[kei-86]

I also went for a 5 door in preference to the clubman. I don't think the clubman looks any better or any worse than the 5 door, both look a tad awkward in comparison to the 3 door. I find the 5 door mini to be quite compact and whilst the rear doors are a compromise, they are very useful. I can comfortably sit behind myself in the back as could my father, both of us being a hair over 6 feet. The centre seat is pointless as there is no leg room due to the cup holder.

My 5 door is in deep blue, which I think looks pretty good, though I'd have preferred green. Colour is always personal preference, I really don't like monochrome cars, so I'd go for anything with a decent amount of colour.

 

[jeremybingham]

We went from the 3 door to f54 and never considered the 5 door . I was blown away by the more stable nature the better ride/ handling compromise and the feeling of quality over my f56 that the f54 gives me. Drive both before you decide as they are all great cars!

 

[jeremybingham]

Sorry removed my post to the correct thread!

 

[VolcanicF54]

I think you may have have jumped threads on this topic Jeremy but fully concur.

 

[2 in the family]

We went from the 3 door to f54 and never considered the 5 door . I was blown away by the more stable nature the better ride/ handling compromise and the feeling of quality over my f56 that the f54 gives me. Drive both before you decide as they are all great cars!

If it wasn’t for my bad back and the need for a taller door the Clubman would be my choice. My wife’s JCW hatch 3 door is such a great drive especially with the adaptive suspension absolutely f ing love it. Except for not being able to turn off the engine noise through the speakers, drives me crazy. This should be adjustable.

 

[The Cardinal]

By way of an update, I am in the process of ordering a Clubman.

We've just come back from a weekend away with the 4 of us. My wife doesn't like driving the van much, so we were in our current R56. (I joined my wife and kids a few days later at our destination, as it was half term.)

To say that it was a squeeze is a serious understatement and, after that, clearance to order a new car was given! That said, the R56 was a blast to drive on country roads - and I will miss it at lot when the time comes. So, keeping some credibility as a driving machine is high on the replacement's priority list.

Having looked more at the F55 and F54 and prices for both, I've decided to go with a Clubman. There are upsides and downsides to both, but I found the Clubman's extra space and spec could be had for close to 5-door money in the end. I was also considering new and used Golf GTI / R models, which I've had a few of before. The Mini's spec, cost and personalisation options win out for me, though.

The spec I've settled on is:

- Clubman Cooper S in Exclusive trim
- 18" Star Spoke wheels (not runflat)
- Thunder Grey, with Silver roof and mirror caps
- Leather: Chester Indigo Blue
- Mini Yours Piano Black illuminated inlays
- Comfort Pack
- Anthracite headlining
- Harman Kardon HiFi
- LED headlights inc. cornering lights

Once I've posted more, I'll be able to put some configurator pics up!

I submitted a bespoke quote to a lease company on the back of a competitive quote for a base car - and they came back with a really very competitive price. It's about £4k cheaper over the 4 year term I'm happy to sign up to than the closest PCP. £306 per month on a 3 + 47 basis.

Although it wasn't clear in the blurb, I have been asked to prove that I drive for work (which I do, albeit not much in the last 12 months). I don't mind the extra paperwork at this price, though.

I've submitted an application and various bits and bobs, so will hopefully confirm a positive outcome soon.

 

[VolcanicF54]

Congratulations on your choice Cardinal!

Impressed too by the tactical use of "squeeze" tactics to obtain the green light to order

I have the 18" star spokes, black in my case. To my eyes they look great and are very easy to keep clean. Going non-runflats is a sound idea too imho.

Enjoy!!

 

[Mark Alexander]

Awesome! Glad you found something you like at a good price...

 

[Jelster]

Good choice! You know it makes sense

Colour scheme sounds interesting too.

 

[The Cardinal]

After a bit of faff associated with proving that I drive for business purposes, the order has been placed. Hopefully it will arrive within the next 12 weeks or so.

Thanks to everyone for all their advice - and I'll start a new thread for the car itself.

 

[AJT13N]

I just can't on with way 5 doors look but the Clubman with right colour/wheels/kit etc i'm quite fond of.

Sounds good choice Cardinal, be good to see.

 

[The Cardinal]

Well... in a rather sad update to this thread, I unfortunately didn't fulfil the order I made for a Clubman S.

Shortly after arranging a lease and selling my R56 Cooper S, my Dad was hospitalised. The Clubman was due in March and would have left me without wheels for 4 months, so I cancelled the lease.

Not wanting to do anything rash and / or expensive, I ended up in a 5-door 2007 Audi A3 2.0t. It's a very nicely spec'd car that drives surprisingly well and proves the value of a bigger car to run alongside our family van. However, it is 12 years old and, well, it is 12 years old!

Anyhow, this leaves me back at square one.

I still like the Clubman, but I am thinking of something with a little more edge than the base Cooper S. Would it be worth seeking out a 2017/18 JCW Clubman, or is there any word on a post-WLTP version?

 

[jeremybingham]

HOpe your dad gets better soon, new clubman jcw is out this spring with 300bhp. I'd wait it will be amazing!

 

[jimboraver]

All the best to your Dad, but as Jeremy says i'd wait, 300hp should be awesome, i'll definitely be tempted to trade in the clubby cooper s, mines been mapped and the difference to a standard S, is quite a lot judging by the look on a nice young mans new 3 door S on the way home tonight So another 40 or so horses will be a real experience