Clubman SD (F54)
Discussion
I'm still on the hunt for a new car and really undecided. I do a lot of motorway commuter driving but still want something fun. Also I do a couple of trips a year on staycations so need a bit of room. Cars I've considered are the usual Octavia VRS/Leon FR/Golf GTD (estates/hatchbacks), Volvo v60, BMW 320d etc.
My friend has said, look at Clubman so I did. My question is, how decent are these for motorway journeys, is the boot any good, do they handle and exciting enough to drive, what's the SD engine like, are there any issues?
Cheers
My friend has said, look at Clubman so I did. My question is, how decent are these for motorway journeys, is the boot any good, do they handle and exciting enough to drive, what's the SD engine like, are there any issues?
Cheers
Can't comment specifically on the SD, but we've recently bought a Clubman Cooper 1.5 auto. I've also got an F56 Cooper Sport as my daily. The Clubman is a really good drive, its not as severe as my F56 but still handles well. It's also brilliant on the motorway, it really feels refined so it's a good blend. The boot is deceptively large, we've had a full size mountain bike in without having to remove the front wheel. There's plenty of room in the front and rear seats too, it's a bit of a tardis.
TLDR: highly recommended
TLDR: highly recommended
Unfortunately I've got to get a diesel as the mileage I do is epic.
The main thing is that the car is comfy and practical. I'm currently driving an Insignia, which is nice to drive on the motorway and has the room, but as inspiring as brown paint. This is why I've been looking at the Octavia VRS and it's relatives but there's so many of them, they aren't exactly unique.
I feel the Clubman is more a unique car, especially the boot. Plus I know it's no way near as big as a proper estate but as long as it can fit in a pram, suitcase and another bag, then it should be fine. Most of the time it is just me and the car on the motorway so that is also a massive must on comfort but I do like to sometimes take the B roads to and from work.
The main thing is that the car is comfy and practical. I'm currently driving an Insignia, which is nice to drive on the motorway and has the room, but as inspiring as brown paint. This is why I've been looking at the Octavia VRS and it's relatives but there's so many of them, they aren't exactly unique.
I feel the Clubman is more a unique car, especially the boot. Plus I know it's no way near as big as a proper estate but as long as it can fit in a pram, suitcase and another bag, then it should be fine. Most of the time it is just me and the car on the motorway so that is also a massive must on comfort but I do like to sometimes take the B roads to and from work.
A 320d or even an Octavia VRs will eat up motorway miles better then a Clubman SD but the Clubman will be more fun when taking the back roads and a smaller car to live with. They have plenty of space and the boot can take 3 large suitcases as the floor is removable.
They come in FWD or All4 and I'd definitely recommend the 8 speed auto over a manual.
They come in FWD or All4 and I'd definitely recommend the 8 speed auto over a manual.
un1eash said:
A 320d or even an Octavia VRs will eat up motorway miles better then a Clubman SD but the Clubman will be more fun when taking the back roads and a smaller car to live with. They have plenty of space and the boot can take 3 large suitcases as the floor is removable.
They come in FWD or All4 and I'd definitely recommend the 8 speed auto over a manual.
I think the others would be better suited for the motorway for sure but when I do take the B roads which is sometimes my only option due to traffic, they wouldn't be no where near as fun. My Insignia isn't that fun on the B roads but brilliant for motorway. They come in FWD or All4 and I'd definitely recommend the 8 speed auto over a manual.
I'm not that fussed if it is manual or auto, the main thing is I want something that is going to be fun to drive. Yes most of my time is spent on the motorway but as long as it's not a back breaker and won't feel like I've been a punching bag, I'd be more than happy.
Reasons I'm thinking of the Clubman is because they are known for decent handling and fun to drive. The others are more a motorway cruiser.
I ran an F54 SD for two years in which I racked up 40k miles.
They are great on the motorway. I have previously had many company cars which have included Insignias, and a 320d.
I considered a similar selection of cars when got the Clubbie. I also had a GTD prior to getting it.
I found the seats to be really comfortable and with the 8 speed auto high speed cruising is easy and they have excellent midrange . You could cruise at high speed with the car at 2000rpm.
I averaged about 47-48 mpg over my time with the car but did achieve 56 on one tank.
The boot space isn’t huge, similar volume to that found in a Golf, but it is a really good shape so you can maximise its use.
I did have a couple of issues with mine , one due to a blocked AC pipe which caused flooded footwells. This was fixed under warranty.
I also had a new auto gearbox under warranty, due to an issue with it holding onto gears/not changing up.
They think that was due to a sticking actuator but it was easier for Mini to provide a new gearbox.
To be fair I haven’t heard of anyone else with that issue but if looking at an auto check it changes up smoothly.
The ride is fine on the motorway but around town particularly on run flats it can be pretty firm.
Despite this I really miss mine.It was pretty rapid, roomy enough , handled well and a joy to drive. Plus there is a certain camaraderie amongst the Mini community .
I now have a Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv X which is a great all rounder , easier to live with but doesn’t provide the same highs as the Mini did.
They are great on the motorway. I have previously had many company cars which have included Insignias, and a 320d.
I considered a similar selection of cars when got the Clubbie. I also had a GTD prior to getting it.
I found the seats to be really comfortable and with the 8 speed auto high speed cruising is easy and they have excellent midrange . You could cruise at high speed with the car at 2000rpm.
I averaged about 47-48 mpg over my time with the car but did achieve 56 on one tank.
The boot space isn’t huge, similar volume to that found in a Golf, but it is a really good shape so you can maximise its use.
I did have a couple of issues with mine , one due to a blocked AC pipe which caused flooded footwells. This was fixed under warranty.
I also had a new auto gearbox under warranty, due to an issue with it holding onto gears/not changing up.
They think that was due to a sticking actuator but it was easier for Mini to provide a new gearbox.
To be fair I haven’t heard of anyone else with that issue but if looking at an auto check it changes up smoothly.
The ride is fine on the motorway but around town particularly on run flats it can be pretty firm.
Despite this I really miss mine.It was pretty rapid, roomy enough , handled well and a joy to drive. Plus there is a certain camaraderie amongst the Mini community .
I now have a Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv X which is a great all rounder , easier to live with but doesn’t provide the same highs as the Mini did.
Edited by Alfa Pete on Wednesday 7th June 06:10
Edited by Alfa Pete on Wednesday 7th June 06:22
We averaged about 41mpg from our 2019 Cooper S (petrol) Clubman over the 2 years/25k miles we had it. Great engine, cruised well on the motorway but you could stick it in sport mode for fun on quieter country roads.
Before that we had a 3 door Cooper SD manual which managed around 50mpg, was a great engine with plenty of torque, never really ever lacking in power.
Both were fun to drive, obviously the Clubman was a little more refined. No issues with reliability. Personally I'd choose the petrol over the diesel, unless you are doing mega miles there won't be much difference in ownership costs, but the petrol just edges it for entertainment imo.
Before that we had a 3 door Cooper SD manual which managed around 50mpg, was a great engine with plenty of torque, never really ever lacking in power.
Both were fun to drive, obviously the Clubman was a little more refined. No issues with reliability. Personally I'd choose the petrol over the diesel, unless you are doing mega miles there won't be much difference in ownership costs, but the petrol just edges it for entertainment imo.
Thanks for the replies. Good insight into this little car.
Looking at the boot space I can see it is smaller than a normal estate but around the same size as say your standard hatch. The shape does look more practical though but I guess until I go view one and try to fit the pram in I won't know for sure. With my Insignia the space in the boot is mega, even with the big pram there's still a load left. This isn't a be all but as long as there's enough space for some shopping bags and/or possible a suitcase then it would be fine. Of course as the little one gets older, there's not going to be a need for a pram so this is my thinking in that I won't need such a big car. Don't get me wrong the Insignia isn't terrible and on the motorway it's perfect. It just lacks any sort of driving enjoyment, I don't think on a Sunday that I'd love to go take it out for a spin.
As for my mileage, currently doing 16-20k a year so a petrol is probably not going to cut it.
My Insignia isn't costing me anything other than up keep and fuel at the moment but I am looking to get something nicer. As much as the Insignia is OK and does what I need, I'd like to actually own a car I really like again. If someone crashed into the Insignia I'd not care, that isn't like me as I'm into my cars.
Looking at the boot space I can see it is smaller than a normal estate but around the same size as say your standard hatch. The shape does look more practical though but I guess until I go view one and try to fit the pram in I won't know for sure. With my Insignia the space in the boot is mega, even with the big pram there's still a load left. This isn't a be all but as long as there's enough space for some shopping bags and/or possible a suitcase then it would be fine. Of course as the little one gets older, there's not going to be a need for a pram so this is my thinking in that I won't need such a big car. Don't get me wrong the Insignia isn't terrible and on the motorway it's perfect. It just lacks any sort of driving enjoyment, I don't think on a Sunday that I'd love to go take it out for a spin.
As for my mileage, currently doing 16-20k a year so a petrol is probably not going to cut it.
My Insignia isn't costing me anything other than up keep and fuel at the moment but I am looking to get something nicer. As much as the Insignia is OK and does what I need, I'd like to actually own a car I really like again. If someone crashed into the Insignia I'd not care, that isn't like me as I'm into my cars.
stevemcs said:
I don't think there will be much in it, Petrol is cheaper than diesel and if driven sensibly I recon you could crack 50mpg in the petrol, if you want ultimate MPG go for the 1.5 diesel. But for the sake of what would probably be £250 a year I would go with petrol
Going off prices near me and work for fuel, you're talking of at least £500 difference in fuel. Then you have the car tax as well. Plus near me there's a nice Diesel performance tuning company which I'd be taking the car to for a service etc. PT1984 said:
Look at the tank size. Our F55 MCS tank is tiny.
Look at the D4 V40 with Polestar software. I found it a great alternative to a GTD.
Yeah the D4 V40 seems a good car, issue with that is the boot is smaller (320L) than the Clubman so might be an issue. Of course I'd need to go look at all the cars I've mentioned before making a decision. Look at the D4 V40 with Polestar software. I found it a great alternative to a GTD.
I like the Clubman the most and think the doors are great. Only thing I've noticed are that the roof bars aren't able to be retro fitted. So I'd have to find one with the option. As if I did need to carry extra then getting a roof rack would be an option and better than a trailer.
FYI I am seriously thinking of keeping the Cooper S when my wife wants a new car. It is brilliant to drive, aside from the slightly notchy gearbox. Probably the best time to get out of a diesel and I get 45p a mile so MPG isn’t an issue. The B48 is a cracking little engine. I love pressing the Sport button for the extra intake and overrun noises. Pop pop pop pop tssh! I’m 40 next year….
I can then use my car allowance for a Ducati Monster SP!
I can then use my car allowance for a Ducati Monster SP!
Based on 20k about £400 on fuel and £30 on tax, if ultimate fun is what your after the petrol is so much better and you won't have to fill it with adblue and will be ulez compliant (early diesel might on be E5)
The best way is to drive them back to back, for something you may spend a lot of time in don't rule one out for the sake of £500.
The best way is to drive them back to back, for something you may spend a lot of time in don't rule one out for the sake of £500.
In defence of the SD the quoted performance is similar to the petrol and in reality the petrol isn’t known for its thirst for revs.
I once drove in convoy with a petrol S and I can say that the SD kept up no problem.
The SD is really quite fun cross country when you can tap into the torque. I never did get round to getting a remap but I’d have loved to have tried that route.
You really need to try both.
Thule do a kit for Clubman’s without roof bars so don’t let the lack of roof rails put you off.
I once drove in convoy with a petrol S and I can say that the SD kept up no problem.
The SD is really quite fun cross country when you can tap into the torque. I never did get round to getting a remap but I’d have loved to have tried that route.
You really need to try both.
Thule do a kit for Clubman’s without roof bars so don’t let the lack of roof rails put you off.
Yes the B48 is not a B18C! So with an auto box the CS and SD may be closer in performance than you may think.
Still, the petrol is very quiet at a stop. So much so I’m forever checking it’s running.
As always with Minis spec is crucial. Don’t cheap out if you are spending good time behind the wheel. These need to have the big Nav+ screen to
feel modern inside. The pan roof makes a big difference as well.
Still, the petrol is very quiet at a stop. So much so I’m forever checking it’s running.
As always with Minis spec is crucial. Don’t cheap out if you are spending good time behind the wheel. These need to have the big Nav+ screen to
feel modern inside. The pan roof makes a big difference as well.
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