MINI Clubman Arrives In Virginia Beach
The latest oddball addition to the already eccentric MINI family has finally arrived at the Checkered Flag dealership in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The all new MINI features an unconventional design, legendary MINI handling, side ClubDoor and split barn doors.
MINIUSA describe the largest member of the MINI family as follows:
“Reminiscent of yesteryear’s trusty workhorses - the Morris Mini-Minor Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman - the Clubman is a tad bigger than the hardtop model, striking the perfect balance between utility and MINI’s famously fun ride”
Not everyone’s a fan of the new MINI however. Jeremy Clarkson, of Top Gear fame, had this to say:
On paper, it’s hard to think of any car that offers the modern motorist quite so much. And all for a shade more than £17,000.
Unfortunately, after a week, I have decided it’s one of the worst cars in the world. About as desirable as a packet of dung or a can of worms. Truthfully? I’d rather have a goat.
The first problem is the single rear passenger door. It’s on the right-hand side of the car, which is fine if you live in Germany or America, where everyone drives on the wrong side of the road - pull up at the kerb and your kids get out onto the pavement. But here in Britain, where we do things properly, your kids are forced to get out into the traffic.
You can read the full review here, but unfortunately for MINI fans, Jeremy’s final verdict of the bold new car is simply “Humbug”.
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February 28th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I got the opportunity to drive one, and it was a fun little car to drive. But I would not spend my hard earned money on one.
February 28th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Why not? How does it compare to the MINI Copper or Cooper S? I haven’t driven one myself but have read mixed reviews. Just curious to hear what you thought…
–Steve
February 29th, 2008 at 7:16 am
It is me more than the car. Like I said it was fun to drive, it was little and zipped around really well. But I am one of those people that prefer to sit a little higher up off the ground. I would consider this for my teen daughter though.
February 29th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Thanks for coming back to respond! Your comments make sense.
I think I’ll take one out for a spin at some point just to see how it compares to my Cooper S.
Thanks for the comments…
–Steve
March 6th, 2008 at 7:51 am
That looks very handy indeed. Will it fit my golf clubs in now?
March 6th, 2008 at 7:57 am
According to this review:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/wagons/112_0712_2008_mini_cooper_clubman_s
….probably!
“From the driver’s seat, you’ll hardly know there’s more Mini behind you. But your rear-seat passengers, pets, surfboards, golf clubs, shopping bags, swap-meet treasures, and mall haul will really appreciate the extra room.”
March 9th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
17,000 pounds? I think that’s a little bit costly for one so critically analyzed by Jeremy Clarkson.
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:19 am
For me I am not to fussed on this MINI but its still a cute car