[CooperS4us]

I am on the waiting list for a new R55 Clubman due next year. We will be replacing my wife's '02 MC CVT for the Clubby. We now have a 5 month old baby boy and while we have managed fine with 2 MINIs in the household, the added rear passenger/cargo room is a welcomed addition.

I agree with some thta the R55 is a bit dissapointing in what appears to be its final execution. But for those of us that refuse to leave MINI for other "family"cars, this is as good as it gets. I think the single rear door is a pretty poor excuse from a company like BMW. I see it more as a cost cutting measure than anything else, really. But then again, having a rear door is better than having none.

I have been reading in MotoringFile | MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. that R55's destined for RHD markets will have the rear door in the left (curb side) of the vehicle. LHD market Clubbies will have it on the right side of the vehicle as shown in most teaser photos.

Someone from the Oxford factory often posts in Motoringfile and he has given us a lot of insider info on the R55. One thing that has me sadden is that this person said that in order to access the rear seat, you still have to fold the front seat (like the coupe model) even with the rear door fully opened...WTF?

Still we love the car and plan to go forward with the order, which we hope to formalize once MINIUSA announces final USA pricing and spec sheets. This should happen around September-October if not sooner.

I also think the R55 looks much better than the R56, because the squared off back, taller windows and taller roof line brings back proportions into the new design, in such a way that leaves the R56 coupe looking bloated and chubby from nearly every angle.

My wife still thinks the R50/53 looks much better than the new cars, but she is willing to give up some of that beauty for the added practicallity that the R55 promises.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us (original)

I have been reading in MotoringFile | MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. that R55's destined for RHD markets will have the rear door in the left (curb side) of the vehicle. LHD market Clubbies will have it on the right side of the vehicle as shown in most teaser photos.

I think that the photo at the start of this thread would suggest that the reports that we've been reading about the RHD MINI having the rear door on the opposite side were simply speculation.

Tigger.

[CooperS4us]

Tiger, I don't know for sure, but it seems that Motoringfile has gotten some new info added on the door placement this week.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I'd be interested to see it, I've looked on the site and haven't found it yet, but that doesn't mean it isn't there

Tigger.

[CooperS4us]

Tigger, here it goes:

"It' will come as a shock to the readers of UK magazines who've all reported the rear door will switch to the left side of the car when it comes to their market."

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us (original)

Tigger, here it goes:

"It' will come as a shock to the readers of UK magazines who've all reported the rear door will switch to the left side of the car when it comes to their market."

Please may be have a bit more of the text around that quote? It seems to be missing something.

Thanks

Tigger.

[Paul]

Not sure which UK mags have reported that the door will switch? But as the main reason apparently is problems with the fuel filler etc. then I can't see the logic on expecting it to switch for RHD markets.

[Minifritz]

Another spyshot with nearly uncovered taillights...
..and a Clubman S which has only one rear wiper... Does this mean the second wiper will be a cost option?

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Minifritz (original)

Does this mean the second wiper will be a cost option?

No, its the clubman GP... weight saving with only one wiper

[Minifritz]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

No, its the clubman GP... weight saving with only one wiper

aaaahh, of course

[Washy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Minifritz (original)

Another spyshot with nearly uncovered taillights...
..and a Clubman S which has only one rear wiper... Does this mean the second wiper will be a cost option?

Obviously taken a leaf out of Porsche's book.....they charge for rear wipers..

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Very dull lamps then

Tigger.

[Edna]

As these are still Test Mules, they will be tinkering around seeing what works and what doesn't, Also what POTENTIAL FUTURE buyers say in forums liike this, making adjustments if what is said is the general consensus.

Most people who will buy it will be doing so for practical purposes, and perhaps live with the elongated odd look!
We have 1 child and 1 more planned, A MINI is a nightmare we are assuming for 1 infant and 1 baby, hence the thought of buying a MINI Clubman is more appealing than an awful Vauxhall/Opel Zafira!

[swamos]

My dealer said the clubman will be in Aus about this time next year. That points to a similar release schedule to the r56. : It's the first confirmation I've had that it's even coming to Aus so that's encouraging.

[Olly.]

I will reserve judgement until I see a black one with Aero Kit and 18" JCW wheels. I think it has a lot of potential to look bad ass

[AdamFerrand]

When is release date?

End of 07???

[big-kev]

Was reading today with interest that the rear door will only be on the right hand side of the new car. This is great for the continent who's passengers get out on that side but over here it means your passengers get out on the roadside. I know its for cost , so all body shells are made the same worldwide but it is a bit of a let down and a slap in the face for us brits!

[Shaun]

With an impending family I have been following the snippets on the Traveller / Clubman for some time.
All early shots or videos were left hand drive but a recent spy shot was of a Uk registered right hand drive prototype with thte door on the drivers side.
I would have to agree its a fair old slap if true but its a potential disaster for BMW who upto now have been, with the Mini, one of few companies who put the UK first.
If it is the case that they are going to offer a left hand drive solution to a right hand drive problem then it seem consumption has passed the point of protecting the UK end in fact if the customer service and build quality are anything to go by its profit before brand all the way.
With the UK probably heading for saturation maybe they just dont care anymore?

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shaun (original)

I would have to agree its a fair old slap if true but its a potential disaster for BMW who upto now have been, with the Mini, one of few companies who put the UK first.

The 2nd gen MINI feels very much a LHD car available in RHD, compared to the original new MINI which was very much RHD orientation available in LHD also. For example the new interior is clearly designed LHD, the button to open the glovebox echoing the key slot for example (on LHD), and the position of the bonnet release etc.

They'll obviously make the best financial decision, and most demand will be for LHD vehicles.

[Shaun]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

The 2nd gen MINI feels very much a LHD car available in RHD, compared to the original new MINI which was very much RHD orientation available in LHD also. For example the new interior is clearly designed LHD, the button to open the glovebox echoing the key slot for example (on LHD), and the position of the bonnet release etc.

They'll obviously make the best financial decision, and most demand will be for LHD vehicles.

Good points im glad you agree its sad though that this has to be the case.