[brandonbardsley]

I actually really like this car, felt quite a chunk wider than my F56 when driving it however - didn't feel much of a slouch either especially compared to my F56 SD... Only cause I didn't realise that the Clubbie's Cooper D has 150hp, not too far off my SD's 170hp.

Anyway I really enjoyed driving this - it felt so grown up and absorbed the bumps like no other MINI I've been in and you can still throw it round corners... Albeit it leans a bit more and there's a tad more body roll.

Only thing that confused me is as the the lights came on automatically when I went in an underground car park, however the toggle on the dashboard for the light controls doesn't have the (A) setting, just (0), (Side Lights), (Dipped), which must mean its not got Pepper or Chilli. Looking at the windscreen it has the sensor - so it has automatic lights but it doesn't have the automatic light switch... So confused! Can't help but think that there's a **** up here on the build of this car... It has auto wipers too, with the auto button on the stalk, definitely something not right about that light switch... Is it just me?!

Oh and Collision Avoidance scared the crap out of me a few times, it beeped so loud!!

 

[Wing Co]

Nice one, we like looking at your footballers house as well...!!!

 

[Oszbi]

i know im going out on a limb here but is there anything in the cars settings that says auto???

 

[LeakyTurnip]

They all have auto wipers and auto lights. MINI decided to amend the light switch to remove the 'A' setting meaning the headlights are always set to Auto even when set at '0' on the dial. Some of the early builds have the 'A' mode however the 'A' and '0' do exactly the same thing.

It's very odd!

 

[Blue al]

I'd reject it if I was you

 

[Cory93]

I'd reject it if I was you

Another one ahaha lol

 

[Evlkarl]

LOL be easy on Brandon we all have our issues and faults..... one way or another....

 

[brandonbardsley]

They all have auto wipers and auto lights. MINI decided to amend the light switch to remove the 'A' setting meaning the headlights are always set to Auto even when set at '0' on the dial. Some of the early builds have the 'A' mode however the 'A' and '0' do exactly the same thing.

It's very odd!

If this is right then they need to update their functionality because it only allows you to turn the fog lights on when you turn the dial to dipped beam... unlike the 'A' switch I have which allows you to without messing with the dial. Just a thought - I can't reject a curtesy car.

Anyway I dig this car big time, I also like how the arial flashes red for the alarm when you lock it... I've been watching it and its still going... Does it go off after a period of time or does it always flash?

Oh and also, the MINI logo puddle light - just for the driver... How much are these handles?!

MINI's marketing for providing good curtesy cars is sure working on me this time round... I WANT ONE!

P.S. I love the rear wipers, they wipe in sync.... It's the little things.

 

[daydotz]

I hated the clubman S i had it seemed slow lacking in character and just seemed vague

 

[brandonbardsley]

I hated the clubman S i had it seemed slow lacking in character and just seemed vague

It's definitely not the hatch, its more grown up and 'comfy' but I still think it looks like a cheeky chappy... The only thing that its making me consider now is having my SD engine tuned to the same output as the Clubman's cause the drivetrain will be able to handle that safely as they've put it in!

 

[jeremybingham]

The clubman interior is VERY classy-not driven it yet but the leather seat options too are a cut above-love that diamond stitching. Great car and i like the sounds of the little touches you mention Brandon-i'd better not go and have a drive!

 

[RochdalePioneers]

I got an F56 despite having kids (8 & 5) because I spend most of my time alone in the car and had received planning permission for a car I actually wanted. Briefly considered the F55 but I don't think the rear space is that usable due to the odd door size/shape. And in my opinion it looks *wrong* compared to the 3 door.

Not long after getting my car the Clubman came out. And it presents an appealing proposition when I need to trade up - looks like a Mini (unlike the F55), has space, and seems to have smarter options than my car.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[timamb]

I got an F56 despite having kids (8 & 5) because I spend most of my time alone in the car and had received planning permission for a car I actually wanted. Briefly considered the F55 but I don't think the rear space is that usable due to the odd door size/shape. And in my opinion it looks *wrong* compared to the 3 door.

Not long after getting my car the Clubman came out. And it presents an appealing proposition when I need to trade up - looks like a Mini (unlike the F55), has space, and seems to have smarter options than my car.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

I did exactly that - F55 to F54. My F55 was a Cooper S however I've now got the F54 Cooper D Clubman. Brilliant car!

 

[brandonbardsley]

I did exactly that - F55 to F54. My F55 was a Cooper S however I've now got the F54 Cooper D Clubman. Brilliant car!

I was surprised at how quick the MCDC felt in comparison to my SD, was convinced it was just as quick until I looked at the stats - which is really good for the Clubman, but **** for me! The 170hp F56 SD seems to not pack that much of a punch as I used to think it did. Especially considering the 125d uses the same engine but has 224hp.

 

[mjq1602]

I was surprised at how quick the MCDC felt in comparison to my SD, was convinced it was just as quick until I looked at the stats - which is really good for the Clubman, but **** for me! The 170hp F56 SD seems to not pack that much of a punch as I used to think it did. Especially considering the 125d uses the same engine but has 224hp.

That's interesting Brandon regarding the 125d being 224hp and the same engine as the cooper SD. I didn't realise this. Logic would suggest then that a tuning box/ecu tune that would take the SD up to say 215hp would be perfectly well within the engine's tolerance levels.

I would only then be concerned about the increase torque. I've read 400nm as the limit but not sure if that's the gear box or torque converter? I see the MCDC already has 400nm but I believe it's 8 speed gearbox. How was it to drive with that autobox?

 

[brandonbardsley]

That's interesting Brandon regarding the 125d being 224hp and the same engine as the cooper SD. I didn't realise this. Logic would suggest then that a tuning box/ecu tune that would take the SD up to say 215hp would be perfectly well within the engine's tolerance levels.

I would only then be concerned about the increase torque. I've read 400nm as the limit but not sure if that's the gear box or torque converter? I see the MCDC already has 400nm but I believe it's 8 speed gearbox. How was it to drive with that autobox?

It didn't have the 8-speed auto equipped it was the 6-speed manual. Yeah I've had two quotes for tuning but my insurance won't insure me if I get it done.

£325 for an 'ECO' remap to 200hp
£375 for a 'STAGE 2' remap to 230hp.

Torque goes up significantly however CelticTuning say that they've made sure the torque is within the gearbox's tolerances even though its over 400nm.

 

[mjq1602]

It didn't have the 8-speed auto equipped it was the 6-speed manual. Yeah I've had two quotes for tuning but my insurance won't insure me if I get it done.

£325 for an 'ECO' remap to 200hp
£375 for a 'STAGE 2' remap to 230hp.

Torque goes up significantly however CelticTuning say that they've made sure the torque is within the gearbox's tolerances even though its over 400nm.

And did they say what tolerance the gearbox/torque converter has?

Would you not consider a tuning box like DTUk's that would maybe get you around the insurance issue?

I'm a bit surprised at how much you like the Mini Clubman coming from the Hatch SD. I thought the Hatch would have trounced it but by the sounds of it, even with only 150hp, the Clubman seems pretty special.

 

[brandonbardsley]

And did they say what tolerance the gearbox/torque converter has?

Would you not consider a tuning box like DTUk's that would maybe get you around the insurance issue?

I'm a bit surprised at how much you like the Mini Clubman coming from the Hatch SD. I thought the Hatch would have trounced it but by the sounds of it, even with only 150hp, the Clubman seems pretty special.

It just didn't seem any slower than my SD when I was driving it, however getting back in to my SD you could definitely tell the difference and the hatch is a much sharper car - but I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the 3-clydiner diesel in the MCDC.

I have looked in to DTUK's boxes and was just a bit confused about them and I'd read a few things regarding extra carbon build-up causing some issues! Plus with a tuning box I'd have to take it to a rolling road at an additional cost to see how much gain I'm getting - whereas with CelticTuning they do that there as its a full remap. I thought MINI stated that the tolerance for the 6pd auto is 400nm, the CelticTuning remap takes it to 467nm... They say its safe but I'd need proof before pulling the plug.

After driving my SD the past couple of days and really ragging it to try and make me see whether or not I want anymore power, the only time I was left wanting more was at around 60-90mph - however I've put this down to being on a motorway, I'm sure on a country lane the torque would seem much more impressive in narrower surroundings.

Long story short - I love my SD the way it is, although the tolerances would allow the 230hp+ tune, I can't warranty spending £400 for it plus the fact my insurance refuse to insure me cause of my age. I've beaten my mum's manual JCW in a straight line - probably down to luck and slow gear changes on my mums behalf but still made me realise how quick it is without a remap.

 

[mjq1602]

It just didn't seem any slower than my SD when I was driving it, however getting back in to my SD you could definitely tell the difference and the hatch is a much sharper car - but I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the 3-clydiner diesel in the MCDC.

I have looked in to DTUK's boxes and was just a bit confused about them and I'd read a few things regarding extra carbon build-up causing some issues! Plus with a tuning box I'd have to take it to a rolling road at an additional cost to see how much gain I'm getting - whereas with CelticTuning they do that there as its a full remap. I thought MINI stated that the tolerance for the 6pd auto is 400nm, the CelticTuning remap takes it to 467nm... They say its safe but I'd need proof before pulling the plug.

After driving my SD the past couple of days and really ragging it to try and make me see whether or not I want anymore power, the only time I was left wanting more was at around 60-90mph - however I've put this down to being on a motorway, I'm sure on a country lane the torque would seem much more impressive in narrower surroundings.

Long story short - I love my SD the way it is, although the tolerances would allow the 230hp+ tune, I can't warranty spending £400 for it plus the fact my insurance refuse to insure me cause of my age. I've beaten my mum's manual JCW in a straight line - probably down to luck and slow gear changes on my mums behalf but still made me realise how quick it is without a remap.

Good to hear your opinion on this Brandon and I certainly take your point on country roads as to me that's where the fun is at. I normally cruise on motorways at about 65mph as no interest in doing anywhere near a ton. It's the low/mid range speed/torque that I like.

So my intention is to think it over for couple months while I run the car in but If I do go ahead with the DTUK I'll keep you posted with the results.

 

[brandonbardsley]

Good to hear your opinion on this Brandon and I certainly take your point on country roads as to me that's where the fun is at. I normally cruise on motorways at about 65mph as no interest in doing anywhere near a ton. It's the low/mid range speed/torque that I like.

So my intention is to think it over for couple months while I run the car in but If I do go ahead with the DTUK I'll keep you posted with the results.

Let me know if you pull the plug on one of these boxes!