Countryman vs. Clubman

[nicktulloh]

Quote: Originally Posted by andyandrews@btintern (original)

Ok lads can we put this one to bed? One car is a Mini and the other one, the Countryman, is a Bus. ( and yes BMW did loose the plot when they changed their bikes from opposed to twins to copies of far eastern bikes)

... and I'm sure you disapproved of their move from airheads to oilheads

[Mini Pel]

I have a clubman and was given a countryman as a courtasy car.
i didn't like it very wallowy through the corners and i didnt like the feeling of its size just seemed very big.
the only plus was from my wife who is short 4'10 said she didnt need a cushion to drive it.

[Chartan]

Obviously people on a forum like this are happy with the cars they have. But as a newbie to mini I think a lot of you guys are seeing things a little onesided.

At the moment I'm awaiting the arrival of my Mini Cooper SD Countryman.

Why did I choose the countryman and not a clubman or hatch?
- Simple. They where never an option and where not considered. I routinely need to fit 4 adults in my car (job related activities) and anything with less than 4 doors are simply not going to cut it. My other options for a car where the BMW X1 or 3-series, Audi A4 or Mercedes C-class.
Compared to these (and within financial limitations) the Countryman was the one that put the biggest smile on my face.

I have no doubt that a Mini hatch would be even quicker and probably more fun to drive, but so would a Ferari Enzo or a Ducati motorcycle be.

I'm happy to become a Mini owner and I believe BMW do know what they are doing. I personally would never consider buying a Mini if it was not for the countryman. I'm sure there are more people like me.

[egbert]

Echoing the previous poster . . . I really love the Mini Cooper and wanted one but . . no room for a buggy, far too difficult to be leaning in the back through a 2 door to do up car seats, lift in and out seats, babies etc, so had to give up on that dream forever (well ntil the kids were older) or so I thought - then last Saturday I saw the Countryman, fell in love and owned one by Monday.

Its a beautiful drive, ok a bit higher than I am used to and not as tight to the ground, since i have just come from an MG, but 4 doors and a big enough boot make it practical enough for a family with 2 small kids, and it looks and feels like a Mini to me. And so much nicer than all these people carriers or those boxes on wheels everyone seems to be driving these days.

I did look at the Clubman, but frankly I think they just look odd. Its back space and 4 doors I need, not a large boot.

I do agree with another poster though, I do think the colour adds a lot to making it look in proportion and Mini like. Mine is blue with a white roof, and perfect for me.

[Edwin]

I think it will take a little time for the Countryman to be accepted as the Clubman did?

[iain cooper]

personally I like the look of the Countryman, the fact that it has four doors, four wheel drive, and higher driving position make it a very practical proposition.

I certainly think there could be a market for it.

I've never looked at in great detail but certainly will next time I'm in a showroom.

I've never liked the Clubman and always think it looks like a mini hearse !! never really seen the point in it at all, and I think that they will phase it out.

Iain

[stead34]

I think people decide they want a mini then decide what mini suites there needs most, I don't have rear passengers often but use my car to take the dog out so I chose the clubman, but I would of had the hatchback if I didn't have a dog.

I personally like the clubdoor on the drivers side for ease of access to rear seats for carrying items not passengers, as I don't have children I don't really care much for the comfort or ease of access to the rear for passengers.

If or when I have children the countryman will become more appealing to me, I'm not going to knock it now as it could be the perfect compromise in a few years.

So my point is, people want a mini(hatchback) the choose the model closest to that which suit's there needs best.

I can't see why a young single person would buy a countryman, but now I wouldn't understand why a family of four would buy the hatchback either with the choice.

Mini BMW already have a competitor to the golf,focus it just has a BMW badge on it, so as a mini brand they don't need to evolve to survive as BMW are already selling cars in these sectors, mini would survive on the hatchback alone....

[andyandrews@btintern]

Sorry, got to get back in this one. I know people consider the Clubman a 'marmite' car but hey, it is the best handling, best looking, most practical Mini! End of. The Countryman has a market but the backs all wrong, the handling compromised, and....and it's a Bus! BMW kill off the best Mini? please no! I understand the next one will have suicide doors on both sides, right on. Like marmite. Try it, you will like it!