Hello I am new here and am preparing to order my first Mini. I am in a bit of a conundrum and can not decide definitively between a JCW Hardtop with a Manual or JCW Clubman. I know two different animals. This will not be my daily drive. It will serve as a fun car for my wife, 9 year old daughter and me. I would like to be able to take it on weekend get aways so if I go Hardtop I would have to get a rooftop box. I live by some really nice country roads and lover going out on fun runs. There is a possibility of autcrossing and I live very close to Summit Point and might get into some events there. I was sold on the fact that a Clubman would work best for my daughter on trips, but after taking and test driving both last weekend we found out the Hardtop could work.

I have a few questions to that could help me make my decision.

How is the handling difference between the JCW Hardtop and JCW Clubman? Is there a notable improvement with the Hardtop or does the all wheel drive favor the Clubman? The test drive did not really allow "spirited driving" on due to traffic and roads in the area.

Has anyone gone with a Clubman and wish they went Hardtop instead and vice versa Hardtop and wish they had the room of the Clubman?

How big of a difference is the feel of the power in the Clubman compared to the Hardtop? Again the test drive was not great.

How is the automatic in the Clubman do you wish you had a manual or is it engaging enough?

A little background on my past. I had a Lotus Elise for years, loved the handling. Had a kid and sold it, got a GT500, loved the power but hated the handling. Sold it and got another Lotus Elise, missed being able to go out as a family and the car sat quite a bit. Looking for a fun car that fits the family.

Either way I am thrilled to be getting ready to be in a Mini. This will the first car I have ever ordered my way so I really want to get it right.

 

The Clubman has more power, but the hardtop is lighter and smaller…
The hardtop has limited space, and the Clubman can haul a ton of stuff…
The hardtop can be purchased with a manual…

I think based on your use case, the Clubman might be the best option. If you’re looking at taking road trips, the hardtop might be just a bit too small, unless your family is short. The back seat can get tight.

 

njaremka thank you. Let me also toss in that I am 5'6" and so is my wife.

 

My buddy is 5’4” and his wife is 5’3”, and they have a daughter that is just 5’. He has a 2019 F56 hardtop, and they will take it for weekend getaways, but their daughter still feels cramped in the backseat. They don’t use a roof box, either. Even for them, it gets tight.

That being said, only you can determine if the car will work for you. For me, the choice would be clear, Clubman all the way. I want the space and back seat. But, that’s me.

I can see the argument both ways…

 

As much as I think the Hardtop is the more fun car, I'd recommend the Clubman as well. Your daughter is only going to get bigger.

 

I have previously owned the Countryman and man you can fit a lot in it. It hauled 2 adults + 2 teenagers + gear and food for few days of backcountry camping with no problem.
Currently I am driving R56 and while it can fit more than you'd think by just looking at it, there is no way I'd be able to load everything I was carrying in Countryman in it.
I have switched to smaller car because my lifestyle changed - son is all grown up, so it's only my wife and me that are having adventures in this car now. I do have a roof box for these occasions. That combined with folded rear seats is more than enough for two of us, folding boat, 5HP motor, fishing and camping gear.
Since the camping trips are not that frequent I can live with minor inconveniences. One of the most annoying things is, despite the roof carrier and box being OEM, the spoiler on R56 is touching the back of the box when the rear door opens all the way up.
(And yes, it is mounted properly - has been checked by techs in 2 different dealerships. Hopefully it's not an issue on newer cars, but something to keep in mind. I would love the Clubman's barn doors for this reason).
On the other hand, most of times I am driving the car alone and nothing can beat the feeling of rowing my own gears in a zippy car if you ask me.

So, to summarize, there are definitely pros and cons for each car.
My personal feeling is, given your current situation, I would lean towards Clubman. It seems to check most of boxes in your list at the moment.
And it still is totally capable of putting a smile on your face even with automatic transmission in my opinion.

 

that's more logical yes

 

Thank you all for your help. We went and test drove again. The power for the Clubman is crazy, but in the end when my short round *** can easily climb into the back of the Hardtop my 9 year old should have no issue. It was actually pretty comfortable without shoes one. The manual, nebulousness and being a mini mini sold us. I ordered roof rails just in case. It will be a long wait with a April / May build date. Pissed that for 23 you cannot get the two tone 18" wheels with signature trim, must go iconic. I will be looking down the road on power upgrade options to get to around the Clubman 300! Cant wait to join the club!

 

Either car will still be a great purchase! Delivery day will come quicker than you think

 

Congrats on the purchase! Post some pics when you get the new toy!