I know this falls into the 'Apples to Oranges' category but, I am actually tossing this choice around. First, price: The A3 I am considering is about 37K. The Mini Clubman S, is about 31K. Equipment is about the same. I know the A3 2.0T is a more natural comparison but, I've already had bad problems with that motor.

The A3 is so much more refined, quiet and comfortable. It has AWD, 4 normal doors and a normal hatch. It is probably close to 15 inches longer.

The Clubman S has the most smile inducing handling this side of a Porsche. It gets almost 50% better fuel economy than the A3 3.2. It's quite unique, for better or for worse. It is relatively noisy, it's interior equipment, somewhat gimmicky (IMO). Torque steer is bad. But it is a lot of fun and very efficient. Every vehicle I've driven since seems slow, vague and removed in the handling/steering category by comparison.

I realize folks on this site have a healthy bias towards the Mini. This extended version of the Mini got under my skin. What do you you think about the comparison??

 

I think you covered the difference quite well. Price no object, I'd go AWD, but then again, it sounds like you really liked the Mini drive and are looking for a reason to buy the sligtly less practical but more smile inducing mini. Go for the Mini. If you change your mind you won't lose much on the car. Don't know if you can say the same about the Audi....

Matt

 

You mentioned the word "normal" a few times and as you know the Mini is not. So really all you need to ask yourself is do you want normal or............ not.

 

When I checked out the A3 I was quite unimpressed with how it felt (I didn't actually drive it, so my impression is just from an auto show floor). The inside felt a bit cheap and non-Audi-like. For what we were seeing inside that vehicle, my friends and I agreed that anyone considering an A3 would be much better off with a comparable VW, where they could presumably save a bit of coin. Now, we only got to check out the 2.0L, so I'm not sure if the inside of a 3.2L feels any better, but when you're asking questions 'round these parts it's always going to come back to, "Buy a MINI because nothing will make you happier."

 

i gave up my 4.5l cayenne s(fabspeed modded out) for a clubman s and to be quite honest i cant wait for this thing to get here. mine just finished production and is awaiting transport. i have even thought about buying an older classic mini just to curb my craving. this thing just makes you smile and i havent had that from a car in a long time!!!!!

 

Before I got my '06 MCS, I had an a VW GLi, an A4, an A6 and a TT convertible, all (except the VW) had quattro. Before my MINI, I was happy(ish) with my Audis, not in love, but okay. I recently test drove a new A3 and came away totally underwhelmed. Over-boosted steering, numb road feel,and a much more VW quality than I remembered. I could never go back, and yes, there's a Clubman in my future

 

I understand your problem. I had looked at the A3. I wish they would have brought the 2 door hatch A3 over. I think that the Audi may appear to be more refined and upscale even though it is an A3. I drove my TT today and looked at the interior and compared it with the MCS. Honestly the Audi has a better design, feel and quality. I thought of the A3 with a chip etc. I came away realizing the there will be more smiles to the mile with my Clubman