Hi gang,
I'm looking at leasing and have owned VWs for a lot of years, specifically a Golf, CC, and 2 different Jettas. One of the things I did to my Golf was add 18" wheels and the factory lowering springs which dropped it about 1.5". Frankly, that combination looked great, but the vehicle was a VERY rough ride. And it handled like crap in the Winter. Anyone have any similar experiences? Is the mini similar in that regard? Anything I should avoid? I have a family and want it to be a comfortable ride, I'm not looking to tear up the streets...yet. Thanks--

 

I've had numerous VW's over the years (Scirocco, Jettas, Passat) so I can relate. And I would've bought another were it not for my wife suggesting I look at the CM.

I find the CM (I have a Non-S and am trading for a CMS All4 as soon as it arrives from port!) to be more fun to drive and any VW I've driven. The ride quality is okay--will probably be smoother than that of your Golf. Many here seem to attribute that to the Runflats--and comment that the ride is much improved switching to conventional tires.

I always caveat the MINI ride for those coming from Audis, BMWs, etc--it rides like a sports car, not a luxury car gliding on clouds. In short, it's a driver's car.

I have 2 kids--plenty of room in the back seat for them or for adults. Though we take our Outback if we need more cargo space for a roadtrip.

 

I have had a few VWs with 4Motion or 4xMotion (R32, Touareg, Passat W8), and really enjoyed them. I think the W8 was the best car I've ever owned - should've kept it!

However, one of the biggest draws for me with MINI is the flexibility of ordering what you want. VWs packages have always annoyed me.

I'm perhaps a bit similar to you - while I enjoy performance vehicles, I'm not a racer of any kind. I just like cars that handle well and have some oomph!

The biggest difficulty I think you may encounter is MINI's reliance on run flats. With the CM, I don't believe you have a choice. Either all-seasons or performance 17's, or performance 18's or performance 19's (if you go JCW).

While they have come in handy, they are noisy with a somewhat harsh ride. You'll see many discussions here about folks who've opted to swap for traditional tires and a repair kit and/or roadside service. I did that with my 2011 CMS All4, but with my 2013 JCW CM ALL4, I've chosen 18 inch Pirelli all season Touring run flats that I found on Tirerack. Much quieter, slightly softer ride, still good handling, just basically happy.

Also, you probably want to avoid the sport suspension - some folks find it jarring, and the base suspension isn't bad.

My 2 cents.

Good luck!

 

THANKS guys. I really appreciate your input and advice. I was about 85% of the way towards signing on the dotted line, but had some reservations about those items mentioned above. 10 years ago I spent a year overseas and got to drive a Mini in Italy and absolutely loved it. I think, given my family now, that the Countryman really is the best fit for us, and I can still fulfill my wish of owning one.
The million dollar question--when do you think the new Countryman with the new engine in the Hardtop will be out? I'm thinking myself it's not that much of a difference maker, but what do I know..

 

We probably won't see the new motor until Fall as a 2015 model. Maybe even first of next year.

 

Based on the model refresh cycle, the Counteyman/Paceman will likely not be replaced until 2017. None of the articles out there mention the new engine or transmission in the current model. Likely not possible.