Author Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman (Read 13024 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** April 29, 2016, 06:31:17 am »

Celebrating Middle Age Spread
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safristi · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2016, 07:25:42 am »

JUMBO SHRIMP.......................soon be as big as an IMPALER.....................

$:-\$
..."would wheeze out a few inches like limp celery" Quote..too much info

.

JohnnyMac · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2016, 08:30:50 am »

I can't really understand why someone would choose this over the VW GTI or Ford Focus ST. I've never liked the Clubman.

mixmanmash · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2016, 08:58:50 am »

Quote from: stodge on April 29, 2016, 07:50:26 am

I thought this had an 8 speed with the larger engine?

The one in this review is a manual...

JRM · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:03:29 am »

$40,000 for that? Ya gotta be kidding!

Blueprint · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:15:25 am »

Excellent write-up, context, previous ownership and everything!

I would have no hesitations picking this over a Focus ST, for the simple reason the ST is stuck in "go-kart mode" all the time. You can drive your boss to a meeting in a Clubman. Focus ST? With Recaros? Not quite. It's a different car for a different crowd. The GTI is nearer in refinement and does compare quite well. The GTI will sell to engineers, the Clubman to architects. As for pricing, base is pretty competitive but you have to mind that option list.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:32:25 am »

Clubman? At this price?

Give me a Focus ST/RS or GTI/R.

vasyapirh · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:45:47 am »

I know that there are better cars for 40K but this appeals to me.

OliverD · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:54:07 am »

Quote from: vasyapirh on April 29, 2016, 09:45:47 am

I know that there are better cars for 40K but this appeals to me.

Agreed.

As a fan of Minis, wagons, and hatchbacks I was actually quite excited when the Clubman was announced. However, my excitement is tempered by the fact that despite the fact that the Clubman is almost identical in size to the GTI, it has significantly less cargo room. That precludes it from replacing the GTI as our "practical car". Which is a shame, because a Golf-sized Mini with AWD and a manual is hugely appealing to me.

Fobroader · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2016, 10:28:46 am »

Quote from: Sir Osis of Liver on April 29, 2016, 09:32:25 am

Clubman? At this price?

Give me a Focus ST/RS or GTI/R.

My sentiments exactly. I would take an ST or a WRX way before this.....wagon?

conwelpic · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2016, 10:42:53 am »

typical BMW, not bad base price but nail you on options.

I like the naming of the one "essentials package" - you have to pay for an extra $1800 package to get a couple of things that should be in the base price, namely heated seats and centre armrest. What on earth is a "enhanced telephone prep"?

$2145 for freight and PDI - about $400 more than most other vehicles.

There is the basic Clubman at $24,990 with a 3 cylinder 134 hp turbo. One of the exterior colours is a $1000 extra.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2016, 10:50:29 am »

meh...i'd take a Golf R or the new Sportage SX for the same money.

safristi · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2016, 02:30:58 pm »

hemusbull · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2016, 05:01:12 pm »

The original Mini was unique. This here is a generic like any BMW, Audi, Merc and so on...All models look like made in incubator with slightly different size and door number. Silly but anyway - kudos to BMW brass for the sales!

ChaosphereIX · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2016, 05:08:36 pm »

MINI has lost all its magic since the R53 first generation

those were feisty little terriers with attitude - this generation is the complete oppostite

OliverD · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2016, 05:27:57 pm »

Quote from: hemusbull on April 29, 2016, 05:01:12 pm

The original Mini was unique. This here is a generic like any BMW, Audi, Merc and so on...All models look like made in incubator with slightly different size and door number. Silly but anyway - kudos to BMW brass for the sales!

This may not have the character of an original Mini but to call it generic is pure hyperbole.

84im · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2016, 10:54:17 am »

I owned a 1967 Mini (850cc slow as molasses) back in the late sixties and really liked it. In 2006 I bought a new Mini Cooper S and liked it, but it had the usual Mini reliability problems. I sold it after 50,000km.
I wouldn't buy another.

tazcubed · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2016, 04:44:22 pm »

Overall, this Clubman S was the closest I came to a purchase of a Mini. It's got presence (even if polarizing to some), and although not necessarily the best space packaging, it works well in my books. Unlike the VW Golf wagon, I didn't knock my head getting into or out of the back seat. The HUD is commendable, one of the few out there at this price point (Mazda's isn't good from what I've seen). The hold back is outward visibility particularly the back with the 2 doors as well as perception of long-term durability. On the plus side, it's one of the few manufacturers out there that "venture" out there besides blue, burgundy and shades of monochrome. Still, it seems to be a good runabout for the city.

tpl · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2016, 05:53:42 pm »

I learnt to drive in a 850 Mini and spent a few hours later in a 1275 Cooper S. When the 'new' Mini appeared I wanted one. The thing that put me off was: the original Mini was unreliable as cars were then but you could fix it with ordinary tools and a Haynes manual. The new one you couldn't without going to the dealer...yes I know this is true of most cars nowadays.

I think that without exception the current generation of Mini variants are all bloated and ugly and they make my eyes hurt when I see one.

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Blueprint · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2016, 06:53:48 pm »

Just for fun, these two are on BaT auctions right now:

'67 Cooper S, up to 18,500$ as of now:

'03 Cooper S, no reserve, now at ... 1,800$: