[Harpo]

I had a good close look at one a couple of nights ago.

Having seen one at close quarters, I can confirm that it looks very easy to get in and out of the back, and would be ideal for a young family. Only those drivers over six feet who like driving with straight legs would impede the passenger behind him. Otherwise it looks very roomy.

The 'boot' looked a little larger than the R56, but not by a significant margin, and the rear seats (on the model I saw) looked to have no fore/aft adjustment, aside from the seatback squab.

The sui-side door is very impressive in operation and is a substantial component. Equally the rear doors are cool too, they are on horizontal gas struts and self open after a certain degree.
There is a significant rubber boot on the left hand latch, for those occasions when you close the doors out of sequence. Damage will occur under such circumstances!
The rear light clusters are fixed and do not open with the doors.

The roof is very different. It is heavily ridged along the length, and could act as a grab rail for hauling yourself out of the rear.

Overall, I would say that it will make a very worthy addition to the range.

[Paul]

Nice information Harpo.......

Of course, you recorded this close encounter and are just uploading to YouTube, right?

[Harpo]

Discretion is my middle name!

[Paul]

I see. So you're uploading it anonymously. Wise move.

[S33BBY]

I wasn't a fan at all from the spy shots, but I think it looks really good finished. I wouldn't have one, but I do like it very much.

[ontheroadagain]

Thank you Harpo~ Very nice close encounter, indeed.

[LMB]

I've thought about it, was on the fence for a longtime, there are elements of the car I like, but there is more I dislike so I voted 'I don't like it'. Maybe I'll change my mind when I see it in the flesh.

[ScottyB]

Love it. Unique. Great concept, great execution

[ItHurts]

Thanks for the lengthy, and thoroughly enjoyable, post Harpo. Good to get a "valued" opinion!

[SILVA]

I like the look of it. Not sure if I would buy one though. Waiting to see what the new convertible looks like too.

[iknight]

LIKE IT - not sure about extension of roof colour around rear doors though ...

[stuvoi]

I like it

My wife likes it and wants to replace Hyundi Santa Fe with it next year, so then we'll be a two mini family

It's like a mini, but you can fit the grandparents in it.

Stu )

[ontheroadagain]

Quote: Originally Posted by stuvoi (original)

I like it
It's like a mini, but you can fit the grandparents in it.

Stu )

["GT"]

Love it.

Ordered one two weeks ago.

In Sweden we can do something called a "Wish list" this is all of the things you wish to have on your new mini clubman, then when the car is relised your order goes through.( if you order a mini cooper s clubman and wish for 350bhp you wont get it)

My wife is pregnent and in october will will have one more mini and in november the clubman comes to Sweden so our collection will be;

JCW GP 1839#
mini one
mini clubman
1969 cooper s track car

[ontheroadagain]

Excellent, I'm sure we'll all look forward to your reports back.

[Joogle]

Until they sort that suicide door arrangement out for the RH drive markets - Hate It.

[duc748]

ups... rather not

["GT"]

Quote: Originally Posted by Joogle (original)

Until they sort that suicide door arrangement out for the RH drive markets - Hate It.

Do you have any pics of the RH drive clubman?

[Tonyt3]

This is really odd for me... You see, I'm not a fan of the R56 - think it looks overly bloated and the alloys always look too small because of the larger plastic arches....

however, I actually do like the clubman... it seems to my eyes to work better than the R56....

Odd...????????????

[Paul]

Quite a few people have said the same thing, they feel it looks more balanced than the hatch.