!
Actually . . . I don’t mind just turning my underwear inside out.
Would an adult ever want to venture cross country in the back of ANY vehicle?
This guy must be chauffeured everywhere…
I just go sans underpants when driving. It’s a simple and fun way to add lightness.
The rear headrests should always be in the up position when passengers ride in the back seat. It is a safety feature and it is even mandated in the owner’s manual.
Josh, I had the same thought… the thought of riding in the backseat of any passenger car all the way across the U.S. gives me fits of claustrophobia. It seems a patently ridiculous standard to hold the MINI to.
I call you out for stash-lashing.
Mr. Mateja seems to be the type of guy that would not mind spending time behind gthe wheel of a Crown Victoria, Grand marquis or Lincoln Towncar..With the glovebox full of Geritol…
People complain even if you give them a million dollars in a paper bag.
Never trust a man with a mustache.
Or a women with one either.
Mr. Mateja isn’t in tune w/ALL car owners. How about an oldster like me, “born during the BIG one, WWII. Am ordering a Clubman to have 4, count ’em, FOUR MINIs total in MY stable. Best car owned in #% different domestic and foreign car models owned and operated !!!
<a href="mailto:jmateja@tribune.com">jmateja@tribune.com</a>
It’s Mr. Belvedere!! I didn’t know Mr. Belvedere did car write ups….
I heard he also bashed the 1-series???