Having spent sometime with a Clubman loaner(base, automatic, 15" non-runflat all-season), here is my 0.02:
1. Ride quality is great. Long wheel base + non-rf rides about as good as a GTI on 17".

2. Less fun to drive: Turn-in is slower and more body roll, but it does grip and handle very well (actually out-corner a bully 09 A4 2.0T quattro, big on my face). It's also less willing to "throttle-steer".

3. It's less stable in crosswind but still more than acceptable.

4. Engine is nosiy at highway (good 500rpm+ more than MCS at 75mph). However, in the city with +/- + sport mode it's very responsive

5. Space

 

Were you in DS mode on the highway? Don't see why with an auto it would be revving so much higher than yours. My manual runs about 500 higher than the autos I've had as loaners.

 

It's in D or sport mode M6(6TH Gear) when I'm going @ 75mph for 60 miles. The car only has 700 miles on clock and myself on-board.

 

I believe it is an auto in both cases. You would expect the Cooper to rev higher than an S because of the power difference.

 

Pretty sure the Cooper and Cooper S have the same gear ratios.

 

The auto transmission gear ratios between Cooper and S are pretty close but the final drive multiplier makes a significant difference.

Automatic (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, R, Final drive)
Cooper: 4.148, 2.370, 1.556, 1.155, 0.859, 0.686, 3.394, 4.103
S: 4.044, 2.371, 1.556, 1.159, 0.852, 0.672, 3.193, 3.683

Manual (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, R, Final drive)
Cooper: 3.214, 1.792, 1.194, 0.914, 0.784, 0.683, 3.143, 4.353
S: 3.308, 2.130, 1.483, 1.139, 0.949, 0.816, 3.231, 3.647

source: http://www.motoringfile.com/files/cl...ifications.pdf

 

Mines at 3k in 6th at 80mph

 

 

Sport mode keeps the automatic from shifting into 6th gear. And I completely agree about how the base 15" non-run flat tires have WAY more grip than my 16" run flats! I have had many loaners and they always handle the road better and I am convinced it is all in the tires.

The sport suspension really reduces the body roll.