Well I finally got my new Clubman S, and if you've been following my other thread, "Clubman S Pre-Purchase Concerns", you know how excited I am to have this car! Instead of adding onto that already way-too-long thread, I thought I'd start a new one here with my "review" of the car.

So I put about 120 miles on the car today; ~80 driving home from the dealership (mostly freeway), and 20 miles on some twisties, and 20 miles or so in town. Lets start from the top.

This car continually impresses me on the freeway. I thought I would feel small and insignificant, and I kinda figured it would jump all over the place and be twitchy. It was none of those, and it felt more solid on the freeway than any car I've ever felt. It's also nice to feel that power reserve is there when you need it. My only gripe is that it is real easy to get going 95 before you even know it! There was at one point some stop-n-go traffic. I don't feel that this car is really made for such traffic, the throttle response isn't ideal for it, but it does just fine once you get the hang of how the power is delivered.

The twisties; now this is where the car gets fun. This particular car does not have the sport package, which seems to be really not a very big deal. This car handles absolutely incredibly, and drives like it's on rails. I managed to time my trip down highway 49 to the Yuba River right as the sun was setting. I popped open the sun roof, rolled down the windows, and just soaked in the feel of the road. This car connects with you, and with the road. It's almost spiritual. Indescribable! I also find there is much less torque steer than I expected, and much less body roll as well. All in all this is a fantastic handling car.

This car is also quite fun in town. It zips around effortlessly, parks without any trouble, and looks fantastic while doing it. I cannot even begin to count how many looks I got while driving this car. In fact quite a few people even went as far as to give me the thumbs up while admiring my vehicle.

The car is also very comfortable. The sport seats are supportive and comfortable, the steering wheel is thick and solid feeling, and the interior lighting is fantastic. I'm blown away at how much you can change the mood of the interior just by changing the color of the ambient lighting. How cool! The premium sound system is okay at best, not nearly as good as the stock system in my Subaru, but definitely not bad. The iPod integration is fantastic and very intuitive. Bluetooth works very well with my iPhone, and I found calls to be clear consistent.

Comfort access is very cool as well. Although I'm still trying to get used to the Push-button start, let alone not even putting a key into the ignition! When I turn off the car, I keep going to the steering column to turn a key, and then I remember that it's a button. That'll take a big to get used to!

All in all, I'm very very impressed with this car. It's as solid as any car I've driven, it's zippy (although I haven't gotten to really push it yet, as it's still breaking in), it's fun, and after today, I still managed 32 mpg. I can't complain, fellas. This is the car I've been looking for for years.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow!

EDIT: I also want to add that I think the exhaust sounds PERFECT. It's just the right amount of sound to where you can hear it rumble when you're stopped at a stop light, and it sounds fantastic when you accelerate, but it doesn't drone, and it's not overwhelming at all. It's there in the background, and it sounds gooooood.

 

I love the exhaust as well, it's so much better than the R56.

Too bad you Americans don't get the popping

 

Reading your description makes me more anxious to get mine. Thanks for taking the time to describe the ride and handling. I'll have to ignore the power part (us justa owners can't be hearing that stuff).

 

I know how you feel! Although I got off easy, as I only got it 6 days after I reserved it, those 6 days were tough! And believe me, I've driven a justa, and the power is more than adequate to have an absolute blast driving the car. In fat I probably would be more than satisfied with a justa, but with my Subaru, I've grown to be a huge fan of turbos. As far as I'm concerned, if it doesn't have a turbo, I don't want it!

Another thing I'd like to add is the absolutely incredible automatic transmission. I've been driving automatics for a really long time, and although I never really liked any of them, I just couldn't stand using a manual in SF, or in stop-n-go traffic, or anything like that that makes a manual a pain in the a**.

This automatic transmission completely changed my feelings about autos. It's so perfectly matched to the engine, it almost seems invisible. Shifts are smooth and quick, and always at just the right time. Engaging the sport button moves the shift point up, which makes it even more fantastic, although I can't keep it in that mode for too long; gotta break things in properly.

The steptronic mode is also very very good. I've had this mode in both my Subaru and my past BMWs and it was never really good enough to make it worth using. This one on the other hand, reminds me of a little brother of the SMG transmission in the M3. The shifts are unbelievably quick and responsive, and it makes this feature actually quite usable.

More to come!

 

thanks for being honest with this issue. I also do believe that the justa has more than adequate power and is a blast to bring up to speed.

i had this convo with someone on this board privately just recently and my reasoning was just the same ... most people coming to the MINI step down from large engine cars and deem the justa "too much" of a step down ...

there is a reason why the US is the biggest market for the S ... and Europe still gas concious as they always were, opts for the justa or the D.

my experiences with the S have been great, don't get me wrong, but for my needs the justa is just fine.

 

Here's some ones I snapped real quick today. I haven't had a chance to wash it yet, I just gave it a quick go-over with a duster. I live on a dirt road.. so keeping it clean isn't easy.

 

I drove a Clubman S today for the first time (we have an R50 and an R56, my car is a 330Ci). I have to say that I'm considering ordering mine without the Sport Suspension because of the ride qualities. I drive pretty hard compared to most, but I want to be able to take other people with me on trips and the Sport Suspension just seems too hard.

 

I agree. Can somebody offer an explanations on this as the two cars are so closely related mechanically??

 

Ahendy,
The writers on this site provided info that stopped me from getting the Sports Package, too.
I have Comfort Acces and MFSteering Wheel. Man are they great.
I love NOT having to use a key. The future is now.

 

I'm going from a Honda Civic to a justa clubman. The clubman wants to go compared to the civic (even with the same hp). I think it has to do with the gearing. It will be nice to get to wave to other Mini owners soon, but I'm glad civic owners don't expect a wave (my arm would get really tired).

 

Jamz, look at the pounds per HP to figure out the diff between the Civic and a Clubman.
The Clubman S has almost 50% more power than the Justa Clubman(i love that term).
Mini could dump third gear completely on the manual. I feel like skipping it all the time.

 

First impressions continued:

After another day and roughly 80 more miles of motoring, I am continuing to like this car more and more. This is truly the ultimate driving experience, as far as I am concerned.

I'm unconvinced how much better the Sport Suspension could really be. I did drive a Clubman S with it, but didn't get to really push it. The ride wasn't much different, as it seems the sport suspension is simply just bigger sway bars (although not much), and sway bars affect lateral motion mostly, not so much ride stiffness. As far as I'm concerned, the standard suspension is more than adequate for any average person.

The more I see my color, the more I love it. The general public loves it too. 9 times out of ten, when I come out of a store and walk to my car, there is somebody (or in the case of today, a couple of big families) walking around it eyeing it. People cannot take their eyes off this car, it's unbelievable, but I don't blame them, it's a beautiful piece of machinery.

The interior is also growing on me. My biggest gripe is that the leatherette is very hot. I quickly develop sweaty back syndrome. The seats in my Subaru were perforated, so that helped, but the solid vinyl leatherette gets very warm, very quick. Luckily the climate control works well, and seems to do so very quietly and efficiently. I've got it set at 68 on auto, and I think I'll keep it that way.

Bluetooth phone integration is fantastic. In fact overall I'm quite impressed with the functionality that they squeeze into that tiny little screen at the bottom of the speedo. It's very functional, very intuitive, clear and very easy to read. I'm very impressed.

The power delivery of this car is very impressive. All that torque kicks in so low, and you can really feel it pull. It's very easy to get going very fast, very quickly without even noticing! I found myself cruising at 75 in a 55 and I didn't even realize it! Like I said, I still can't push it a whole lot, as I want to break it in properly, but this car has some muscle, that's for sure. And it's got one hell of a growl while doing it!

The electronic power steering is interesting. It's very smooth and quite nice, and I love that it adjusts itself depending on the speed you are going. In a parking lot, it's soft and smooth and easy to turn, but at highway speeds its tight and solid, like a BMW. Very cool. I also love pressing the sport button and feeling the steering tighten up! Pretty neat.

I'm honestly having a real hard time to find anything that I don't like about this car! Definitely the most fun I've had buying a car in a really long time.

 

After your ups and downs in the pre-purchase mode, I'm glad you're really enjoying your new super looking BRG/Silver MCCS - congrats! And love that color!

I have to add that I feel the more I drive my own "justa" - the more I love it. The Clubman is a great little bit bigger MINI.

 

I love my clubmanS, black roof, laser blue combo! I too keep getting lots of looks and questions about the mileage. They simply can not keep these beauties in stock! Since I got mine Friday, I can't stay out of the drivers seat and want to just hang out in the garage and oogle at her! What a beauty! We now have two minis in the family. My wife has had hers five years and it has been quite reliable. She has either been very lucky or they truly are reliable machines! I did have to disconnect the cooling fan from her 03 yesterday and that surely will need to be replaced Monday, but onto the ClubmanS! Fast, fast, fast, perky, very responsive. Ride is quite comfortable. I prefer to sit almost at ground level so it feels more go kartlike. I have the 2 tone cloth seats and they are much better than the leather that I am used to.

 

The R56 utilizes 1 big muffler at the back, the Clubman uses 2 small resonators.

 

I'm really enjoying my Clubbie so far. I've had it about 3 weeks. My gas mileage has been between 28 and 32. The acceleration and handling have been great! The car is just big enough for me (plus wife and 2 boys). I am happy with the non-sport suspension and the auto transmission. I'm thinking the speedo is off (a bit optimistic). I'll have to put my Garmin GPS in to see if my perception is correct. I'm really pleased with the Asto Black / Silver combo and love all the gadgets (Bluetooth, keyless operation, etc). It is also a BIG plus in the garagability area.

Kevin

 

Are the sport stripes a dealer installed accessory, or can you get them from the factory? I like them much better than the standard bonnet stripes, and am pretty sure that's what I want when I get my Clubman!

 

I believe it can go either way. Mine were actually installed at the port before it was delivered to the dealership. But I've heard of them being installed at the dealership, although it's probably more expensive to have it done there.

I spent a good 4 hours yesterday washing, clay bar, and wax yesterday. It looks unbelievable. I'll get out and take some pictures later today.

Still loving it!

 

I picked up my Clubman S last week and have 600 miles on it now. When I picked it up last Saturday it was the first time I had seen a Clubman in person. The cars are really great looking cars, I think they look better than the r56, but maybe I’m biased because the r55 meets my needs better. Mine has the 17” Pace wheels/w all seasons and Sparkling Silver paint with black roof and rear end, it really looks striking and is an excellent color combo. Everyone that sees it really likes the color. The only options are LSD, rear fog light, HI/Fi Sound, and MF steering wheel with cruise control. These cars should be ordered with a manual transmission, so if you can’t drive a standard, IT’S TIME TO LEARN. Total cost $26, 700.

These things drive great, no turbo lag, perfect gearing and dead on steering. What more would you want. Oh, the 17” Continental RF’s do howl on rough surfaces, but steering inputs are razor sharp and its very comfortable on the longest journey’s. The standard suspension is firm, but isn’t bone jarring and it still corners very flat. The engine pulls strong from every gear. The “overboost” makes passing a breeze just by stepping on the gas. If you are in a hurry, just drop to 3rd and you’ll be around the next vehicle in no time.

Likes:
From “Cute” to “Cool”. Where most people called the r56 cute, most think the r55 is just cool. Everyone that sees the car, think it is just cool. Most women will add cute somewhere, but most guys think the clubman is just cool enough that even the most macho could be seen driving one.

Great fuel economy and stellar handling.

Usable back seat and plenty of cargo space. The back seat is useable for even 6’ers. Plus there is still enough room behind the rears seat for a few suitcases.

The 17” “Pace “wheels really look right on the car, a great combo. And being 5 spoke they clean very well, not a bunch of small areas that are hard to get brake dust out of.

Dislikes,
Runflat tires. Why they put these on the Clubman when there is plenty of room under the floor for a spare is a mystery. When mine wear out they will be replaced with normal tires. The runflats transmit too much noise into the cabin on rough weathered roads.

Lacking OBC information. I’m a little “old school” and I like info like “engine temperature” and it can’t be displayed. A light will come on if the engine overheats, but I’d like to know what the temp is before it gets too hot.

Seatbelt warning chime. You can’t shut this off unless you put the belt on. Sometimes on short trips I won’t use the seatbelt, and it is annoying to listen to the chime.

Expensive options. This is an easy fix, just don’t order them. The quality of the standard features is quite high. Cruise control is a must so you have to add it and the $500 hi/fi option is good, but is getting mixed reviews. The standard leatherette seating is such high quality that most people won’t be able to tell the difference from leather and the Halogen headlights work great, I don’t see the need to upgrade to xenon’s. The standard suspension is plenty stiff, so skip the Sports Suspension. Sunroof is ok if you must, but its just another hole to leak air and water, so skip it. Standard gray headliner is fine so save yourself the money and skip the black headliner. AC is a must, but it comes standard in the US.

That’s about it. The car is great. One thing that I think I would have skipped is the LSD. Unless you autocross or have to nail the throttle in 1st or 2nd gear in tight corners, it isn’t needed. At higher speeds you will seldom see any need for it.

 

I agree the manual is the way to go, I test drove both and I don't think there is any comparison, also your just more engaged with a manual, and I will drive it in Phoenix traffic. Anyways to each his own.

 

I test drove the stick and the auto-paddles, definitely a preference factor. The 6-speed manual was so well behaved, it was borderline automatic for me and I went with it.

Love your setup Big Jim Swade. There were only a handful of Clubmans on the lot when I test drove, the Sparkling Silver w/Black is stunning in person, great colors.

I skipped the LSD/HIFI/17", but budgeted $$ on leather and a cold weather package, came in around the same price. I think the leatherette is excellent, but wanted a lighter color to contrast the dark exterior.

If we went w/SS/PW, etc., I would have stuck w/the leatherette to save money.

 

Ok, this thread is killing me . My Clubie is being built this week and I CAN'T STAND the wait. Thanks for the reviews, it makes my wait seem even longer now .
My concern is that my Triumph Daytona 675 will get no attention once my new girl friend arrives.
It least I have something to feed passion by carving up some twisties until my car arrives. After reading ahendy review I'll need to find some twisty roads during lunch to get me mind of this damn Mini syndrom

 

I've had my MINI for about a week now. I have only 400 miles on it (I was in Chicago for four days so i couldn't drive it and United wouldn't accept it as baggage. ). I have the 6 speed manual and I love it. The only thing I've noticed has been is it pulls slightly (ever so) to the right when I gun it. Other than that it is exactly what I expected. Great finish and build quality and a blast to drive.

 

ahendy and Big Jim - thanks for the owner insight! I'm waiting still, but reading about your experiences makes me feel good about my purchase.

Thanks for taking the time!