So, with just under 400 miles until my car is completely broken in, I've had quite a bit of personal time with my new Clubman S, and I'd like to share some impressions, observations, and feelings regarding this car.

I took it for a nice 3 hour drive on some twisties last week, and really got to push its handling abilities. I did not get the factory sport package, but it still handles better than most cars I've driven. It's solid, tight, very little understeer, very little body roll, and with the sport button on, fantastically tight comfortable steering. Yeah, the ride is like a skateboard compared to my Subaru Outback, but it's not unbearable. I've gotten used to it, and it's really not bad at all.

With mixed city and highway driving, while still driving with a pretty heavy foot, I'm averaging well over 30 mpg, and generally closer to the 35-37 range. I need not to say anything more about that. Lets just say, I'm ecstatic. Especially as there is no Chevron anywhere near Grass Valley for Premium under $4.79.

I'm getting more used to the throttle response, although I find it to be a little jumpy. It's as if there is no response for a little bit, and then all of the sudden it jumps in. It's not bad, just not what I am used to. It definitely improves with the Sport button on.

I'm also learning to like my halogen headlights more than I liked my Xenons. It's a warmer more natural looking light, and I find it to be much easier on the eyes than the Xenons were. Not that I don't like Xenons, and had I ordered this MINI myself, I probably would've gotten them, but the Halogens are quality headlights.

I like the interior more and more every time I sit in the car. It's very comfortable and clean, and seems of very good quality. Passengers are continually impressed with the ambient lighting, the glovebox opening button, the hidden compartment underneath the the passenger side trim panel, etc etc. It's continually entertaining and fun to ride in.

The comfort bluetooth system works really well, the ipod interface is decent, and Hi-Fi system is okay at best. But that's been said enough. It's not bad, but certainly shouldn't be considered "Hi-Fi"

I don't really have much else to say about the car. It goes and stops better than any car I've ever had, and does so in style, while maintaining practicality. What else could one ask for? Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I can see myself being a MINI owner for life. I'm very impressed with the company so far, and I will never grow tired of their styling!

 

Excellent review, ahendy!! So glad you are pleased with your new baby.

I'm a little over a week away from getting mine...I seriously cannot WAIT!!!

 

Thanks for the review! Good to hear about the headlights...we didn't get the Xenon either, but being a Subie owner (Tribecca) was worried about the difference. We figured we could always go aftermarket on those if necessary.

How does the Clubman compare to the Subie re acceleration? I know with my Tribecca, it was like "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi, four Mississ--whoa, there we go" I'm hoping that with a Manual, that lag will all but disappear...

 

Well, I am coming from an Outback 2.5 XT, a 243 horsepower turbocharged beast. It's an unbelievably fast car, but was very similar to that of your Tribeca. There was some turbo lag, and it didn't go right away. Once it went, it went fast, but it took a second.

That doesn't really happen in the Clubman S, especially with the sport button pushed. Being a much smaller engine with a much smaller turbo, there is little to no turbo lag, and it feels as if the power is literally waiting in reserve to be accessed instantly. I think the fact that maximum torque kicks in so low at 1600 RPM is the reason for this feel.

The power delivery is fantastic, and accelerating onto an onramp was a good test of this. The power is instant and consistent, and it pretty much cooks all the way up to around 5600 rpm. Let's just say, you wont be disappointed.

 

Wheeee! Can't wait...thanks for the answer...it'll be a matter of days until I get to see for myself

 

I guarantee you will be impressed, although not being able to absolutely push it to its full potential during the break-in period is pretty painful. My heart tells me to floor it all the time, but my instinct tells me to break things in properly before I do such things. I guess it's good, it's taught me to drive a little more economically. But as soon as I'm broken in, I'm gonna haul a** as much as I can! At least until I start to miss getting 35 mpg