[James6c]

Here are some newer spyshots and info, you might of already seen the pics but the info is quite informative eg. price and models etc.

MINI Traveller | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

What do you think?

[Vitesse]

Interesting post. Could be quite keen on a Clubman for my next Mini. £20K for the S version looks a little steep though?

[s_and_m]

I'm thinking that the Cooper D version with some nice fat torque will be the one to have (of sourse that'd mean I'd have to keep the Superbee for track days and holidays ).

Be interested to see what aftermarket tuning boxes do for the new diesel burner - would be good o have a smidge more power and a dollop of extra torque and still return 45 plus mpg.

That said, the side shots make the rear suicide doors look a bit busy, with the b and c pillar so close together. Also can't help thinking that the car looks as though it is going to sag in the middle. Be interested to know how stiff (or wobbly) the body shell is compared to the 3 door version.

S

[Paul]

As a stand alone model I think it looks alright, but compared to the concept it's looking poor. The concept was pretty stunning though.

[Vitesse]

I agree Paul, the concept was stunning, probably would of been a bit pricey to manufacture, so you end up with the normal compromise.

This is a bit Mini Hearse looking. But does the job which is essentially to give it a bit more luggage capacity.

[85NIXMIN]

Well thats uhh different... reckon there will be a big market for it???

[Paul]

Who knows, cant see a huge demand, but I guess that's not the point.

[s_and_m]

I'd be interested in it as a second car. Current list of possibles (must be estate or hatch, have 4/5 doors and not be too dull to drive) include

Skoda Octavia (Diesel vRS or possible the L&K)
Seat Leon (Diesel FR or whatever it's called)
BMW 3 Touring (not new - would prefer a 330i but more likely a 2.0D)
Mini Traveller (Cooper D)

So not a huge list of possible contenders. Things like the A3 Sport hatch, Golf, A4 Avant, Mondeo, Laguna,etc etc are too main stream for my tastes so unless VW do a u turn and produce a new version of the camper van, the Mini Traveller looks like picking up some niche sales from young families who don't need/want a 4x4 or are to damn funky to have an MPV.

S

[Mini1380]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vitesse (original)

This is a bit Mini Hearse looking.

I just wish they would show one in a color other than BLACK, but I guess that most spy shots are of black cars.

[Nimiety]

I am waiting with bated breath to see how the rear seats look - I have heard from several online sources that the rear will indeed seat three, but until something official form Mini saying that I won't know for sure.

Getting the family in the Cooper is surprisingly easy, but things may change over the next year+... I will eventually need two latches plus room for a booster in the middle - just because I propogate doesn't mean I want to drive anything less than something cool.

Anyone else heard anything about the width of seating in the rear?

N......

[rkw]

The word from MotoringFile is that the Clubman will seat 3 in the rear for most of the world, but the US version will seat only 2 in the rear to meet safety regulations:
http://motoringfile.com/2007/01/30/t...ting-capacity/
I would guess that Canada will get the same version as the US.

By the way, I predict that in the US, the Clubman will outsell the coupe versions.

[s_and_m]

It would be good if the rear bench/seats slide forward and backwards to increase/decrease load space/legroom as desired.

If the rear seats are individual units (US market?) will the recline? If so can you order them for non US markets?

Will the Traveller get funky rear mood lighting as per the R56? Will it have a larger petrol tank to give it a greater range?

Too many questions - not enough answers!

S

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by s_and_m (original)

It would be good if the rear bench/seats slide forward and backwards to increase/decrease load space/legroom as desired.

If the rear seats are individual units (US market?) will the recline? If so can you order them for non US markets?

Will the Traveller get funky rear mood lighting as per the R56? Will it have a larger petrol tank to give it a greater range?

Too many questions - not enough answers!

S

Sure I read somewhere that the standard R56 has adjustable rear seat rake to increase load space if you order the storage pack

Just we haven't seen this yet, as I believe its available from build week 10

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey (original)

Sure I read somewhere that the standard R56 has adjustable rear seat rake to increase load space if you order the storage pack

Just we haven't seen this yet, as I believe its available from build week 10

That's right. They can be adjusted to vertical, which isn't a huge difference, but can make loading boxes easier apparently.

Each seat back can be adjusted independently, so if there are three in the car the rear passenger isn't forced to sit bolt upright.

[s_and_m]

Thanks for that,

I think I'll have to swing by a dealer and see what they know about the production spec (if any thing).

If it gets the Cooper Diesel engine of only 108bhp I shall have to think again about if this car will cut it as a second car/sprog mover as I think it will be too slow and underpowered

Cooper Diesle link
The new MINI One and MINI Cooper D

But then again, maybe Tunit or somebody will come up with a remap that will add another 20 bhp and 60NM of torque to the engine/

S

[SPClark]

Anybodyriskaguess as to how MUCH more room - on the inside - the Clubman will have over an R56?

I thought I could hold out runnin' my '03 S 'til the Clubman debuts this side of the pond, but that I'm a weeks' motoring shy of US 130K miles caused me after New Years to order up an R56 S.

Grumblingly it arrived at Dealer's two weeks back, but with the wrong steering wheel....

I ordered Multi-Function, it came with Leather Sport. Start all over again.

Oh waily, waily!!!!