Wasn't sure whether to post this here to in the Countryman forum. I formerly had an '07 Hardtop S. Loved it, but gave it up when we had our 3rd child.

Now trying to decide between a Clubman S or Countryman S 4wd. I've heard the Clubman drives just like the hardtop, with a little extra room in the back for the kids.

But having 4wd would come in handy as we have a cabin in the mountains and I could make good use of the 4WD. My wife has an MDX, so I don't absolutely need the Countryman. Just worried it might not have same Mini feel as my hardtop S.

I've driven a Countryman S with Auto. I really liked it, but still didn't seem like the MCS I had. Wasn't sure if it was the lack of manual, or if the car is just a little less of a Mini.

I'd love suggestions.

 

I drove both the Countryman S All4 and Clubman S. There was, IMHO, little difference between their drive feel. I opted for the Countryman S All4 and have been very happy since. I have an 8YO daughter and it was just easier for her to have the full door to get in and out. Just my $.02.

 

I own a '10 R55S and I've driven my friend's '10 R56S (both manual) and they feel exactly the same. I haven't driven a Countryman, so I can't compare.

There's definitely more room in the back of the Clubman and the 3rd door helps greatly with access to the back seats. The only gripe i have about my Clubman is that the rear split doors hinder vision through the back. The split/trim in the middle takes time to get used to. After driving the car for about 4k miles, i'm still not quite used to it, but it's not as annoying as when i first started driving it.

If you have 3 kids, you may be better off getting the Countryman to cart around your family of 5. The clubman (like the hardtop) sits 4. If 4wd can prove useful at times, maybe wait for the JCW All4 so you have a little more "Oomph"?

 

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