When it arrived in 2007, the R55 generation was criticized for its odd styling and poor packaging. Yes, the side-exiting, rear-hinged door was perfectly fine in left-hand drive markets like the United States as occupants exited onto the sidewalk. However, Mini chose not to change this for RHD markets, which means passengers departed the cabin on the roadside – not ideal if you have kids. It was Mini’s first five-seater passenger vehicle, which is something.
The second generation appeared more conventional, with four traditional doors and the funky barn doors at the rear (technically making it a six-door wagon). Thankfully, the asymmetric side door has been abandoned. This new model brought challenges for Mini; new subassembly facilities for the Clubman were installed in the factories, while a new build process for the split doors had to be introduced. Last year, Mini introduced the Final Edition (limited to just 1,969 units) as a tribute to the now-defunct Countryman.
