Soo I picked up my '11 yesterday I figured I'd give a glimpse into them for anyone on here thinking about getting one and not really knowing the level of knowledge of some people on this board So, here we go, the idiot's guide to a new Clubman

First off, what an attractive car. Yeah, it looks different...but that's the thing: it's different. No one is used to this car, it's somewhere between a Cooper and a station wagon and a coupe. All colors look excellent on it, even LsB (my dealer had never seen a LsB Clubman and everyone LOVED it)

The interior (this goes across the board for all 2011s):
The interior is a giant step up from 2010s. I almost bought a 2010, but the gods worked their magic and at the time screwed me, but in the end rewarded me well. The all black interior looks clean, fresh, and high-class. The sunroof is really nice, especially now that it's tinted, and the headliner is a nice beige/grey that contrasts against the black well. I got the standard checkered dash and it looks awesome, much less cheesy than the former checked-pattern and blends well with the other colors. The all black door trim looks clean too, although everything is a fingerprint magnet. Also, the ambient lighting is awesome in fact, the lighting, period, is well done.
The "cockpit" layout with chrome switches, however, keeps the fun-factor of the MINI around. However, it is a bit tricky to get used to. I don't think it's difficult or too weird to get used to, but when you're doing 60 down the highway and need to close a window, it can be a bit distracting/un-nerving to have to fumble with a toggle switch.
I'm sure I'll get used to it, and I'm sure any rational human being can too. But if you're set in your ways about having a window switch on your door or want physical buttons, not toggles, the MINI may not be right for you.
Another thing that can be a hassle is the stalks for turn signals/wipers. Again, it's a getting used to thing. The multi-function steering wheel is a godsend though, love it. And the new radio layout functions great with the ***** close together now. The buttons can be a bit tricky, but again, it's a getting-used-to-it thing because it's a new car/layout. The USB/BT package is much simpler now and worked fine with my 3GS. The HK-sound is a must...it sounds GREAT.
I got the cloth-seating because I'm not really a fan of leather. They feel really nice and the lumbar support is pretty significant even without the adjustable support. I may end up doing that mod eventually, but not right now. The seat-heaters, btw, get quite toasty, watch out

The exterior: as I said before, it's totally different than other cars on the road. I got the factory roof rails on mine, which I love, adds a bit of ruggedness to it and makes the roof not so plain, flat, and long. The spoiler has the same effect, but you can't get RR+spoiler. I highly suggest getting the auto-dim side mirrors. The car is low enough and the side mirrors are small enough that if you get an SUV behind you, or even big truck, your entire mirror is filled with light and I'm sure it's blinding without the dims. The dimming isn't totally noticeable, but when I was driving last night, I knew I wasn't getting blinded by everyones lights.
Also, the xenons...WOW. People complain about the cutoff, which I understand, but I think they provide ample lighting. The high beams are ridiculous, do not forget to turn them off! The auto-leveling feature is awesome on hilly roads too, but again, it's one of those features that you can't really overly notice, you just know your driving experience is better because it's there. The new dynamic brake lights look pretty stellar too and the dynamic-breaking actually works (did a few tests )

Now, the fun part, the drive/ride:
1) handeling: it's a go-kart with a trunk. That's what my explanation of this car is. You can feel the extra 10" in the ride, but when you hit a corner...it's back to being a go-kart. I purposely went on a very twisty/hilly road yesterday to test all of this out and made record time along it. I never felt like I was going to leave the road and felt very much in control.

2) ride roughness: I feel this should be addressed because people complain non-stop about the ride in Coopers. Yes, I can feel the road a bit more in Clubby than my old Jetta, a lot of this is probably the run-flats. But, in honesty, I think it adds to the driving experience. I can feel what's going on in the road under me without being bounced and jittered around. I'm not being bounced around, and last night's passenger actually commented that the ride is really smooth for such a small car (and he drives a 3-series). I drove into the city last night where they were repaving and when I hit that lip, I felt it so much I thought I was going to blow a brand new tire. But, all is well and I'll just have to be careful about dodging potholes. Speedbumps are fun though

3) the actually drive/acceleration: see my above comment about a go-kart with a trunk. Then add a jet engine in the back. This car GOES. And FAST In typical turbocharger form, this car will just zoom in under 2000RPM. But man, you cross that number and you're like a bat out of hell. It's ridiculous. The first time I REALLY got going (getting on an interstate trying to merge) I about peed my pants I was laughing so hard.
Is the S for everyone? Nah, I think plenty of people who just want a daily driver would actually prefer the Justa, simply because you don't get that bat-out-of-hell-syndrome everytime. But geez, if you want a ton of fun, S is the way to go.
The only problem I see about any of this is that it's sometimes hard to get used to having that much speed so quick

4) transmission: I thought I'd throw this in there just for newbies. I have the 6spd manual, and it's an utter blast. The shifts are easy and smooth. However, it's a short shift, or at least if you're coming off an older, less sporty car. I ended up stalling out twice yesterdat (I've driven standard daily for 7 years now) because I'm not used to the responsiveness of the throttle and short engage-point. It takes some getting used to. I say all of this because people may consider, on any model, a manual and be discouraged by the jerkiness. But give it some time to get used to it, because once I got a handle on it, it's a beautiful transmission.

5) practicality: I haven't crammed people in the back yet on a drive, but did just for kicks in my driveway. I can fit two grown adults in the back just fine, and if I had only one behind the passenger, I could see survival of a long trip. The space in the back is awesome, and the rear cargo cover is now retractable which makes the space even more useful. I saw a family with two young children looking at Clubmans yesterday and they said they were able to fit both kiddie seats back there, so it may be something to keep in mind for others. The suicide door is awesome, makes back-loading much easier. Haven't figured out the whole easy-egress-seatbelt, but it's easy the way it is, so whatever I miss having back windows to ease reverberation from my front windows being down, but the sunroof eases this tremendously.

4) visibility: it's a little car, which brings it's own set of complications, and this is a safety thing. I always noticed people mentioned it's hard to see traffic lights, which now I totally understand. The engineer I am, I spent some time figuring out why. The conclusion that I came to is that although the bonnet isn't long by any means, you sit back from your front end pretty far. The engine parts must extend past the visible bonnet end (where it hits the windshield) because inside the car, you're about two feet from where the windshield hits the bonnet. This, combined with the semi-sharp rake of the windshield and low roof height, makes your vertical vision limited, i.e where stop lights are. Is it that much of a big deal? Nah, I just watch the other traffic lights and wait for them to change before I cringe my neck. Or I just don't pull so far up. Or I rant and rave over why VDOT decided to put a stoplight directly above the white line. Or I just rant and rave about VDOT and NorthernVA roads period
There's aftermarket solutions to this, such as the Light-in-Sight thing. I may get one, but I think it looks a little tacky. However, second engineer friend pointed out last night: just open your sunroof, you can see it right there!
Blind spots: still getting used to them..again, smaller side mirrors present problems. But, the car is almost entirely windows, soo there's really very few blinds spots. Although, again, being little, sometimes you're below a truck's bumper and that's kinda funky.
Visibility out the back is fine, you just need to know if there's a car there or not and that's not hard at all. Frankly I'm one of those people if I can't see everything or know I won't hit something when I'm backing up, I just don't do it. If you pay attention to driving and know you're surrounding, you're fine. The pillar down the middle is barely noticeable and doesn't impair vision at all.
The rear head-rests come with some stupid safety thing (ok, safety isn't stupid) that don't allow them to go all the way down, but it's removable. Since I won't have frequent riders, I'm gonna pull them off later.
Again, one of those "getting used to" things, but I don't see my safety/visibility hindered, it's just a matter of figuring out where my blind spots are and what I need to be careful looking out for. I'm used to having a little car, so it's not a huge deal, and I think it has more visibility than a Rav4, which I also drove for awhile.

Overall: I love this car. Hands down, pure love. I actually WANT to take care of it and I'm so proud I could make it my very first car that I own totally on my own. It's a freaking BLAST to drive and it's practical at the same time. The interior feels quality (ok, it's not Mercedes, but it's very nice) and the features you can add can only improve it. The drive is thrilling, an absolute joy to drive. The pick-up is quick and transmission very responsive, which some people may not enjoy. The harshness of the ride isn't bone-jarring, but some people may find it hard to bare if they're used to a perfectly smooth ride. I don't think it's as bad as people make it out to be, although the extra 10" may make the difference since most of the negative views come from MC owners (I don't have the money to just throw away perfectly fine tires either). The best part is that I get the joy of driving a MINI but I get a backseat/cargo room, which is especially important since this is my only vehicle (this was a big reason I went MCC over MC).

I don't want to be a fan-girl and I am in the honeymoon stage, but I tried to give an honest opinion. I highly suggest the car, but I know it's not right for everyone. In the meantime, I'll continue being unique and driving a car that I care more than a rational human should Remember: go-kart with a trunk I'll have more pics in my gallery soon

 

Solution: http://lightinsight.com/. I've had one since shortly after my first MCS, and it's the first thing I got for the wife's Clubby earlier this year. Now neither of us can live without it.

Thanks for the write-up. I was pretty impressed with the ride and handling of the Clubby too. I've had a MCS for about 3 years now (first an '07, and now my '10 just a year ago). Then the wife decided to toss practicality out the window and trade the SUV for a Clubby S a few months ago. I think it's a tad more civilized than the coupe, but it certainly doesn't lose any of the fun factor. She got the auto trans, and it's still almost as much fun as the stick.

Now I can't wait to take a Countryman out for a test drive.

 

congrats! great write-up. looking forward to more of your opinion while i anxiously wait for my mcs.

how does the engine sound? how is the noise level inside the cabin?

 

Engine sounds great. It doesn't have that ricey zip-up sound, but it doesn't sound like squirrels in there either. The thing I really like about this car is that it looks fun (and IS) and aggressive at the same time, but there's no glaring "look at me" sounds. Everyone on the outside thinks the car looks cool, and everyone on the inside feels the cool.
The engine is pretty darn responsive which leads to a few over revs, but overall it picks up and goes very smoothly. Man, I went out earlier and as soon as I hit that turbo, I shot off and giggled all over again. This engine is marvelous

Road noise: surprisingly really low. Course, I've been driving around with the sunroof open and HK system pumped up I did close the roof and turned off the radio earlier and the only thing you really hear is the purr of the engine, which does get louder with the turbo kicked in. Even with just the sunroof open it's pretty low noise. They obviously did a good job dampening the noise because the 2010 I test drove was much worse.

Also, no rattles inside yet

Overall day2 driving: still what I felt yesterday. I'm beginning to pay more attention to how the car handles, feels, and sounds. Noticing the run flats a bit more, but again, it's not bad at all and if I just stopped concentrating on and anticipating it, the ride would be much more enjoyable

 

Thank you for the great write-up. I am so glad you are enjoying your Clubman.


Have you had the chance to hear the pops and burbles when you engage the Sport button?

 

Did you get the adaptives? If so how are they?

 

Pops/Burble: It's funny that you ask that, I actually was just thinking "gee, I thought they brought back the burble". It's evident in Sport mode, not at all in regular mode. Not really "pops" persay, but the engine does rev louder and the burble is there. Suggestions for trying to get the pops/burbles, other than straight revs? Any number I should aim for? It's also kinda hard to hear it when you're in the pilot-seat, but I had all the windows down and was in a garage, so I did hear it then.
And..damn...sport mode...holy fun batman! I'm going to get total $#%@ for gas milage for awhile

Another thing I got to test out was hill assist. I was worried I'd hate it and think it's annoying since I'm used to rolling back. It's actually quite nice and works great. I miss rolling back though, I like to show off a bit I took it out to an area with a lot of pedestrians and shops and stuff, everyone stares Already got asked questions by one guy who loves the color.

More pics in the gallery. It's pretty overcast here so maybe next weekend I'll get some pics in the sunlight after a bath. I'll try to get pics tonight of the interior all lit up, it looks awesome. And the rotating ambient lighting is so cute

 

I didn't, I didn't want to cough up the $350 for them. I would've left the auto-wipers off probably, as well as the auto-lights. I don't do enough of driving twisty roads at night to warrant them either since I'm moving into the city in the next month or so. Auto-leveling comes standard and they work awesome! Hahahaha this I love: when you turn your lights on at night, they auto-level themselves, it's like your car is nodding in agreement that it's ready to rumble *giggles ensure*

 

Update: photos are in the Gallery, I can't figure out how to post them.

I included one of how I mounted my SmartTag. I got warned that it can interfere with the RV dimming sensor, plus I hate that thing sticking out like a sore thumb. I just stuck it on to the glass of the rear sunroof. Works beautifully. Hopefully the old, old, old 3M stickum tape doesn't fail in this sudden cold Effing SmartTag/EZ-pass people. I should probably remove it and put some black electrical tape on it, but if someone is that curious and breaks into my car for it...ugh...

 

I imagine you should hear it during deceleration or during engine braking. At least that is what it does on my current turbo car. Try cruising along at 3K rpm and let off the throttle without stepping on the clutch.

How does the torque feel? Your car should feel like it is being pushed hard from behind when you stomp on the throttle and spooling up the turbo.

 

Adaptive headlights. Where did the $350 come from? Granted, my dealer is paying for mine, but the optional cost was/is $100. Maybe it's different for the JCW than the MCs and MCCs models. Last heard, still in the paint shop, but I am assuming that there aren't any updates till tomorrow. Have fun.

 

On the configurator, you have to select Auto Wipers/Headlamps for $250 before you are allowed to select Adaptive Headlights $100. That is why the total is $350. I am assuming she didn't get the Convenience Package.

 

I told you Laser Blue gets a lot of attention.

That guy is probably trying to start a conversation with you since you are a hot momma.

 

Haha keep these coming, i try to notice these things but always forget to mention them. Tourque steer is another thing I looked for, especially earlier. I had it real bad on my Jetta, even with such a minor engine. It's far less apparent on Clubby, although it's there. It doesn't pull to one side hard, but the engine puts out a ton of power and for a slight second you can feel the entire car almost spinning up getting ready to move. It's a weird feeling and catches me by surprise, but its ~180hp on a car that's tiny. The car really picks up and shoots off, I'm not sure how else to describe it haha. But TS is diminished greatly, I don't feel out of control when I take off.

Adaptives need the auto lights/wipers. I only got auto RV because it was needed to get side mirrors. I couldn't justify spending all that much more money for a feature I wouldn't use. Although I love the auto-dim mirrors, gotta say haha. This all comes with the conv package, but I could justify that either haha

 

Wahoo, please receive my belated congratulations on your "clubbie" and on your great write up. I'm currently on vacation and have been away from the computer. Hopefully by the time I go back it shouldn't be more than a week before I have the MINI in my hands. I've been waiting since Mid July!!!
Anyway, love the pics and I just hope that I can join the club before the long term review!

Cheers!

 

CFRM: Have you been able to track and find your ship? I'm going to be getting there in a couple of days, finding which boat it will be on, and I realize that there are directions on how to do that, but I can't seem to be able to do that. I enter the VIN number and the site goes crazy. Have you done this and if so can you give a big dummy like me advice on just exactly how to do this? Thanks and have a great vacation. I did last week

 

Hey Hemisedan, I wish I could help you out but since I am in a different country I do not have access to such "comodities" as checking the status other than through my MA ( Who hasn't been of much help). From what I have read around here your best bet is to call 1-866-ASK-MINI. Either that or wait for the site to accept your VIN # I wish you the best of luck and hope your process flows smoothly.

P.S. Just remembered that this thread might help you out a bit:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-updated.html

Cheers!

 

Thanks CFRM! It's been a great few days with him

Hemi: it won't show up until you're at the docks. I'd say just relax and be patient, but I've been in your shoes and it's tough. It will show up eventually though, promise!

 

Great writeup! Kinda makes me wish I had went ahead and dished out the extra cash for the Clubman S I was considering instead of the Cooper S I ended up with. But all's well, my car is a blast nonetheless and has a few more goodies than the Clubman did.

I must wonder though, has MINI corrected the scorching bonnet problem? I've had my 2010 MCS since December and just noticed that my hood scoop is slightly warped. It's an issue that has plagued many S owners since the R56 was released, and I was hoping they would've corrected it by 2010. Alas, they didn't. I nearly scalded my hand the other day when I foolishly touched the bonnet shortly after parking (wasn't even driving it hard). Wonder if they fixed it for the refresh?

 

BE PATIENT? Get real. I used to have the handle of "Young man in a big hurry". Now it's just "That old fart that's still in a big hurray." Being patient has never been one of my virtues. I remember my first new car. Back then, everyone, well almost everyone, ordered their cars. It's just as much fun today.

Oh back to reality, I realize that it won't be here for at least 4 weeks, and that's fine, but I can complain can't I. I'm just kind of hoping that it will make a cargo boat in the next week. That would be nice.

 

As my primary and only car, I needed the space. For awhile I was going between a CooperS and a justaClubman. I kept leaning towards the CooperS because I wanted the S, but I needed the room, so I compromised with a ClubmanS

Dunno, and I assume you're asking me to touch something that could potentially be roasting...? Kidding..I'll try to remember to check after driving today

I'm sorta getting used to the throttle and learning how to lightly tap it so I'm not zooming around aallllll the time. We're getting there Was at a light with a Civic SI this morning...got a little go-fast action in this morning before work. At the next light, his jaw dropped when he looked over at the shiny blue thing to find a woman driving something that could outrun him Man I love amusing myself in this thing

 

RVExotics: I think that I read that they did do something about that, but in saying that, I'd still go to M7 for one of their turbo insulators, or whatever they call them. Keeps the heat from the turbo from getting to the hood as much, and is better for the turbo as it likes the heat. That's what I am going to do.

 

The leader of my local MINI club a few years back was a pretty blond woman in an unassuming yellow MINI and every once and awhile someone new would show up and make the very mistaken impression that she was someones girlfriend or a casual driver that showed up. She was as badaz as nails and a great driver and they learned quickly. Now she drives a Porsche I believe.
LET them underestimate you! It's awesome when they figure it out...

 

My first gen had a hot hood as well. No scoop warping but plenty of hand burning...

 

I'd be happy to get the turbo insulator......assuming MINI USA would buy it for me

I'm not about to spend money to correct an issue they should have corrected when it was first reported.