Clubman diesel - opinions?

[mjcon]

I've just read a review of the Clubman D in What Car? - it said the engine was "noisy and sluggish". But a mate of mine has one and says it's quiet and goes like a rocket. Which one is right? (I know the only real answer is to test drive one, and I will be doing so shortly, just trying to decide between diesel and petrol before I arrange it)
Thanks
Martin

[Paul]

I really, really like it. Here's my review: MINI Cooper D Clubman | theSwitchback

We also had one for a few weeks over the MINI United weekend and it just grew on us more and more.

It doesn't really "go like a rocket", but I'd chose it over the Cooper because to me it feels a stronger, more flexible engine, with more character.

It's not silent either, but it's not OTT.

[BigStuff]

Engine need 10k miles on to loosen up. Very tight new feels down on torque.

Mines got 23k on now and feels better and better.

Not the quietest though. On a par with our old skool VAG 1.9TDi for refinement.

[stuvoi]

it has some noise when you first set off, but in general running it's not too noisy.

In terms of "poke" it's not bad, not as quick as the S from off the line, but in terms of 50 - 70 the time's pretty good

[humph]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

I really, really like it. Here's my review: MINI Cooper D Clubman | theSwitchback

We also had one for a few weeks over the MINI United weekend and it just grew on us more and more.

It doesn't really "go like a rocket", but I'd chose it over the Cooper because to me it feels a stronger, more flexible engine, with more character.

It's not silent either, but it's not OTT.

I'm with Paul. The Clubman D is a brilliant all rounder. Would have had one myself, but chose the S because, after two Coopers, I could

[mella yella fella]

Don't expect the claimed mpg,but 55-58 to the gallon on a mix of roads is fair enough.
the engine is not the most refined, especially when new,but after a few thousand on the clock it loosens up nicely and goes well enough,though not as well as a vw 110bhp lump.
the best thing thats happened to ours is getting rid of those damn runflats!
Fells like a proper car now

[mjcon]

thanks all...will definitely be test driving one! I've got a 2006 VW Golf 1.9 tdi DSG so I'll be interested to compare noise levels

[humph]

Quote: Originally Posted by mella yella fella (original)

,though not as well as a vw 110bhp lump.

Comparing my mates Clubman D to his previous Seat Leon 115bhp I would have to disagree with this.

But it's only my opinion.

[Morro]

Quote: Originally Posted by BigStuff (original)

Engine need 10k miles on to loosen up. Very tight new feels down on torque.

Mines got 23k on now and feels better and better.

Not the quietest though. On a par with our old skool VAG 1.9TDi for refinement.

My previous car was VW 1,9 tdi, i think the Mini is much more refined.

But consumtion is about 10% lower than on my Passat, not as good as promised...

[mellowyellowclubman]

Just wanted to chuck my two penneth in - i picked my diesel clubman up at the weekend and am a new mini owner :-D
So far it's showing mid 50's on fuel consumption which on a new engine to me seems pretty good.
I chose the diesel with the sport button over the S for the fuel econonmy and the emissions as the P11D value (company car) means it costs me next to nothing in tax. Oh, that and the fact that it's fun to drive!

[davyboy]

I've never driven a MINI derv, but know a few who have them and they all seem happy