I love manuals but am I missing something here? Are all the new clutches grabbing near the floor? Currently have a 2012 Justa 6 speed manual with 32K on it, and clutch is perfect. After visiting the dealer and driving 2 new Mini's, one with auto (JCW-fast!), the other with manual, I'm actually favoring the auto due to the clutch reach. Those of you rowing, how do you like the manual ?

 

I love my F56 manual. Easiest to drive of any straight-drive I've ever owned. Light clutch, yet retains feel. Rev-matching spoils me on every downshift (except 2->1 or course). Never noticed it engaging particularly close to the floor. Is that what you mean by clutch reach?
This being said, the 2015 auto transmission I test-drove was super fun, it was as though it wanted to be a manual. Even as a die-hard shift-my-own-gears kinda guy, I wouldn't fault anyone for buying one.

 

Yes, it was engaging 2 to 3 inches off the floor, which made it easier to stall and tougher to gauge grab point. 2000 miles on this 2015. Glad you are enjoying yours and thanks for the report-- salesman said newer ones are like that, but I'll bet it was just this particular one. Auto was a surprise. I always overlook them, but here in Nashville they are 80% of total sales.