Motoring Research offers its first drive review with this summation:
The old MINI Clubman was a nice idea; now, it’s a nice car, and a very nice alternative for those bored by Focus and Golfs. Within minutes of speaking to him, MINI’s product manager was drawing comparisons with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. After spending a day with it, we understood why.
It’s roomy, sophisticated and practical inside, makes good use of BMW tech (engines, infotainment) but still feels like a fun MINI to drive – without making everyone else suffer for the driver’s enjoyment.
It still looks like a Clubman, so will still be love it or hate it, and that’s exactly what MINI wants. That’s the MINI-ness: you get it or you don’t. But now it’s grown up and focused on what it wants to be, and does it well, we feel many more people than before will indeed get it.
