Clubman versus Hatchback

[tosh.brice]

I am considering buying a 2nd generation Cooper S.

The extra passenger space in the Clubman Cooper S is appealing but i am worried about the effect on handling:

According to reviews by evo magazine http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2103... and Graham Whyte http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/print.html?print_page=/... the go-kart handling on tricky back roads suffers from the longer wheelbase.

Since the whole point of a Cooper S is the way it pulls out of corners, that's a serious criticism.

I live in Israel where the roads are even more challenging than in the UK, and can't do a comparative road test - only the basic Cooper (not S) is available to try.

Does anyone have experience?

Edited by tosh.brice on Tuesday 24th June 09:37

Edited by tosh.brice on Tuesday 24th June 09:38

Edited by tosh.brice on Tuesday 24th June 09:39

[PPPPPP]

tosh.brice said:

Since the whole point of a Cooper S is the way it pulls out of corners, that's a serious criticism.

Surely there is more to the Mini than just the way it pulls out of corners....No? Are you comfortable with the torque steer? or would a quattro be better for the challenging conditions in Israel.

[tosh.brice]

Hello, PP!
well of course I was exaggerating, but you know what I mean.
torque steer on the hatch is certainly acceptable, but is effect on the Clubman seriously worse, as the "experts" suggest?

[okgo]

I was driving a s clubman earlier with every extra availble.

And it felt pretty nifty around the corners you know and I really did forget that I was in the larger car.

I think they are good actually, I didnt use to like them, but the third door is usefull, and with the back folded down they are a decent size.

[sad61t]

From the WhatCar review (http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-full.aspx?RT=2780) the suspension has been tuned for slightly more comfort over the hatch. Remember this is relative to the hatch that's possibly the best handling mainstream (small) car available right now; it's not like an 80s MG Montego Turbo...

If you're concerned about torque steer on the S, check with your dealer if you can spec the limited slip diff.

[Section179]

sad61t said:

If you're concerned about torque steer on the S, check with your dealer if you can spec the limited slip diff.

Does an LSD reduce torque steer on FWD?

[fergy]

LSD does help, but does not eliminate teh tug on the wheel. Worth the £100 in my opinion.

[Section179]

fergy said:

LSD does help, but does not eliminate teh tug on the wheel. Worth the £100 in my opinion.

Thanks. But here its US$500.

[fergy]

Oooch ! that is expensive, then again I spent about £22k on my MCS...~$40k I would bet the cars are a weeeeeee bit cheaper over in the US.

[haggle]

LSD is a must imo but stick with the stock mcs

[zax]

I have a Cooper S clubman on 24 hour test drive at the moment. Bad move.... I sooooo want one

Did the 4-up family trip with shopping, no issues. Plenty room for everybody, which is not the case with the standard Mini. Came back on the twisty roads (paved and also gravel) and really did have a good time. In my opinion it handled as well as if not better than my current car (Civic type R) which I regularly drive on the same routes. Steering had a much nicer feel too.

Not crazy about the interior, it's a little overdone for my tastes. But I could live with it...

[Lohen]

Zax, just think what you could do with your Clubman lowered on Eibach springs... or with a strut brace, too.





Our Clubman Cooper D is using the Uni Chip piggyback ECU. It went from 92 to 106.5bhp, and the system is removable so no worries when you pop back to the dealership for something!

Edited by Lohen on Wednesday 24th September 11:12

[J400uk]

Lohen said:

Our Clubman Cooper D is using the Uni Chip piggyback ECU. It went from 92 to 106.5bhp , and the system is removable so no worries when you pop back to the dealership for something!

Hang on, are they not 110bhp standard

Edited by J400uk on Monday 6th October 19:32