Either way I think you will be in good shape! I own a 2005.5 Jetta TDI that I LOVE! It is NO WHERE near as fun to drive as our Clubbie S but I am approaching the 50 MPG range now that she is broken in a bit (70K). It's amazing how that TDI has broken in over the past few years now. I love it very much....that diesel torque makes mountains look like molehills!

Now.....You have to look at something that you mentioned previously.....

SPACE!

The Clubbie will give you much more than the Golf will. I also think that with the short shifter in the Clubbie and the extra space may put you over the top!

 

My dealer advised me when I was deciding that S owners rarely moved to Coopers, but Cooper owners often moved to the S when they bought their next Mini. There is no substitute for horsepower and torque. Buy the S. I did.

 

Hmm, the dealer said most people move to the more expensive of the 2 cars you were considering...

 

You're saying he clubman is bigger than a 5-door golf? I love the new TDI, and think the mk6 is a good looking car, but I'm disappointed in the lack of options... cloth only seats :-(

 

I had my mind set on the base model but when I tried the S and Base out at the dealership yesterday, hands down for the cooper S.

Lots more power and I feel safer passing cars

 

Blantonator,

I was looking at the 3 door hatch....but I could not find any specs on the 5 door golf. Just a video. However, from the looks of it I really think there may be more space in the clubbie but they will probably be pretty close.

Don't get me wrong....I love my VW but unless you were going with the GTI version of the Golf I really think you have more fun in the S Clubman than the standard TDI golf.

My 2.5 cents worth!

 

I wasn't kidding in my post above - the TDI is massive compared to a Clubman. No clue about the exact dimensional difference.

 

Coopers can't get out of their own way.......get the S!

 

1. get the S
2. but MC's are much more fun to get up to speed

 

It sure doesnt look that way from the pics....lemme know what you dig up...not doubting you at all but perhaps it is an illusion! One thing I DO like about the dubs though is that I feel they have really turned a corner with the new styling on the Jetta's (total line actually) in 2005.5 and up. Another thing I love about the Jetta to me it is VERY solidly built. I was kinda surprised at that having really only known an old bug and a 74 Rabbit.

 

buy the s---do not buy the ugly clubman--sorry guys

 

I'm driving a loaner Clubman while my S Clubman at the dealer...I am SO glad I got the S. There in no subsititue!

 

You can't really go wrong either way. It really is a win/win situation. Given your previous choices in cars, you would probably be happier with the s or jcw. I didn't go with the s for the previously stated reasons (increased maintenance, more expensive insurance, more things to go wrong as it ages, etc.). My daily commute has become ten times more fun. I am more than happy with the handling and power of my justaclubman, with the manual trans. The automatic makes it a little slower and a little less fun. Besides, if I truly want more horsepower than a small package can handle...theres always the t-bucket (with a hopped-up Corvette motor) in the garage :-)

 

It depends on your mindset and what you want out of your daily driver. Sometimes you don't want that power beckoning you all the time. Day in and day out, with the turbo kicking in and out can stir the juices or fray the nerves. Even if you don't use it you know its there and it is a constant temptation. I went the mellower route and am glad ( past cars included air-cooled 911 (daily driver for 5 years), 5 spd 535 BMW). Don't get me wrong - if an S pulls up along side I will smash my pedal to the metal.

 

I've had my Laser Blue Clubman S with LSD and love it more than anything I have driven. Also consider the wheel and tire combos. They have so much to do with the handling of the ride if you like to drive aggressively or autocross. The premium wheels are fantastic with the 17" tires. I would never get less than the S version. My wife's cooper seems so slow when I have to drive it compared to the clubbie.

 

get the S.

 

I took back the loaner Clubman yesterday. Got into my S, put the pedal down and thought "Ah, that's So nice!".

 

Get the S. If you don't you'll wish you had and if you do you're not likely to regret it. I ordered a justacoop a year ago only to cancel the order as the car was delivered. Then ordered an S having to start the 6 week wait all over again. Now my only regret is that I didn't purchase the Clubman S. But we love our Cooper S. Quick and plenty fun to drive.

 

I agree with what's already been said. Sounds like you want the S and not the base, but are seeking justification for the price increase. I've driven both, and the difference is very noticeable. Go drive both at the dealer. You'll see for yourself.
Personally, I think if you don't get the S you'll regret it. You'll constantly wish for more. Who wants a car they regret buying?

 

get the S!!!!!!!!!!

 

Curious. That's not my experience at all...

 

We were behind a 'justacooper' yesterday heading to the beach through Kanan Canyon in LA County...this guy (god bless him) was going SOOOO slowly, WAY under the speed limit...we almost died...Get the S. Period.

 

Just pulled the trigger on a justa, S was out of the question due to budget. But if you need a reason, you'll probably get back most of the $3500 premium when you sell it. And in the mean time you get to enjoy those extra horsies. Go for it.