We are immensely enjoying new convertible Cooper S and as we have a need for another car are deciding between the about to be retired Clubman and the brand new Hardtop.

We are partial to the looks of the Clubman but are concerned that we will miss the advances that cone with the new generation Hardtop. I would be grateful if anyone has been able to compare these two cars. The new Hardtop is reputed to be more refined - thus more comfortable than the Clubman. Is it quieter? If so, only on highways or anywhere ?

The storage seems comparable and the new layout of the new gen hardtop certainly advantageous. But reviewers have said new gen has a higher grade of materials. I know that the new gen has only been in the US for a few weeks but any insight would be much appreciated.

PS - we have an 1959 Morris Minor Traveler. Perhaps we should let that solve our nostalgia but the current Clubman also is appealing.

 

Wouldn't it be better to go test drive one, then you can formulate your own opinion. And it would be fun too.

But here's a link to the Gen3 Forum. There are lots of threads with reviews of the new Hardtop.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...talk-2014-428/

 

Thank you for the link. Agree that test drives certainly revealing - and fun- but the well expressed opinions of more experienced Mini owners are more educated and informative than a few ten minutes drives.

 

I actually had the same issue when I was purchasing and I test drove both before making my mind up. This is my thoughts. I ended up getting the 2014 F56 MCS.

I think the main reason people liked the clubman was the extra space but with the new bigger 2014 they had the same sitting room and storage in the back. The newer car was a more comfortable drive for me in regards to the highway bumps and such. It also had less road noise which I found surprising.

I agree that you should test drive both because you will see a difference between the two. The only thing that I think may turn you off of the new mini is the front end. I personally love it but you need to see it in person to decide.

Good luck with deciding and take a look at the F56 thread. Loads of good reviews on there!

 

Thank you for your reply - your experience is reinforcing what i had been reading in the "published" reviews

I do not mind the front so will likely proceed with the new Mini - however, I will read the F56 thread