I’ve had several GTIs and thinking about the the new ‘22 R but also looking at the JCW Clubman, and leaning towards the Clubman. What do you like about the Clubman and why do you prefer it over the R? And, also looking at the Subaru STI. Thoughts?
There is absolutely NO WAY I'd sell the Mk 7.5 R for a Mini. So tell us how its much better:? Reliability? - nope 4wd system? - nope Warranty? - nope Performance/handing? - nope Resale value? - nope .....should I go on?
@@fredbrackely Can you go into a little detail with those areas? Just trying to compare, and I’ll tell you that I’ve owned 4 GTIs since ‘85 to my last one in ‘19, and I really like VWs but I’ve test driven the Clubman and really like it as well. It’s different, which I like, not your run of the mill interior, fit and finish is on par with the VW, in my opinion, and I know people love to stick with their brands, so just wondering how you break those areas out.
Forgot to mention i am not a boy racer although i sometimes drive like one and yes i know i should not do it ! .... I am 65 i usually change my car every 4 years ..... this is my forever car !
Yes without a doubt. Have had my JCW Clubbie for over 18 months now and love it🤗👍 Highly recommend the adaptive dampers and led matrix headlights, oh and the head up display, the Harmon Khardon sound system, and....and...Well, pretty much all the options! My 4th Mini and second JCW (previous car was a JCW hatch, the Clubbie is much faster). Mine averages 33-34 MPG driving to and from work every day (60 mile round trip) on town and good A roads, and I don’t hang about on the A roads, frequently driving in Sport mode with the dynamic traction selected 😜. The adaptive suspension gives a comfy ride in mid mode on run flat tyres. My previous JCW hatch was much more “choppy” in sports mode.
Having been a long-time VW customer and lover of VW cars, I've been very disappointed with my last two VW's quality and total lack of support from VW to the point I'll never buy another one. The mini seems like the way to go. Great review BTW.
I am enjoying the Clubman Cooper S after many years of BMW Saloons and SUVs. Ok it so not the quickest, sharpest or supple of drives but just something about switching to Sports mode and working the manual box that puts a smile on your face each & every time. If you must have an auto buy a Golf or 1 Series as I personally don’t see the point of anything but rowing your own gears in a Mini.
Bought 1 in July tons of extras £39k , my first ever performance car , green mode good , normal fast and then you got sport. The one thing that took a bit of getting used to was the steering , you dont have to turn it much for it to go where you want. The steering feels different in every mode. Did you measure boot space with false floor out. My rear doors don't fly open they have dampers , ref your rear view comments , have you ever driven a van with no rear view. Get your brakes checked out , at low speed they are NOT spongy , without a seat belt you would probably be on the dashboard.
I have been debating whether to trade my golf for a clubman or countryman. I loved my older clubman and its quirky doors but long distance travel wasnt as good as the golf and the golf has bigger interior space. However the mini had more features and a more interesting style that made it more fun. It just balances out I guess so its hard to choose.
YES! You made a terrific point in that you can use the 300hp on the street where 800hp+ is unusable. I believe that's why my first car, a Datsun 510 is my favorite over other cars I have owned such as a DeTomaso Pantera grp IV and a Corvette Z06, both with around 600RWHP. and as you say, way too much power to be max fun on the street...:) I'm liking the Mini Clubman and just might pick one up next summer. Great review, thanks!
I have a cooper s and I’m getting the jcw next,tried a polo gti,boring and understeer yuk.Not tried a golf ,too big.I want a manual like I have now,suits the car much better and is more involving and a sweet gearchange.
I would not consider the Golf R estate as a competitor. Clubman really is just a slightly more practical mini for those that need 5 seats or like me; golf clubs! iPhone size is a problem especially if you have a newer iPhone 11 etc.
the Clubby is not a estate - it is the same lengh as the normal GTI R ;) Carplay works with Wifi ;) and you should be able to plug the iphone as well... at least it works for me
I know! He keeps mentioning how small it drives for a large car, and with the parking thing how it is a long car...No it isn't. Just because it's a bigger Mini doesn't mean it is a big car...virtually identical in size to a standard golf.
I also mentioned that in my comment; didn’t say it was the “most boring” but my point was that it really doesn’t stand out as “different” or “unique” in my opinion. I considered waiting for the ‘22 R but after seeing what it looks like, decided to order the much more unique looking ‘22 Clubman JCW. I CAN’T WAIT TO GET IT!
Actually, this car is unusable on public roads as well. 300hp on a light car are too much. Most of the time you don't get to exploit this power safely.
BRUH U CAN GET A WAY NICER LOADED BMW X1,X3,X5 OR MERCEDES GLC 43AMG FOR SAME PRICE THEN A SHITTY MINI.)) I THOUGH OF BUYING ONE YEARS AGO BUT MY FRIENDS TOLD ME " BRO U GOTTA HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR YOURSELF" .. THEY AINT EVEN COMFY TO DRIVE NO LEG ROOM, CHEAP INTERIORS.
I have one... Had it for 11mths done 6kmiles... Mechanically 100%reliable... Had to replace offside auxiliary radiator after a stone punctured it.. So had stone guards fitted at the same time... Why these were not a factory fit item is beyond me as they were only £20 extra per side. New infotainment system fitted under warranty after 4mths of use as it would be Russian Roulette wether it worked or not. My first Mini.. and its a great drivers car.. eppic performance great auto box and handling... Love it. PS.. It's going to be a chore to keep clean with winter approaching... As the rear end gets filthy even in dry summer weather.
Just changed my golf R 310 for a clubman cooper s. Previously had a Mini Cooper s hatch when I was younger and always said I’d get another. Loved my golf but have to say I’m happy so far with the clubman. Not the same power obviously, but good fun none the less and has a bit of oomph when required. Fuel efficiency is good so far but anything would be in comparison to the R! Great review 😊
Mate, the system navigation opens to full screen, and is probably better than what you use. You can also open the taildoors by waving your feet underneath.
Hello to Michael , just seen what you said .... note .... all the different versions of the jcw are 2 litre and automatic only , go for the clubman like me , the longer wheel base makes it less bouncy , it does not suffer from under/over steer. If you are not bothered about a lot of toys their are 2 things i would recommend you have , heads ups display and active suspension. For more info read my other comments just below yours.
Without a doubt! Notwithstanding the useless phone cradle and no HUD in mine, I love everything about my Clubman JCW and disagree about the brakes... 2000 miles in and braking is instant, sharp, strong and offers excellent feedback. Driving my JCW makes me happy, it does turn heads and the only thing I’d consider changing it for would be an all electric version! 🚗🚗🚗
