Enjoy!

http://windingroad.nextautos.com/win...8/?folio=cover


I think they have some new writers over at Winding Road

 

What about gas mileage?!?
What about driving a car that you don't want to forget about!?!

I guess I'm an extorvert...

Who knew...

 

That was the great part of the review- WR was clear on how the car fits the personality of the driver. I certainly am an extrovert!

 

Good Article. A review based on Real test drive results and honest comparison. The Mazda Speed 3 is a nice car, but I already knew that and still chose the Clubman. I especially liked the comment about Torque Steer since both cars have it to some extent:

"There's torque steer, but that's why there's a steering wheel. Use it and enjoy the drive."

 

I'm sorry but I fell asleep right after I started reading the section about the Mazda. He makes it sound downright boring. As if he thinks that is a virtue or something.

As I read the article, I also couldn't escape the feeling that this guy was evaluating these cars for their suitability as rental cars. I think its safe to say that the MINI is not gonna take that market by storm. Apparently the Mazda has a shot!

I, personally, love the fact that the MINI is unconventional. At this point in my life I am bored to death with the conventional. He obviously doesn't get it, but I really don't mind that a lot of people don't get the MINI. I do, and that's enough for me!

 

and there are some points I totally agree with. Overoption a Mini and it's just not price-competitive with what your money gets eslewhere. Some of the ergonomic choices are really questionable, that you have to learn to live with. Sure the Mazda doesn't stand out, but really, it's based on a more practical car and (I like this) doesn't put tons of bulges, flares, scoops and wings all over to scream "I'm the performance version!"
In driving the two, the MS3 IS a quicker faster car, but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. And the Clubman is still Mini, no matter what you think about the changes in the newer body styles.
Anyway, they both are good cars. I think they overplay the "extrovert vs introvert" schtick, but that what a lot of journalists do.

Matt

 

"We apreciate the Clubman's rear hinged demi-door. But wish there were one on the drivers side as well" <<< Typical comment from a person who has no idea about what a MINI really is...

If there were a second door would be just like any other appliance vehicle.

It's irregular, unconventional we do not look for sameness. I have yet to build the same MINI, That's FUN, MS3 just a cheaply build fast car. Unfair comp.

 

Good article, thanks for the post. Though TBH, I've never considered the MS3...

 

I agree this is one of the better clubman reviews I've read. They totally nailed the personality of the clubman being bored on straight roads.

However, I don't agree with the conclusion that the MS3 is a better daily driver than the clubman. One of my co-workers has a MS3 and he has had quite a few problems with rattles developing due to the stiff suspension. I haven't done a direct comparison, but it seems like a clubman with standard suspension would be far more comfortable daily driver.

The other thing to consider is that you can't get the MS3 with an automatic. I'm guessing the type of people that consider these cars are more likely to want a manual, but again it is nice to be given the option.

As for the introvert/extrovert thing, I'm definitly an introvert. I guess I got the extrovert car to help balance me out.

 

Hm? The door is only on one side because of crash regulations, not to be different. They would have definitely put one there if they could have. Another door would make no aesthetic difference while adding practicality and keeping the British press quiet. Sometimes things are the same because they are better- some things are popular for good reason.

And you know minivans used to only have a back door on the passenger's side...

The MS3's suspension is surprisingly compliant. From what I can remember, it rode better than any MINI.

 

That is interesting- I thought that adding the door would have meant moving the fuel inlet, which would have required recertification of the whole car, which was cost- and time- prohibitive. Anyone want to bet on the second club-door being added in a future year? I figure if they make any other changes that will require recertification, they just might go ahead and add it. I would love one, if it was available. My guess is that the real problem will be the added weight...

 

you are right about the fuel inlet issue and it being the main reeason why the Clubman is the way it is.

and, yes, the upcoming "Crossman" will have 4 full size doors.

 

Ok kids...I have a mazda 3...not the speed...the only difference is the engine has a turbo on it so I feel i can compare...and I spent the last 4 years on the mazda forums so I've absorbed a bunch of information.

Originally the car was purchased 5 years ago because I needed something to drive to my new job. Honestly in the 5 years I've owned the car, I've only been under the hood with the exceptions to install audio gear and change the fluids. Nothing else has gone wrong wih the car at all.

There are negatives in my eyes to the vehicle. To change the drive belt you have to cut the AC belt or pull the AC belt...kind of sucks. To change the headlight on the xenons you have to pull the bumper....there is a splash shield under the car to keep everything somewhat clean you need to remove every time you change the oils. There is a large amount of road noise...even with dynomat in on the doors you really needed to strip it to metal and do a layer or two, the mini is nice and quiet. Even on the non speed, Mazda's suspension is stiff, but she is quite agile. Steering is tight, but with drive by wire cars, one is close to the next. The paint is horrid, chips like rocks thrown at ice. Make sure you get the clear mask on newer cars... Tonque steer is going to be present on most cars with the engine mounted side-ways...hell my wife's CR-V has a little...

The interrior is 100% plastic in the mazda and fragile to scuffs and dings. I've managed to keep mine ding free, but you really have to be careful when moving heavy objects around. Dog toe nails are the same...watch them.

For $23k, it is geared more towards a starter car, and when you add in another 100HP for a Speed version and move into the 28k range, you can compete with the SRT4 and SS Chevy's, although in the numbers and on the road the Speed will spank them everytime. What isn't nice about the speed engine is it's the same engine in the CX-7 and the stock non speed 2.3l is the same as the mazda6 used as well as the ECM just remapped. I don't enjoy the recycled engines and ECMs, but it does make it easier to get parts if they are needed and worked on for that matter..ford..volvo...mazda....

Before I settled on a Mini, I moved from the Caliber SRT4, the Rogue, the STi, Lance Evo...all the major names as well as the Speed. The stock 2.3 with an add-on turbo from Hiboost or HASS will easily put 300+ hp at the wheels even on the automatic. There are tuners who have the car peaking the 500HP mark. It's a tuner rig. The problem is the tranny just can't handle the power. The auto seems to fair a bit better than the manual where 3rd gear is the weak point but the auto's PSi is held to a certain point and can't go over...it is possible to go with a new valve body and get much more out of it though...sorry...tangent...

Off my soap box, the Mazda and the Mini shouldn't be the in the same category even when fuel mileage is around the same...the Mini with a turbo still gets 30 if not more MPG than the Speed's 26 if you are good. From being in a Mini, The clubbie is built to meet that 30k mark. The doors are solid, interrior is crisp and the little things have been thought out.

Mazda needed a car to compete in the market for the 20 somethings just out of college and this met their numbers. I see the 4-door non-speed models all over the place here. To me they are just the new Jetta on the market..rarely do I see Speeds around here, but I have seen 10+ different Mini's in the last few days.

I think articles like this need to take into consideration everything about the vehicles including the demographics for the vehicle. I think the Clubbie is for the person having a family or looking to start a family but doesn't want to give up the fun and safety where as the MS3 or the 3 are for people looking to start a life on their own and need something fun to drive...

eh... just my .02

 

Interesting that they found the loud, rougher-riding MS3 easier to live with. I couldn't get beyond the touchy clutch, buckboard ride and constant din of the muffler when I drove one. Add in the lousy gas mileage (epa of 20 mpg combined) and I really fail to see how the Mazda is the car to live with daily.

The Clubman S to me, felt like the grown up Cooper S. All the positives and most of the negatives eliminated.