I just had to post about my experience with the 2011 Clubman.

I currently own an 09 Clubman S. Of course, it is in the garage of the dealership due to the check engine light being on for probably the 6th time.

I was given a loaner and OMG- first of all I love the color! (Silver White), but the thing I really am loving is that while it isn't a turbocharged S- it has a good bit more pep to it! So, I did some reading and darned if they haven't increased the horsepower a smidge. And I can really tell the difference,, I was driving it in 34 degree weather last night and it was,,,,,well,,,,peppy!
It makes me think that maybe, when I turn Sloopy in at the end of her lease that I might opt for the non S and hopefully wouldn't have as much trouble with the dreaded check engine light??

 

When I ordered my Clubman the dealer tried to convince me to spend the extra $3k for an S... I don't think he believed me when I told him it wasn't the money, but rather that I was more than happy with the performance of the non-S and didn't want the extra problems. *shrug*

NM torque arm inserts, sport button on, DSC off and I'm a happy camper.

 

I've been motoring around in a Clubman for the past week while I wait for my 2011 MCS to make it to my dealership from another one. I used to own a 2003 MCS and the Clubman does have some get up and go to it, but I don't think that I would have replaced my old MINI with it.

 

My 2010 non-S Clubman is really zippy. I test drove the 2010 Clubman S, and still chose the non-S version intentionally. I drive in sport mode all the time and it really makes a big difference, IMHO. I used to drive a manual Infiniti G35 that had lots of horsepower, but it went through oil like crazy. I chose the non-S because I did not really want another high performance engine again, and I am really happy with my choice!

 

Sorry, guys, but I think you're kidding yourself. I got brand new '11 non-S loaner yesterday and I could spot the lack of HP right away, esp. on highway speeds. It kinda reminded me Nissan cars and the way their gas pedal is setup: on first touch, it seems like you have a V8, but push it further, and it's only noise.

P.S. 15" Conti tires make the ride much, much more comfortable for bad city roads. Steering suffers though (duh!).

 

To each their own... I drive 60+ miles per day on the highway at 75-80 and haven't had any issues maintaining speed or overtaking. I don't think anyone's stated that the S isn't more powerful, just that the Cooper has plenty to get around and have fun with.

With a loaner there's no telling, too... Not broken in yet? Something wrong with it? Running regular gas instead of premium (I put regular in mine once by accident and it ran like a dog)? If it was an automatic that makes a difference, as does the state of the Sport button and stability control.

Not sure what I'm supposedly kidding myself about... Would have no problems affording an S if I wanted to, and if I wasn't happy with the performance of my non-S I wouldn't have ordered another one. I don't feel that the extra power makes up for the increased potential for issues.

 

I have an S and love it but that is a rediculous statement.

 

Fair enough... Everyone's entitled to their opinion.

I harbor similar feelings about automatics. FWIW, you COULD give me one... I'd just be trading it in on a manual in short order. I do acknowledge that others may like them, though (or have a medical need for one), and don't begrudge them their choice.

 

Mini = 3 pedals

 

It's obvious you haven't driven a MINI with an Aisin 6 speed automatic, it's the best of both worlds!

Dave

 

I have an S and had a Cooper hardtop loaner about two weeks ago and I really liked it. I could notice the lack of power but if you wanted to save some money (or didn't need the extra power) it's a great car. I'm just hooked on my S though. If I had ordered my MINI though it would have been just a cooper.