Auto Express receive confirmation from “MINI Spokeswoman” that rear passengers get road side door only for home market

It’s been one of those “known but not confirmed” items regarding the MINI Clubman (also referred to as Estate, R55, or Traveller) that models destined for all markets will only have a rear suicide door on the right hand side of the vehicle for access to the rear (both both front seats will fold forward “hatchback style” as well).

Auto Express however have had it confirmed on the record that this is indeed the case.

They also quote said spokeswoman as saying “There are valid arguments for not having the doors on either side of the car, of which cost is one”. Frankly, we’d love to know the other valid arguments that make it a good idea to only have a rear door on one side. As we’re sure would be many others from the UK, Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong (to name but a few).

The trouble with this one-sided door configuration, besides looking a little odd, is that if you park by the roadside, you’re presented with the choice of parking facing the oncoming traffic, or pulling up in the correct direction and having your rear suicide door open onto the road side as opposed to the path.

It is disappointing to have this confirmed, but not at all unexpected, and it’s a shame that they managed to engineer around the problems (such as the fuel filler and pipe location) for the original MINI Convertible, but can’t, or don’t want to, do the same for the Clubman.

Spotters badge to Memphisto who spotted this and started a forum discussion.