I wish that they would offer a direct-shift gearbox (like the one that is standard on the Jetta and A3 TDI) for the MINI line instead of the traditional torque converter automatic with paddle shifters. If you don't know, this is a dual-clutch manual transmission with no clutch and full automatic control, so it can drive just like an automatic, but it also offers paddle shifters and drives just like a real manual (because it is). I've found the true automatics with paddle shifters to lack that same feel, so for now I have ordered a six-speed.

 

+1

 

Seems there are a lot of passionate manual drivers out there! BUT... I have to lend some support to the paddle shifters on this one.

I have driven a manual for the last 13 years so its not a matter of can't or not doing it right etc, I just didn't like the feel of the clutch in the CM.

Now for disclosure my last car was a 2003 Cooper Manual. Was great, was fun. When I got a loaner from the shop it was a manual Clubman and the test drive, manual. I am not sure what happened since my 2003 but the clutch engagement has been off putting in the newer MINIs. Not bad, just different.

Now the automatic is smooth, the paddles are a joy. Only thing I can ask... is did the manual folks who didn't like the auto use the sport mode? Be honest. Changing into sport mode changes the shift hesitation and throttle response like night and day.

And while I can see the comments with the sport mode off, but with it on. almost instantaneous shifts, on demand acceleration, I just don't know what you guys are feeling.

Sure a manual is also fun, but the responses here make it seem like a casm of differences between the two. I'll leave it at this... if the paddle shifting automatic is bad... well then I am just loving how horrible it is.

 

It's simply a matter of opinion...

The only thing i would say is that, for me, the driving experience between the two is different.

Paddle shifters are offered on many of the superscars perhaps more than the manual. And of course, they are good enough for Formula 1.

 

As stated there is no right or wrong, one is not better than the other. The fact is get what you want and be happy. I have the manual and no regrets. Some folk who want a Countryman may order with a manual so they don't have to wait for the automatic. That is their decision, but, the manual is fun, shifts like butter and the clutch appears to get a little stiffer after break in.

My 2 cents worth.

Bill

 

I just got a Clubman auto ... am seriously missing my manual MCS after a week. I'm sure I'll eventually get use to the change. However, I do find the location of the paddle shifters annoying. My fingers seem to get caught up in the space between the wheel and the shifter when turning the car.

 

Ok so I first test drove an automatic, and then a manual. Now I had never really learned how to shift, but I gave it a shot anyway. I just felt that the car really needs to be shifted. When I got it into 2nd and accelerated past a car to get into the other lane I was sold on the manual. Besides, where else can you find an AWD manual besides the Subaru WRX? It's a good combo.

Anyway, fast forward a few weeks after I turned down a great offer on an automatic S. I am now freaking out because (1) I'm still afraid of 1st gear (stop and light and bunch of cars behind you and, oops, stalled it, or pulling out into traffic and OH NO! can't get it in gear, and (2) my wife will need to learn as well. My car is built and awaiting transport. I hope I can do this otherwise it's going to be one expensive lesson.

 

auto, no regrets at all, if i want that controlled shift i drop the shifter to the left, best of both imo

 

You might consider renting or otherwise getting your hands on a manual before your CM arrives - you can do some learning on someone else's vehicle and get yourself comfortable for when it counts.

Having said that, my CM4 clutch point is different from just about everything else I've driven, and it takes some attention to always get smooth starts.

 

Just to add a late reply to this - I have the auto and am very happy with the paddle shifters and sport mode. Together they are almost, but not quite, as good as manual transmission.

In my case I would have got a manual without hesitation if it were just me driving the car. But my wife can only drive auto, and I really wanted her to be able to use the car so we can take it on road trips and split the driving.

So my take is, if you like manual shifting get that as MINI has some of the best manual transmissions around.

But on the CM at least, if there are compelling reasons for you to opt for an automatic transmission don't worry about that either, as it is also really well done and yes, even fun to use when you have sport mode on and are using the paddle shifters...

If you're really on the fence remember the auto costs more, try to rent a manual MINI for a day from a dealer and see if you love the manual or not.

P.S. Going against the aforementioned stereotypes of the automatic driver, I have automatic, and Connected, but no Nav and I do have sport suspension too... a dangerous game I would say trying to claim there are any average MINI drivers.

 

Auto.....on both my Clubman and my Dodge Challenger....absolutely the best for me....shifting in traffic is painful! Whenever I feel the need for a manual then the MG comes out of the garage............
Philip

 

Love my MINI CM with automatic. I can drive manual, but it gets old with most of my driving is city driving. Love the automatic, it shifts very smoothly. not as peppy as my small MINI was, but pretty good.

 

Definitely go with the auto...I bought the manual. I have never stalled a vehicle as much as I have with this vehicle. Driving a CM All4 S. And, yes, I know how to drive a manual, coming from a former e46 M3 and my still present e92 M3.

The clutch uptake into 1st gear often results in shuddering and hesitation. I have been driving a loaner for the past 3 months as there was a mixup with my order and I hope that this problem is relegated to this particular vehicle.

Having driven both, I would for the first time in my life choose the auto over a manual. Smoother, good gearing, and as one other poster mentioned, if you drive it in sport mode it is pretty damn good.

BTW, I only drive in Sport mode with the manual, so that is not the issue. I had a friend who owns a private German repair shop try it out and he concurred that there is something up with this transmission.

 

Great. This is EXACTLY what I need to hear two days before I pick up my new CM with manual transmission. Also being a first time manual driver. Super, thanks for posting.

BTW, you know what sucks about driving a manual in traffic? ..........THE TRAFFIC!!!!! Same goes for auto.

 

I did lots of test drives on the available justa CMs (manual and auto) and CM4s (all auto) before mine arrived with a stick. My MA would smoothly slip a hand down and push the Sport button on the autos so they would go as well as possible. When I did my first checkout drive on the stick the experience was so different to me from the auto I was delighted that I had waited for it.

After about 3000 miles, I'd say that feeling has only improved as I've learned the dynamics of the CM4. There are some specific circumstances where the auto has an advantage (going really slow and stop-and-go traffic), but for the joy of motoring I'm really glad I "row my own".

 

With the paddle shifters you can still "row your own", as you can switch it into a mode where it stays in a gear until you tell it to change - or go above a rev limit. While the "shift above rev limit" makes it not quite as fun as a true manual, it's still plenty of wiggle room to shift as you normally would in a manual for spirited driving.

In sport mode the rev limit seems to be higher also, another reason to always use sport mode in automatic.

 

I have another 265HP toy w/ a 5 speed so I went for the auto, much better all around for town driving and I like the manumatic mode. Pretty nicely done on their part, I would have to say.

 

Congrats on the manual, you ordered yours how I'd get one. No need to fear!

 

I can't ever see paying more for an auto.

 

I stalled the sh*t out of this car too.. I've had 2 Mazda Miata's a VW GTI, a Mitsubishi Starion (remember that car) - all in stick (other less sporty cars as well)... I know how to drive a stick....

That said. like anything, the more you do it the better you get at it. This car has it's own personality, and once you learn it, you'll love it (and not stall it!!!!!!)

 

They give the automatic away all the time. I bought my MINI while they were having a free automatic transmissin promotion.

Dave

 

Not any more. The Asin plant production numbers have suffered from the effects of the country's tsunami. MINIUSA have told their dealers that the automatic transmission will have customer order production priority and may not be available on many of the cars dealers purchase for their inventory.

 

R53 Manual LOVE IT.

 

This manual is easy to stall. I love the 09 MCS hardtop manual but this one is way to easy to stall. If I am driving city I put the CM into Sport mode just because it makes it easier to start 1st gear. Still would never by an Auto Mini though!

 

Still no regrets at over 8,000 miles. Don't stall anymore. Also I wish I could have the sport button without the tightened steering.

Oh - manual here.

Bill