To begin our super colossal new car double issue we decided to cut the tape on our newest feature, Ready2Rumble. For our first R2R we will be comparing three brand new vehicles that are the first in some time to aptly take the name of shooting brake. The term shooting brake is a familiar term to anyone from across the pond, over here it simply falls into the category of one of those cookie British words like boot and bonnet. The term applies to a quality two door wagon that is often formed from a sedan that is of high standing.
The term shooting brake gets it's name from the vehicles used by royalty often made from Rolls Royce sedans for caring picnic ingredients out to the field for dignified repast after fox hunting. The word break became brake over time and colloquialization on our shores there have been very few vehicles that could be classified as such a vehicle until now..... Our feature cars waiting to rumble, the new Mini Clubman, the Volvo C30, and the VW GTI R32, are among the first to fulfill the requirements for the term shootingbrake. All three of these two door wagons have clamoring customers many of whom could buy vehicles at twice the price yet they choose one of these vehicles based on their branded in image, practicality, and performance. This trait is critical to the mental image a vehicle presents the world.
The Mini Clubman is the first additional model to join the Mini lineup since it's recreation under BMW. The Mini Clubman stays true to Mini history in every ingredient but the name. The last of the traditional Mini wagons used the Clubman name but to true Mini loyalists the Clubman is best associated with the squared off slightly modernized Mini that sold along side the traditional Mini during the seventies. The Traveler name is still the marque most recognized with the Mini wagon of yore however due to legal concerns over the use of the Traveler name worldwide led BMW to the use of the Clubman moniker. Regardless of the name the Clubman utilizes subtle design elements and incredibly high levels of workmanship in the recreation of this beloved model. The Mini Clubman extents the rear overhang enough to increase cargo volume while permitting enough room on the side for a small street side suicide door similar to compact pickup truck for slightly easier rear seat entry into a seat that can now be used for more than groceries. The rear end design may be awkward upon first glimpse with its roof color rear pillars that extent to the bumper and its industry exclusive rear panel doors that currently are only used on full size vans. These elements however are a beautiful integration of Mini DNA from the past.
The roof colored pillars pay homage to the wood uprights used in the last Mini wagon while the panel doors are a hat tip to the very same used before not for style but to allow the Mini to fit on the production line, a one panel door opening to the side would have been to wide. The design is not merely a nostalgic reminder but a perfectly executed mix of history and modernity that is illustrated when you open the rear doors only to have both doors move softly to the sides completely opening the rear gate.
Just like all Mini's the entire package is executed with the precision of a Rolls Royce. The performance of the added weight and length, however minimal it may be, does not intrude on the near telepathic driving responses we have come to appreciate with a Mini, yet the added wheelbase length creates a far more poised vehicle for highway driving while also paying dividends in stability over winter beaten streets.
You could say that the Clubman is the "grown-ups" a subtle brew as opposed to stiff drink. Don't for one single moment should you consider this Clubman soft. It still exhibits go cart like handling wit go cart like isolation from the road, this is not the car to take your grandmother on a cross country trip. The added room in the backseat still only brings it up to minimal comfort for adults and the suicide door helps ingress/egress, but not enough to go "Brittany" with you wardrobe.
The Volvo C30 is coming to the party trying to join the cult like standing of the Mini loyalists while trying to open it's protective arms to a more youthful generation that currently only drive Volvo's because a parent handed it down to take to college. Volvo's continual separation from it's past design path over the last decade with the disdain of a drunken uncle at a wedding reception it comes as a surprise that Volvo has looked to it's past P1800 wagon in the creation of the C30.
It shows that Volvo has come to terms with its styling history and is now able to integrate it into its future. The problems with the C30 lie beyond the styling or engineering, in many ways it has a personality similar to a Presidential candidate. It tries to be a little to much for too many while never really taking a stand in one direction. Now that's not to say the C30 is a poor choice. To the contrary it illustrates an enthusiastic departure from Volvo's normal strategy for car building presenting a substantial vehicle that feels planted, spirited, and roomy, for a sub $24k sticker that provides its highest level of safety and performance directly from the box. The C30 uses its bigger brothers S40's turbo engine that provides a substantial 227 hp with minimal turbo boost and torque steer the C30 does not disappoint. Its handling is a story of relativity. Relative to the Mini its handling is rather "normal" with mild understeer. Against other small cars however its steering is stellar. I suppose it all depends on what your expectations are and what your former ride may have been. If you’re turning in a Camry then you'll marvel at its responsive lithe moves while if you’re turning in a BMW you may be disappointed at its benign, rather adult characteristics. Unlike the Mini however, the ride is compliant and calm and settles into a peaceful mood on long stretched of highway, something that the Clubman achieves relative to the Mini Cooper, but nowhere near the C30's level of isolation and composer.
The interior is also a comfortable place to spend time with a relatively roomy front seat and an unusually accommodating rear quarter that once you’re in, a job for the nimble, offers real headroom and knee room. So you may say what's not to like, it sounds like it delivers all its campaign promises. Well if you buy it off the rack and exhibit true restrain and keep to the sub$24k price, you'll be a happy camper, but if you opt for the stage 2 level that opens up a dizzying array of "customization" options from color combinations to wheels to backup camera's Volvo's attempt to strike a stance that's one part Scion club racer, and one part Mini, trying to make it feel like your own, can easily add denero to the sticker that flirts with Volvo's own S80 or a 3 series Bimmer for that matter.
So Volvo builds a vehicle that provides unique style with mechanicals that belly it's price, just as long as you don't go "Vegas" with the options sheet while staying true to the exclusivity required in any true shootingbrake. Our last "fighter" is the only one here that utilizes an already existing body style, the VW GTI R32.
VW has built the finest "R" model to date. Truth be told its ten k premium over a GTI does not merit much on the stat sheet, its 0-60 times separated by fractions of an eye blink, yet it is its subtlety that makes it a perfect shootingbrake instead of a mere hot hatch and provides near perfect execution in every way. Its looks are familiar; you could say that VW has continued its current design trend for so long that there has never really been a chance to go "retro" with its design as the others have. After all when a design has been maintained in continual evolution since the mid seventies it's very essence creates an image that may not be as noticed as the Volvo or Mini yet still is an iconoclastic shape no matter how overlooked it may be by onlookers.
The R32 is the only one to employ a smart Haldex AWD system senses road conditions to continually redirect traction with an efficiency and telepathy that makes other AWD systems look agricultural by contrast. The finesse of the R32 on the road is nearly at the level of an M3 that costs more than the price of two R32's. If only VW would import the four door version it could be one formidable family car, but that would jeopardize VW's upscale cousin, Audi, yep it's that good. At only 250 hp it's naturally aspired narrow angle V6, the only non turbo of the group, is not overly powerful on paper yet its performance levels are just astounding. The R32 may be the most expensive of the group yet its level of composure and true performance seem to make its $30,000+ price a bargain.
This ready to rock creation may loose you some street cred with the tuner set that have permanent grease stayed knuckles from making a regular Rabbit into an R32 through hours of street tuning. Yet no amount of time or money come close to reaching the level of competency of the factory fresh R32 while costing thousands upon thousands of dollars more in the end.
The substance of the R32 does not stop at the track, it continues into a quiet comfortable cabin with the largest backseat and a Caddy like high way ride relative to the others that is settled and compliant. The relatively small number of R32's coming stateside also adds to its pedigree. So let’s get down to the bottom line. Which is the best, which stands triumphant with all its teeth intact after this rumble? Well to help explain I'll use the time favorite nursery rhyme the Butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker.
The Butcher is the Mini proving blunt quick cuts with razor sharp moves and a delicious flavor that provides owners with more than a vehicle but a built in family of owners that you can now join in with. The Clubman is the favorite choice for moving big items with a wonderfully clear entry into the cargo hold. The Clubman is more than metal deep; it exudes a personality and spirit that transcends this test. For those that get it, they may be enough.
The Volvo c30 is the baker providing a clear recipe that provides little surprises beyond its visual icing with characteristics similar to its stable mate S40, V40, both of which provide more usefulness with nearly the same level of performance at a similar price. Like the baker its recipes are delicious and temping yet predictable. Yet predictability can be a good thing, and after all who doesn't like cake? The C30 is the perfect middle of the road machine, one part Mini, one part R32.
The R32 is the Candle stick maker proving precision and workmanship that requires exacting craftsmanship to provide an heirloom piece. The R32 offers that level of perfection. The R32 offers the predictable reflexes of the Volvo but with the precise control at the limits of the Mini but with a more controlled ride. Now the hard part is to put this insight into a ranking. Lets not draw out the suspense any longer, the R32 comes in first as the only one to provide a holistic driving, riding experience that is adult yet with that rye smile that says let's go, fast. The R32 answers the question ... what car would I like to be in on a stormy night at tree A.M. With the confidence of AWD and a $60k driving experience the R32 is the clear winner. The Mini comes in next delivering equally exhilarating driving characteristics as the R32 while saving it's buyers a far amount of lettuce and providing a visual statement and owner experience that is unparalleled. The Mini does not make any pretences of being a bigger car. For this reason it still falls into the fun car range as opposed to our winner R32 that crosses the line over to a "real car". Unless you, your friends and family are as much fun as you the Mini may be a hard choice as a sole family car. It still makes better sense as a second car or a unique expression statement for a trendy single or urban couple. For many however the Mini's happy countenance and fine "coach" quality workmanship may overcome its shortcomings. The Volvo is definitely last but not least. In reality any of these would make a good solid choice, which makes our work all that much harder, but who says a rumble is all "nicey- nice", anyway? someone must win and someone must loose. The Volvo's ease of driving with a controllable ride and a manual transmission that nearly shifts itself makes this the sedate choice of the three. For someone yearning for the safety of a Volvo combined with a reasonable price, just as long as you keep those check marks off the expensive options, and a style that is retro cool yet still modern in an Ikea Bauhaus way will fall in love with the C30. Volvo is smart to keep production low as to maintain its exclusivity. The reason the C30 trails the others is for the reasons I just mentioned. Buyers in this market want more than right brain reason, or they would buy say a Volvo wagon? So at the end of the day Volvo will have to hope that C30's unique facade can be enough to entice buyers. So for the best overall vehicle choice the R30 rules the rumble in a no-nonsense unflappable stealth manor. For those who need some visual sizzle and are willing to take the shortcomings of a small specialty vehicle for the fun it injects in their life the Mini Clubman fits the bill. So as we hold up the triumphant arm of the VW R32 and circle the ring one more time we will leave you here until we rumble again, just make sure your ready!
The term shooting brake gets it's name from the vehicles used by royalty often made from Rolls Royce sedans for caring picnic ingredients out to the field for dignified repast after fox hunting. The word break became brake over time and colloquialization on our shores there have been very few vehicles that could be classified as such a vehicle until now..... Our feature cars waiting to rumble, the new Mini Clubman, the Volvo C30, and the VW GTI R32, are among the first to fulfill the requirements for the term shootingbrake. All three of these two door wagons have clamoring customers many of whom could buy vehicles at twice the price yet they choose one of these vehicles based on their branded in image, practicality, and performance. This trait is critical to the mental image a vehicle presents the world. 
The Mini Clubman is the first additional model to join the Mini lineup since it's recreation under BMW. The Mini Clubman stays true to Mini history in every ingredient but the name. The last of the traditional Mini wagons used the Clubman name but to true Mini loyalists the Clubman is best associated with the squared off slightly modernized Mini that sold along side the traditional Mini during the seventies. The Traveler name is still the marque most recognized with the Mini wagon of yore however due to legal concerns over the use of the Traveler name worldwide led BMW to the use of the Clubman moniker. Regardless of the name the Clubman utilizes subtle design elements and incredibly high levels of workmanship in the recreation of this beloved model. The Mini Clubman extents the rear overhang enough to increase cargo volume while permitting enough room on the side for a small street side suicide door similar to compact pickup truck for slightly easier rear seat entry into a seat that can now be used for more than groceries. The rear end design may be awkward upon first glimpse with its roof color rear pillars that extent to the bumper and its industry exclusive rear panel doors that currently are only used on full size vans. These elements however are a beautiful integration of Mini DNA from the past.
The roof colored pillars pay homage to the wood uprights used in the last Mini wagon while the panel doors are a hat tip to the very same used before not for style but to allow the Mini to fit on the production line, a one panel door opening to the side would have been to wide. The design is not merely a nostalgic reminder but a perfectly executed mix of history and modernity that is illustrated when you open the rear doors only to have both doors move softly to the sides completely opening the rear gate. 
Just like all Mini's the entire package is executed with the precision of a Rolls Royce. The performance of the added weight and length, however minimal it may be, does not intrude on the near telepathic driving responses we have come to appreciate with a Mini, yet the added wheelbase length creates a far more poised vehicle for highway driving while also paying dividends in stability over winter beaten streets. 
You could say that the Clubman is the "grown-ups" a subtle brew as opposed to stiff drink. Don't for one single moment should you consider this Clubman soft. It still exhibits go cart like handling wit go cart like isolation from the road, this is not the car to take your grandmother on a cross country trip. The added room in the backseat still only brings it up to minimal comfort for adults and the suicide door helps ingress/egress, but not enough to go "Brittany" with you wardrobe. 
The Volvo C30 is coming to the party trying to join the cult like standing of the Mini loyalists while trying to open it's protective arms to a more youthful generation that currently only drive Volvo's because a parent handed it down to take to college. Volvo's continual separation from it's past design path over the last decade with the disdain of a drunken uncle at a wedding reception it comes as a surprise that Volvo has looked to it's past P1800 wagon in the creation of the C30. 
It shows that Volvo has come to terms with its styling history and is now able to integrate it into its future. The problems with the C30 lie beyond the styling or engineering, in many ways it has a personality similar to a Presidential candidate. It tries to be a little to much for too many while never really taking a stand in one direction. Now that's not to say the C30 is a poor choice. To the contrary it illustrates an enthusiastic departure from Volvo's normal strategy for car building presenting a substantial vehicle that feels planted, spirited, and roomy, for a sub $24k sticker that provides its highest level of safety and performance directly from the box. The C30 uses its bigger brothers S40's turbo engine that provides a substantial 227 hp with minimal turbo boost and torque steer the C30 does not disappoint. Its handling is a story of relativity. Relative to the Mini its handling is rather "normal" with mild understeer. Against other small cars however its steering is stellar. I suppose it all depends on what your expectations are and what your former ride may have been. If you’re turning in a Camry then you'll marvel at its responsive lithe moves while if you’re turning in a BMW you may be disappointed at its benign, rather adult characteristics. Unlike the Mini however, the ride is compliant and calm and settles into a peaceful mood on long stretched of highway, something that the Clubman achieves relative to the Mini Cooper, but nowhere near the C30's level of isolation and composer. 
The interior is also a comfortable place to spend time with a relatively roomy front seat and an unusually accommodating rear quarter that once you’re in, a job for the nimble, offers real headroom and knee room. So you may say what's not to like, it sounds like it delivers all its campaign promises. Well if you buy it off the rack and exhibit true restrain and keep to the sub$24k price, you'll be a happy camper, but if you opt for the stage 2 level that opens up a dizzying array of "customization" options from color combinations to wheels to backup camera's Volvo's attempt to strike a stance that's one part Scion club racer, and one part Mini, trying to make it feel like your own, can easily add denero to the sticker that flirts with Volvo's own S80 or a 3 series Bimmer for that matter. 
So Volvo builds a vehicle that provides unique style with mechanicals that belly it's price, just as long as you don't go "Vegas" with the options sheet while staying true to the exclusivity required in any true shootingbrake. Our last "fighter" is the only one here that utilizes an already existing body style, the VW GTI R32. 
VW has built the finest "R" model to date. Truth be told its ten k premium over a GTI does not merit much on the stat sheet, its 0-60 times separated by fractions of an eye blink, yet it is its subtlety that makes it a perfect shootingbrake instead of a mere hot hatch and provides near perfect execution in every way. Its looks are familiar; you could say that VW has continued its current design trend for so long that there has never really been a chance to go "retro" with its design as the others have. After all when a design has been maintained in continual evolution since the mid seventies it's very essence creates an image that may not be as noticed as the Volvo or Mini yet still is an iconoclastic shape no matter how overlooked it may be by onlookers. 
The R32 is the only one to employ a smart Haldex AWD system senses road conditions to continually redirect traction with an efficiency and telepathy that makes other AWD systems look agricultural by contrast. The finesse of the R32 on the road is nearly at the level of an M3 that costs more than the price of two R32's. If only VW would import the four door version it could be one formidable family car, but that would jeopardize VW's upscale cousin, Audi, yep it's that good. At only 250 hp it's naturally aspired narrow angle V6, the only non turbo of the group, is not overly powerful on paper yet its performance levels are just astounding. The R32 may be the most expensive of the group yet its level of composure and true performance seem to make its $30,000+ price a bargain. 
This ready to rock creation may loose you some street cred with the tuner set that have permanent grease stayed knuckles from making a regular Rabbit into an R32 through hours of street tuning. Yet no amount of time or money come close to reaching the level of competency of the factory fresh R32 while costing thousands upon thousands of dollars more in the end. 
The substance of the R32 does not stop at the track, it continues into a quiet comfortable cabin with the largest backseat and a Caddy like high way ride relative to the others that is settled and compliant. The relatively small number of R32's coming stateside also adds to its pedigree. So let’s get down to the bottom line. Which is the best, which stands triumphant with all its teeth intact after this rumble? Well to help explain I'll use the time favorite nursery rhyme the Butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker.
The Butcher is the Mini proving blunt quick cuts with razor sharp moves and a delicious flavor that provides owners with more than a vehicle but a built in family of owners that you can now join in with. The Clubman is the favorite choice for moving big items with a wonderfully clear entry into the cargo hold. The Clubman is more than metal deep; it exudes a personality and spirit that transcends this test. For those that get it, they may be enough. 
The Volvo c30 is the baker providing a clear recipe that provides little surprises beyond its visual icing with characteristics similar to its stable mate S40, V40, both of which provide more usefulness with nearly the same level of performance at a similar price. Like the baker its recipes are delicious and temping yet predictable. Yet predictability can be a good thing, and after all who doesn't like cake? The C30 is the perfect middle of the road machine, one part Mini, one part R32. 
The R32 is the Candle stick maker proving precision and workmanship that requires exacting craftsmanship to provide an heirloom piece. The R32 offers that level of perfection. The R32 offers the predictable reflexes of the Volvo but with the precise control at the limits of the Mini but with a more controlled ride. Now the hard part is to put this insight into a ranking. Lets not draw out the suspense any longer, the R32 comes in first as the only one to provide a holistic driving, riding experience that is adult yet with that rye smile that says let's go, fast. The R32 answers the question ... what car would I like to be in on a stormy night at tree A.M. With the confidence of AWD and a $60k driving experience the R32 is the clear winner. The Mini comes in next delivering equally exhilarating driving characteristics as the R32 while saving it's buyers a far amount of lettuce and providing a visual statement and owner experience that is unparalleled. The Mini does not make any pretences of being a bigger car. For this reason it still falls into the fun car range as opposed to our winner R32 that crosses the line over to a "real car". Unless you, your friends and family are as much fun as you the Mini may be a hard choice as a sole family car. It still makes better sense as a second car or a unique expression statement for a trendy single or urban couple. For many however the Mini's happy countenance and fine "coach" quality workmanship may overcome its shortcomings. The Volvo is definitely last but not least. In reality any of these would make a good solid choice, which makes our work all that much harder, but who says a rumble is all "nicey- nice", anyway? someone must win and someone must loose. The Volvo's ease of driving with a controllable ride and a manual transmission that nearly shifts itself makes this the sedate choice of the three. For someone yearning for the safety of a Volvo combined with a reasonable price, just as long as you keep those check marks off the expensive options, and a style that is retro cool yet still modern in an Ikea Bauhaus way will fall in love with the C30. Volvo is smart to keep production low as to maintain its exclusivity. The reason the C30 trails the others is for the reasons I just mentioned. Buyers in this market want more than right brain reason, or they would buy say a Volvo wagon? So at the end of the day Volvo will have to hope that C30's unique facade can be enough to entice buyers. So for the best overall vehicle choice the R30 rules the rumble in a no-nonsense unflappable stealth manor. For those who need some visual sizzle and are willing to take the shortcomings of a small specialty vehicle for the fun it injects in their life the Mini Clubman fits the bill. So as we hold up the triumphant arm of the VW R32 and circle the ring one more time we will leave you here until we rumble again, just make sure your ready! 
