hey all, i had a few questions for those who've taken test rides / ownership of the new clubmans.

i'm looking into getting a clubman s, but am not sure about all of the options. before i go to far i'll throw this out. the car will be mostly for highway cruising as a dd. i don't have the time or inclination for track or auto x. i just want something that's fun for the highway and the occasional windy roads that i find.

with that said, does the sport suspension add anything noticeable to these scenarios?

also can someone explain the usefulness (if any) of the LSD to my situation? from what i've found this is mainly to improve performance at the limits and doesn't necessarily add anything to normal driving.

before the critics come out i've been to the dealer and got a pretty good test drive in with a clubman s + sports package. i snooped around but it doesn't seem like the dealer has any turbo-ed minis without the sport suspension for me to try...

 

I think the R56 is similar enough to the Clubman that my experience is relevant. I don't have track or autocross on my agenda, but my MCS (regular suspension, no LSD) is great as a daily driver and super fun on twisty roads. I live in the mountains about an hour from the interstate so that makes up most of my driving. I don't regret the choice on the suspension or the LSD.

 

The sport suspension includes larger antiroll bars, which means the car has less chassis flex and better controlled understeer. If you don't do a LOT of hard driving, it may not matter to you. But i've seen a review or two where people say the car is a lot less firmly planted and harsher without the sport suspension, which seems antithetical.

Anyways, the LSD is an option i'd get regardless of your driving style. A limited slip ensures that power is going to the wheel that has grip. This can be very useful, say, in snow. If you can get a wheel with some purchase, it will help make sure that you're moving forward instead of spinning uselessly.

Too bad the LSD isn't offered in the auto

 

Get the standard suspension and 16" tires/wheels and you'll be happy as a clam.

 

I purchased a Clubman S with the sport suspension and LSD and there is a noticable change on how the steering tightens up and the sensitivity of the road is more apparent. With the sport mode off, the suspension is a bit softer and the steering is softer. Most of the time I drive with DSC off and sport mode on. I took the Clubman to the track this past Sunday (look at my Gallery for pics) and I was amazed with the braking system of the Clubman. Absolutely no fade, just jump on the brakes at 100ft and let the momentum take you thru the chicane. Accelerating out of the chicane is where the LSD helps the most as the tires bite the road and accelerate like mad. Fast sweeping turns are driven thru very smoothly as there is constant acceleration with the LSD. I would highly recommend Sport mode for a crisper feel in steering and suspension.