Yesterday I took my Clubman test drive. I wanted to try a 6spd Clubman and a 6spd S. The Clubman was a dressed up non-s with the sport suspension and a number of other packages. My concern was focussed on the non turbo engine. I was impressed as to how well it pulled through the gears. It cruised effortlessly at 70mph with the air running. The only drawback I could see on first try was the lack of power in the higher gears at highway speeds when needing to move out. Downshifting was required. Next I drove the S. To get a 6spd I had to drive a mini. No doubt the S has more beans under the hood. But I"m still in a haze about the real life advantages of the S motor. I drive a SAAB Aero and a SAAB Nordic modified car. I'm actually growing a little tired of turbo motors after almost 30 years of dealing with them. Maybe I'm trying to get back to my roots. In the S, I found the accelerator was "sloppy". The response wasn't smooth as compared to my SAABS. I don't think it was turbo lag, just a weird feeling of being disconnected. Used sport mode on/off. The Clubman is great and I'm going to get one. I still can't decide to S or not. The down side is if I order now the car would not be ready until Nov. or early Dec. I don't want a winter delivery so I'm going to consider an order for spring delivery 09. This will give me time to keep reading the forum and continue developing a greater sense of total confusion. I believe the Clubman will be perfect for me, the wife and our good sized dog. I really appreciate this forum and have come to fully understand everyone's enthusiam about the Mini. Regards, Dan

 

Congrats!

Re: S versus non-S. IMO, if you have to question it, I'd say go with the non-S. For me, the turbo is a necessity. There are plenty of others here who have non-S models and will tell you it is still a blast to drive.

I test drove a MCS early this week and was hooked. Like you, however, I'd have had to wait until at least Dec for a new MCS, which means I'd wait until spring of next year (who wants to buy a sporty car in the winter?). I ended up getting a JCW with delivery expected late next month.

The extra time would have been nice for a little more research on which options I'd want and to save up a little more $$, but oh well. I'll deal.

Welcome to NAM!

 

Dan,

Congrats on your decision to buy and on the confusion that goes along with it.

S- or Non-S Up to you but if you do a lot of highway driving it might be worth it. I mostly city/urban than the non-S is better on gas mileage. Just my .02 cents.

Totally understand not wanting to get a new car in winter. Just not a fun thing to do,especially with a car like the MINI. And hey look at the extra time as a way to save up some more money to get some extra goodies.

 

I just got my Clubman non-s in last week. I was worried that I would not like it as much since it did not have a turbo, but the car is great. The non-s is not the fastest car in the world but it is still very sporty and a blast to drive.

 

I'd think about this differently - but then I would as we get the diesel option over here.

If you want to be able to sprint away from traffic lights and road junctions, and pass on busy roads, the the S may suit you better - at a price.

But if you don't have to be the first away from the lights, don't mind dropping a gear for brisk overtaking and want better mileage then there's no point in an S. IMHO. (But I do prefer the looks!)

 

Thanks for the feedback. The S non-S thing is something I'll work out as I get closer to putting in an order. I'm just happy that I drove the Clubman and really liked it. The Mini line is quite impressive. From the outside you can't get the feel for what is in side and the amount of room for a small car. The handling is supurb. The clubman with the sport suspension took on ramps perfectly. I did a lot of autoxing in my day as weel as hill climbs so I have a feeling for good handling. The Mini has it in spades. I really hate the idea of a long wait but I have a winter car so why subject the Clubman to NE Pa. salt. Of course my dealer did offer me a demo he just ordered. JCW Clubman-loaded . Only wants $33000. I'd love to pull that trigger but my finance company may decide to pull the trigger on me, let alone what the wife would say. Anyway I'm on my way. In a week or two the order goes in. Let me mention one other point about my S-NonS decision. I ride a Harley that only returns about 40mpg around town. I also never seem to have time to really ride anymore. Work requires a suit more days than I prefer. The Non-S would return similiar mileage to the bike; so dump the bike and come out way ahead with an efficient fun car that I don't need a helmet to drive.LOL. Thanks again, Dan

 

I didn't settle for my Clubman. I could have gotten the more aggressive looking and the better performing S but I wanted great fuel mileage. Don't forget the Cooper Clubman is a sport oriented vehicle in itself and that we don't get the Mini One version here in the US. It is possible that after my warranty is up, I may up the performance with an aftermarket CAI and a better exhaust but for now, I'm happy with just the Cooper Clubman. Lastly, I am fearful of the problems of forced induction. You may have the majority of S owners respond that they have had no problems, but I don't want to chance it.
You won't be happy unless you get exactly what you want. Good luck with your choice!