Up Close with the 2008 Mini Clubman

• Like an overbearing parent, BMW has stuck its nose in Mini's business via the navigation system offered in the Clubman. The system features an iDrive-esque control setup featuring a small joystick in the center console that functions like an iDrive controller knob. The integration of the system's screen into the center speedometer is pretty slick, but if you're averse to iDrive, you're not going to like the Clubman's system. The practicality of the Cooper's rear seats has always been questionable, but the extended-length Clubman has rear seats that you could actually use on a double date without fear of putting your friends in a crabby mood. — Mike Hanley

• The Clubman's extra space eases getting in and out of this little charmer. Access on the passenger side, with the suicide-door opening, was really easy, even for me (6-foot-1). The backseat in the model I was in were a very comfortable leather, and even with an adult in front of me my knees weren’t crunched. It wasn't like sitting in first class, of course, but it would be passable for short trips. My kids would definitely be more comfortable in this car than they were in the original Mini, where they found themselves cramped at the end of a two-hour trip. The speedometer on the model I sat in was different from previous Minis I've driven; instead of a large dial, there's a red plastic piece that runs along the outside of the speedometer. In the center was a navigation screen with a joystick controller on the center console. — Patrick Olsen
• I’m not the biggest Mini fan on staff, but I liked the Clubman. What I didn’t like were the rear doors, which are on extremely strong shocks. That means closing the rear hatch will take some effort. I’m hoping it was just a fault of the show floor models and not all Clubmans. The rear seats fold down easily from the back. The interior was better quality than the base Cooper, and an all-brown color scheme on one Clubman was especially snazzy. End result: Mini fans will rejoice. Me, I’d just take a regular hatchback. — David Thomas
  

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Comments

[Scott J.]

I'm going to repeat myself here, but that brown leather interior with white piping is cool and unusual outside of anything but a vintage Rolls Royce.

[Scott J.]

I'm going to repeat myself here, but that brown leather interior with white piping is cool and unusual outside of anything but a vintage Rolls Royce.

[Dave T.]

and that's the base model, not the Cooper S version.

[Gabe]

Just an FYI - the Nav has been around since the introduction of the new platform last year. It's a paired down version of iDrive with no climate control included. It's quite intuitive and (like all similar systems) becomes second natured after a week or two. The iPod/iPhone integration is also pretty nice as it allows for full access of songs, playlists, artists etc.

[Dave T.]

unlike every other automaker Mini's test cars in the fleet didn't have nav! first we've seen it.

[Liger]

The navigation system in the center of the speedometer does not look well done. It looks really cheap and crappy. Just my opinion....I don't like it. Anyone else agree/disagree?

[Gabe]

It makes more sense when you see it in person. At night it's incredible with the mood lighting and the reflection off of the chrome.

There are cheap parts on the car... that's not one of them.

[FThorn]

If you like brown and varied interior options, check out the new Chevy Malibu.

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2006/11/23-chevrolet-malibu-preview/_2008-Chevrolet-Malibu-interior-lg.jpg

[ziggy]

With regards to the malibu interior - it looks nice but you are not going to find it on base model like you will with the mini and GM will probably charge $1500 extra for it and it will be hard to find.

[Infosaur]

Like Mini doesn't charge for Options?