Location: Chicago area
Current Car: 2dr Jeep Wrangler, 4x4, auto
Considering: Rogue, Clubman S, GTI
Why new car?: New Job > New Commute > Need something better on gas

Hello:

I'm starting a new job, which will require a 50-60 mile commute. I was thinking of an '09 Clubman S, but I'm considering a completely base model Countryman with a manual tranny.

1) Does anyone have experience with the base model Countryman? Any performance issues?

2) Anyone have the opportunity to compare the base agains the S model?

3) I looked around and it's difficult to find a base model Countryman with a manual. If I got it with an automatic, does the "sport" button have a huge impact on performance?

Thanks
VJ

 

I have been looking at this car for some time. I think I have read everything I could find on line about it. All the reviews clearly state the non-S Countryman is a dog, especially as an automatic. I finally got myself to the dealership last weekend to see for myself. Please note: I am not an aggressive driver and like squeezing out all the miles I can from a gallon. In any event I first took out the Countryman. I liked the ride, but immediately noticed the engine struggled to come up to power. On an interstate on-ramp there was a disconcerting, very loud, double kick down as the engine struggled to reach the 65 mph highway speed. I next took out the "S" model. What a difference, the application of power from pressing the accelerator is very smooth, even and normal. On the same on-ramp it was just a smooth quiet merge into traffic.

All that being said, I made arrangements to return to the dealership yesterday just to drive the non-"S" model again. Due to the cost of this car escalating with just a few options, I think I wanted to convince myself I could live with the Countryman just fine as my daily driver. Wrong! I took the car on an extended loop of highway and city roads. I found the engine to be slow to rev and give any kind of performance in its normal mode on anything but flat steady state cruising. Ok, push in the Sport Button and what I found is that the car just wants to surge to higher revs. Performance is just at the extreemes either too slow or way to high rev.

I spoke to the salesman yesterday and he said the torque of the Non-S really dosen't come on untill 4500 rpm while in the "S" full torque comes on and is available at 1000 rpm.

My opinion, for what it is worth, is that if you think this is the car for you, just get an "S". That is my decision. I like to buy cars and keep them. If I am going to keep a Countryman for five or six years and drive it every day, I am certian I will regret it every day if I don't get the "S" model. Just go drive them both and you will feel the difference. The smooth power delivery of the "S" is just worth the extra price at purchase.

 

Wow, thanks for the great feedback. Exactly what I was looking for. I may just pass on the countryman, or save up a bit until I can purchase the "S" model. Thanks again....

 

This was my thought as well when I drove both. The non-S had a strange hesitation when I stomped on the accelerator, almost as if the transmission had a problem. You had to allow the engine to "catch up" to the accelerator...I felt like I had to reduce agressiveness to match what the car wanted to do or else that being "out of gear" feeling prevailed. Hope this makes sense. PS: I ordered an S.

 

I chose the base because of price and possibly easier maintenance of the non-turbo motor in the long run after the warranty expires. I get around our town just fine in my slow old Land Rovers so the base would work for me.

It sounds like your heart is set on the S, like most people on the board here chose.

 

Just a note here, it sounds like everyone who has posted here regarding performance and the standard CM, drove an automatic (particularly those mentioning kick-downs). If I missed something, apologies.

It's been my experience that lower powered engines do better with manual transmissions, since you can adjust the revs and gearing yourself to suit the power-band. I, too, am considering a standard CM with a manual. The issue for me is finding one to test drive. Everyone is stocking automatics.

 

I've had a non S for about a month now. Bought it for my wife who is a stay at home mom and doesn't care about power. (Plus we wanted the additional MPG) However, we always drive it in sport mode. And I must say...it makes a huge difference. We also have the Steptronic Automatic transmission & Sport Suspension ($500 option). (Both of which add to the driving pleasure)

The thing I've learned is that when driving in sport mode you can't baby the car by pressing the gas pedal like its a delicate instrument. I'm not saying you've got to stomp on it, but you definitely have to be deliberate about it.

We're very happy with our choice. Oh...and I drive a BMW 530i so I'm used to pretty good power.

 

You can match the revs to the driving situation with the automatic too, you do it the same way you do with a stick, by simply moving the shift lever, the only difference is you don't have a clutch pedal.

For those who complain about the auto being in the wrong gear, I always wonder why they don't shift it, like they would a stick if they were driving one. I mean, that's what it's there for....