To "S" or not to "S"

[jeffff]

Hello, I'm in the market for a new Clubman. It appears that the majority of new clubman buyers are purchasing the S. Should I even consider the base verson or not bother? The 17" Crown spoke alloys seem to be only available in the base model. (according to our local MINI dealer).

Would you guys consider the base model underpowered? adequate?

Appreciate your time,

Jeff

[Shaun]

If you want an S go for it especially if you have not had one before its something worth doing at least once.

I have a Cooper I find it quick enough and don't miss the rabid power of my R53 S but if somebody gave me the keys to a Clubman S (and a free fuel card ) I would rip there arm off and beat them with the sloppy end .

[taskmaxter]

Drive em both and then decide which works for you

[CalicoskiesNC]

We first tested the justa MCC, loved it. Then drove the S MCC, just laughed and grinned the whole test drive. It was so much fun. Decision was made in an instant.

[Dr. J]

I chose non-S because my main motivation was better gas mileage - by definition the S version gets poorer mileage.

[Mr Silverblood]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dr. J (original)

I chose non-S because my main motivation was better gas mileage - by definition the S version gets poorer mileage.

That was my thought process as well. Even when it came time for the test drive, I said I wanted to drive a non-S model, because I knew I'd probably become giddy driving the S.

Plus, it's a small car, and a lighter engine, both of which equal better gas mileage, and with the gas prices the way they are, an S would just be a waste of money in the end, IMHO.

[Yeoda]

My wife ordered a Cooper Clubman, drove an S and promptly changed her order. No regrets and 5k miles in very happy to be getting real MPG of 38-42 with a mix of roads. I drove the base model recently and missed the pull of the S. 17in rims on the S get a bit frisky on poorer roads so you have to be careful to feed the power properly but a fantastic car overall. Having had a One D and a cooper in the family I think an S was always next choice for us. Good luck, it is a tough choice but they are all great cars, go with what suits your needs.

[heli_guy]

The choice is ultimately a personal one. I have a copper, and bought it for the better fuel economy and lower cost.

If you do not care for that, then the S is definatley the way to go. It has way more power and fun factor. The base copper has good power, but not great.

That said, I am happy with my base copper clubman performance and cost of ownership so far .

[Tunster]

I must vouch for the Clubman S! (even though I have a Cooper S) I test drove the Clubman S because the showroom didn't have a Cooper S ready for to test drive. The main thing was to get feel of the engine more than anything. Anyway, I was amazed how much go-karty feel it had, even with the longer wheel base.

I'd highly recommend it if you need the extra space.

[ontheroadagain]

Love my MCC automatic and have had no problems with any lack of power. Just came back from a serious MINI Run on Saturday...over hills and dales, up mountains, around twisties...even with the air conditioner on (super hot here in the east coast of the USA lately), I powered right up the big hills hot on the tail of the MCS ahead of me.

It's already way to easy to go too fast in a Cooper Clubman. I don't need to go faster than 85 and easily could...I know, normally I don't drive that but it is easy to slide up there without realizing it.. Since I'm not driving on a track, wanted better mpgs...not to mention the extra costs...plus I think the non S is more attractive - thus, I chose what I did.

Drive 'em both and think about the realities of your driving life...and go with what you can afford and want.

[Aurel]

From my experience the people that consider the MC underpowered are ones that are coming to MINI from much larger engine cars
The S is a fantastic machine. Faster off the line and more effortless acceleration. I found it a bit "too effortless" as I like to work an engine to bring it up to speed.
But yeah, like OTRA wrote above. You can easily keep up with an S if you know what you're doing.

Drive them both and weigh the pros and cons.