MINI Clubman Technical Details Revealed

[Paul]

<p align="left">So we've <a href="http://www.mini2.com/2007/06/26/undisguised-blue-silver-mini-clubman-photos/">seen the outside</a>, we've seen the inside <a href="http://www.mini2.com/200...Read full report

[Paul]

My immediate thoughts when I got this information was that it's overall a slightly better package than I had previously thought/been led to believe. Particularly the apparent increase in rear space.

Not sure if it's enough for the poster who asked about a couple of Labrador dogs in there, but maybe, if they're small?!

Unfortunately I have no specifics on rear leg room other than it is "improved". Also, the boot apparently features a flexible load cover, a bit like in many estate cars which has several positions.

If there's other things you might like to know, feel free to ask and I may be able to answer or get answers. I may not, but there's no harm in asking.

[Step_7]

OK, I'll ask one!

Will the centre seat area have Isofix mounting points available?

[Paul]

No as the central seat seems to be more of a part time seat than a "proper" third place. The seats remain 50/50 split too, so I just don't think it could possibly work.

[Step_7]

Thought so, I will need to have occasional space for 2 booster seats and 1 baby seat so the seat belt arrangement in the centre may be an issue. Have to wait and see I suppose.

[Paul]

I guess you could put the baby seat in the front with the airbag deactivated, or one of the booster seats.

Apparently thought this is for "man with surfboard" not "family with child" (although I guess the board would go on the roof, so little is gained in the Clubman over the MINI in that respect?

[Mini1380]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Unfortunately I have no specifics on rear leg room other than it is "improved".

I wonder if they are saying this because the front seat may have more movement available. i.e. it can go farther back than it could before. This would make it hard to actually specify how much it has improved. And then again, they could have just changed the seats as well.

Inquiring minds want to know. And I am one of them.

[Mini1380]

Just read this in the information.

"the Clubman will also be available with a factory fitted tow hitch and power point with detachable ball head, as well as beefed up rear springs to deal with load-lugging duties."

That is great. Now I just hope that the towing capacity is enough to be able to tow my classic mini behind it.

[OttoMannS]

Can you open the rear suicide door without opening the front door? If so how does this work?

I read somewhere that the rear door mechanism was identical to the one used in the Rolls Royce Phantom.

[OttoMannS]

So according to my calculations (For US readers) the boot cargo area in the Clubman (With the seats up) went from 5.7 Cubic Feet (R56 Hatchback) to 9.2 Cubic Feet in the R55.

Cargo with the seat backs folded down went from 24 Cubic feet in the R56 Hatchback to 33 Cubic feet in the R55 Clubman. Yes it is a significant improvement in cargo space, however, I was hoping that the new boot would be at least 11 Cubic Feet with the seat backs in the upright position. Again, not bad at all.

The regular R55 Clubman weighs 176 pounds more than a regular R56 Cooper hatchback and the R55 Clubman S weighs 165 pounds more than a regular R56 Cooper S Hatchback.

I wonder why the R55 Cooper Clubman puts an extra 10 pounds over the R55 Clubman S?

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by OttoMannS (original)

Can you open the rear suicide door without opening the front door? If so how does this work?

I read somewhere that the rear door mechanism was identical to the one used in the Rolls Royce Phantom.

You can only open the rear "Club Door" (quite catchy that) if you open the front first.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini1380 (original)

Just read this in the information.

"the Clubman will also be available with a factory fitted tow hitch and power point with detachable ball head, as well as beefed up rear springs to deal with load-lugging duties."

That is great. Now I just hope that the towing capacity is enough to be able to tow my classic mini behind it.

If your Mini and trailer is under 750kg (same towing limit as the hatch), you should be OK.

[swamos]

Paul, the youtube link to doesn't appear to be working in the report.

Otherwise an excellent report.

[Paul]

Thanks for the heads up, fixed the video.

[simeds]

I'm liking it more and more. Will they do a works version ?

[GTT 280]

OMG - this is terrible. There is only one estate car that is superb, and that is the RS6

I can't believe MINI have done this.

Urgh.

If they produce a Works version i'll just wet myself laughing!!!

Cheers,
K.