DRIVERSLOG.

MANDEL: This Clubman does not wind me up the way the original new Mini got me lusting for the marque. There's too much cuteness stuffed into the extra overall length.

That cuteness is contrived, and I don't like it. The cuteness starts with the door chime or the key's-in-the-ignition chime or the road-may-be-icy chime. They are all different and annoying.

The contrived cuteness continues in the switchgear. What was wrong with the old toggle switches? Why is the radio completely hopeless when it comes to tuning?

Yeah, the driving experience is Mini-esque, and those who have not had the pleasure of Mini ownership won't know any better. The thing is that I know and will forever be bitter.

RAYNAL: This car is silly, as in conceived-by-marketers silly. There's no reason for the goofy Dutch doors when a hatch would work better. And why only one rear side door? I find it all odd, but Mini Nation might love it.

It could use a horsepower boost, which you get in the S at extra cost. As is, at below 3000 rpm, the car is doggish. Keep the revs above that, though, and it's fun to zip around in, with great steering, a quick-witted chassis, a decent ride that's not too harsh and excellent brakes at a fair price.

WILSON: I like the Dutch doors at the tail. They keep with Mini tradition and are easier to use for those with mild impairments. A glass hatch across swinging half-doors below could have avoided the blocked vision, but the intrusion is small. This design is probably stronger, a consideration in ...