So I go to the dealer on Sunday to get my Clubman S, Dark silver metallic body, roof and mirrors and silver C pillars. It was in the detail shop and I thought cool, a brand new Mini all bright and clean. The car is driven out from the detail shop and it was filthy. I don't know if it was the dirt but the color combination I chose did not look good at all. I was very disappointed but took the car for a test drive. The tachometer was on slightly crooked (i checked several) and the gotcha of the day was dealing with the blocked out portion of the rear windows when looking in the rear view mirror. That is definately gonna take some getting used to. I declined to take delivery and am pondering whether to order another Clubman in a different color combination, to get the non turbo model or to get my deposit back.

 

I was wondering about that "blocked out" portion of the rear window. It didn't hit me until I saw them at the party the other night. I didn't have a chance to take a look, but I'm wondering how folks are dealing with that.

 

The rear doors look cool from the outside and the Clubman itself has enough space for me but the blocked out portion looking in the rear view mirror may be the deal breaker for me. It can easily hide a motorcycle that is driving in the center of the lane (at the right distance). The best way to describe it is "unnatural". I'd bet that the Clubman will not be as successful as the Mini because of this and expect at least some people who purchase the Clubman to sell them because of this. Before I took a test drive I did not think anything of it however, now I must come to terms with it.

 

This feature is often cited by journalists trying to find something to criticise too. But it's not a problem in real life, assuming you have some awareness of the traffic around you.

 

I have a full size van with dual rear doors (and hence the narrow blind sport down the center). It's disconcerting at first but you get used to it quickly. Anything like a motorcycle in order to be completely blocked from view by that narrow bit would have to be far enough back that it would be visible in the side mirrors anyway. And if it's too close to see in the side mirrors, it's likely close enough that its visible on both sides of the center 'blind spot'.

 

I took a fairly short test drive in a Clubman, and while it was mildly disconcerting at first (it was almost like having your rear view mirror replaced with two tiny TV screens) I quickly got used to it.

The blind spot is pretty narrow, so I can't imagine anything other than a sentient self pedaling bicycle could actually get fully hidden.

I'd give it another go, maybe take it out for a few hours to see how you feel about it. I'm sure they'll be willing to give you all the time you need if it's the difference between making a sale or not.

 

Driven double doors before and after awhile you don't even notice it... Suburbans and such have had them for years.....

 

I hadn't thought about that. It just seemed so big.
Does the non turbo Clubman have sufficient power? I took a test drive and it seemed okay.

 

I find it plenty powerful--I came from a V8 Phaeton and I dont regret it one bit.

 

For the non turbo it depends on how you are going to drive it. Is it going to be used for work? If it's for driving to work and back it may be fine. If you're buy it to have as a third car and want to enjoy the power and go kart feel it may not be enough power. It all depend s on how you are going to use it.

 

Thanks. Good to know. What color did you get? I now know not to get the roof in the same color as the body. It doesn't look nearly as good on the Cubman as it does on the Mini.

 

It will replace my '95 Celica. i think it has a 115 hp engine and it's a stick. I want an automatic on my next vehicle.

 

I think a regular Clubman will do you just fine. I used to be all about horse power, but in my old age (30), MPG are what's important to me now. I've got an 04 Cooper with a CVT, and it can be doggy at times. But from what I can tell, the gear driven tranny and updated engine in the 07s & 08s is a little more powerful and a lot more predictable.

However, I am getting a manual this time around, and I'm hoping I'll like it. I'll have to start off with teaching spouse how to drive it, though. She's very leery about not getting an auto.

 

I had the distance sensors put in.. and I am putting a camera in the back...

 

Sorry but I couldn't disagree more. I've seen virtually every combination and I've not seen one with a contrasting roof that I like.

The big problem with Clubman colours, short of a re-spray, is to choose between silver and black for the C pillars; then pick whatever body colour you think goes best with your choice.

 

I test drove the Clubman on Friday, and ordered one. The vertical blind spot caused by the rear doors is there, but I did not find it to be a huge issue for me. The view to the rear is definitely not panoramic, but this is more a function of the small rear opening, not the double-door arrangement. I could clearly see traffic behind me without any difficulty.

 

I drove a clubman on Sat, and the split rear view was something I got totally used to in 10 minuets. By the time I backed the clubman in to it's spot at the dealership, I didn't bother me a bit. the cooper version I drove seemed a bit short on power compared to my 2002 MC, so I'll be ordering an S.

 

What color will you be getting then? I think it is important to get what you really want vs settling down for a car that 6-12 months down the road you'll be dumping anyway.

 

I'm happy that some people will be dumping their Clubmans a few months down the road, cause then maybe I'll be able to buy one lighty used and save a bunch o bux!

 

I'm going with PepperWhite including roof and black C, and then replace the C panel around the tail lights with PW one... looks easy to take that one off, and I want the black at the window level. I want to keep the original parts in case I want to go back, so I'll buy a spare set. The light surround C panel is $84.75 each and comes pre-painted in Black or Silver, but I'll paint over it, or have white vinyl graphic applied if it's close to PW. not sure about the top of the bumper...I think it will look OK black, but if not, then that will end up PW too.

 

I went PW with the pillars in Silver...

it's all getting repainted...

artic white... with a BRG roof

 

Please post pics after you get yours painted. I would love to see it!!!

 

Very imaginative and it should look stunning. I'll join the queue awaiting pics!

 

Skye2 - have you decided whether to re-order a Clubman?

 

I haven't decided yet. If I ordered a Clubman S again I was thinking about laser blue or sparkling silver with silver roof and C pillars. If it is a Clubman it may be sparkling silver or nightfire red with silver C pillars.