A couple of questions on the Cooper S Clubman

[w44neg]

I used to drive an R56 John Cooper Works hatch, and lately, I've been reminiscing about the exhaust note. I used to love the way it popped and spluttered (it woke the neighbours up several times I'm sure!), plus how great the car was in general.

I need a bit more space these days so I've been weighing up either a used Cooper S or JCW clubman. The difference in price between the two models is quite large though so I wondered how your experiences compare between the two models. Does the Cooper S still have plenty of fun about it and what sort of real world MPG figures should I be expecting with mixed driving (subjective I know)?

Also, one of the Cooper S models I've seen is an automatic with steering wheel paddles. How good or bad is this system when changing manually and in automatic mode?

Thanks

[Sam.F]

My JCW was more economical than the Cooper S it replaced! They would appear to have improved fuel economy a little over the years so allowing for the Clubman using a little more fuel than the hatch I'd imagine a Cooper S Clubman would use a similar amount of fuel to your R56 JCW.

Oh, and don't get the auto. Just don't.

[w44neg]

Sam.F said:

My JCW was more economical than the Cooper S it replaced! They would appear to have improved fuel economy a little over the years so allowing for the Clubman using a little more fuel than the hatch I'd imagine a Cooper S Clubman would use a similar amount of fuel to your R56 JCW.

Oh, and don't get the auto. Just don't.

Thanks Sam... I take it the auto isn't the best then? :-D

[mike9009]

Hi
5
We moved from an R53 Cooper S to a clubman S. Sp I cannot comment on the differences between the JCW and S. I have also noticed a significant price differential between the JCW and S. I think the Clubman JCW has not sold a great numbers and so has a rarity value attached to it too.

I have managed upto 50mpg in the clubman (60mph cruise along the length of the M42 with speed cameras.) Typically get about 41-42 on motorways and then averaging 36-37mpg on general day-to=day chores.

I do love it, though last night it decided to open the windows and sunroof - interior now a little damp!

The extra room compared to a standard Mini is really useful. I find the steering feel a little muted compared to the R53 - but I might move back to runflats.

Mike

[Maracus]

Sam.F said:

Oh, and don't get the auto. Just don't.

Why not?

[Maracus]

w44neg said:

Also, one of the Cooper S models I've seen is an automatic with steering wheel paddles. How good or bad is this system when changing manually and in automatic mode?

Thanks

We have a 184 BHP Cooper S auto. My wife has a rheumatoid arthritis so auto is the only way to go now.

I wasn't too sure on getting an auto MINI, it didn't seem right, but it really is good. The up shifts in Sport mode are superb, and the paddles on the steering wheel work very well.

Try one if you can, before ruling it out. It makes town driving very relaxing