Hi all. I have just test driven my first Mini (MCSa) and that was all I needed to know that a Mini will be our next car. I am really interested in getting any and all information I can get on the Clubman. I have already gone through much of this site and reamin enthused about it. Any and all recommendations any of you could make would be greatly appreciated.

I do have one question. The agritronic (sp?) shifters on the automatic model (I will have to get an automatic, neither myself nor the wife drives stick), how do they work? Do they serve any real purpose or are they just sort of a fun add on? Can you do any damage to the transmission if you use them improperly?

Thanks in advance.
Best wishes.
Adam

 

When I test drove, my MA told me that the computer won't let you mess anything up while using the paddle shifters. He even gave a little demonstration, leaving it in too low a gear and flooring it briefly. The engine revved up but it shifted itself when it got into high rpms.

 

I'd say mostly they're mostly a fun add-on. You don't have to use them- it'll drive like a regular auto transmission unless you put it in the 'manual' mode.

As mentioned, it won't let you break things- and there's other little things like automatically shifting back to first for you when you slow to a stop that are neat.

 

Adam,
We just saw the Clubman at the LA Auto Show. From the outside it looks only slightly different (only a bit longer) than the regular MINI, but the proportions hold up well. The double doors do make the backend look unique and the third passenger door is subtle when closed. We liked it. If you need a backseat, this is definitely the way to go.

Our MINI has the auto-transmission and it is indeed fun to shift. I can't decide if I like the paddle shifters or the floor level the best. The transmission is smart enough that it won't let you make a damaging mistake. If an accidental down-shift would red-line, it just ignores it. Same if you mistakenly up-shift. If your speed is too slow, it ignores your shift. Pretty cool.