Hello,

I currently own a 2009 two-door MINI Cooper hardtop. I'm beginning my search for a newer version and am contemplating either a 4-door hardtop S, Clubman S or Countryman S. My priorities are nimbleness, smooth ride and extra room for passengers. My current 2-door understandably lacks any comfort for my backseat passengers, and I'm aware that backseat roominess is not a priority for MINIs, but I'll take what I can get. I haven't test driven any of the above yet and that will tell me a lot I'm sure. In the meantime, can folks share their thoughts? My first choice is the 4-door followed by the Clubman then Countryman. Oh, I'm also very interested in the Steptronic transmission. I love manual and have it in my current MINI, but sometimes automatic is nice too, especially in traffic.

Thanks everyone!

Lori

 

My neighbor just replaced her 2012 Justa with a 2017 F56 S, and says it is like day and night.

My recommendation... go drive them and pick the one that reaches out to you.

Motor On!

 

Clubman S is a really nice ride with the 8-speed auto. JCW is even better, although a bit pricey.

 

4 dr HT is a nice compromise. It handles almost the same as the 2 dr HT. Backseats are fine for small people on long drives or bigger folks on short hops. If my son at 6'2" is with us he begs for front seat.

Test drove all variants of the Clubman and liked it a lot. Wife thought it too big for her so we skipped over it and she went with the 4 dr. Countryman, I've only driven our 2011 so it isn't the same as the new F models. It's a different experience driving a Countryman R60 over the HT's.

 

Take the Clubman S for a drive. You may be well surprised.

But then, we’re a little biased.

 

Welcome.


4 door HT is nice, the only thing is its harder to get into the back seat as the door and door way is a little small, F54 Clubman has a smooth ride and more room, it is lifted a bit more in the air then the F55 4 door HT, the new F60 Countryman has the most room and is huge. The ride is the smoothest of them all. Has the most backseat room.

I drove a JCW fully loaded F54 and I really liked it. The F60 JCW was much bigger and felt big compared to the R60 MINI countryman.

Good luck on whatever you choose.