Windingroad's take on the Clubman S; http://windingroad.nextautos.com/win...olio=59comparo

 

Thanks for posting that link, it was interesting to read.

Regards,
Terry

 

So were extraverts huh? Interesting I did consider the Mazdaspeed 3 (along with the Audi A3) but the reason I chose the MCC is because its the most FUN to drive, not because it attracts the most attention but I'll take it!!!!!!!!

 

Yet another review criticising the combination of sports suspension and 17in wheels. I wonder why so many people choose it?

 

Funny! I'm an introvert but I chose an extrovert husband, have an extrovert child and now an extrovert car! I can just let them do all the talking!

 

Have to reluctantly agree with them about the positioning of the controls being non-obvious. I don't think it's as bad as they described, but Mini/BMW should have taken some ergonomic design courses along with the styling ones. I've gotten used to the funky layout, but it's a bit clunky (good thing they didn't have the NAV to critique the menu flow).

So far I haven't regretted my 17" wheels / sports suspension combo, but it can be physically jarring when you hit a pothole around Chicagoland...

That said, absolutely NO regrets. Love my Clubman!

 

coming come from a Coupe, then owning a Mazda3, and now a Clubman ... the center console of the Clubman is definetelly not "ergonomic". However after a few days, you are at home just like in any other car.

If you are a journalist jumping in for a few hour review ... I can understand the frustration.

 

I think the only thing that bothers me about the center controls is the temperature adjustment dial and the scrolling function for USB flash drives. The temp. dial is very far away and awkward to push up/down. I like the dial in my 04 MC better... right in the middle, and you turn it clockwise/counter-clockwise. A remote adjustment on the MFSW would have been a nice touch (like my parents have on their LeSabre )

And with the USB flash drives, lets say you have 2k songs and you want to find one that begins with the letter W. Unless I've missed a trick, you have to start at A and you can't go backwards, and it scrolls very slowly. If I've missed a trick with this function, someone please tell me.

 

there are some very redundant functions with the radio controls ...

why do we need 3 different ways to access preset stations?
from the MFSW, from the preset buttons and also from the rotary **** in the speedo.

btw I went today approximatelly 10 miles extra once the gas gauge had no left lit lights and and the miles left showed -----

when I tanked up it put in about 14.1 gallons ... and I thought the tank was 13.5

 

Why do people who have never seen a Mini freak over the switches that contol the windows and locks.
What are these reviewers, posessors of Gorilla sized fingers.
Change scares reviewers, who are paid to criticize.

 

I will say that the clutch/brake/gas are bit bit close together for my size 13 boots. The footrest gets in the way of pushing in the clutch (got it figured out now), and I have no lateral movement with my foot on the gas. Switches and toggles are fine though.

 

I for one hate car comparisons. I just like European cars. I wouldn't buy a Mazda 3 if it was $10. Surely I am not the only one who thinks like this? I find European cars are built the best and I like quality. So telling me a Mazda 3 is a better option is lost on me. I could care less what some reporter thinks.

 

Agreed.. I'm not crazy about some of the layout, but I love the toggle buttons. Don't change any of those!

 

I had that trouble in a big way my first time out, but I motored a TON today and it never bothered me. Maybe it's something you get used to?

I was on the clutch a lot too.. Was driving in my first parade!

 

Ah-ha! There was a trivia question at MOT last week about the size of the gas tank in the Clubman. I said it was 14.1, but they marked it wrong and said it was 13.1. I knew I was right!