Rather a broad title, but I thought it might be helpful for those who either already own an automatic - be it an S or a Cooper - to have at least one dedicated thread.

I've got a Cooper Clubman Automatic - MCCa - on order. My test drives of the car were very good. Though I've already posted a question on the MPG thread, I'll ask it again here to start off. Any of you who are driving, please give your feedback with respect to S and non S mpg, and anything else that stands out to you!

Many thanks.

 

Well, I guess all you automatic Clubman drivers are just too busy having fun to post, but here is Edmunds review of the Clubman S Automatic for your reading pleasure: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=125063

 

Have you checked the info on Fueleconomy.gov? Looks like they differ by 4 to 6 MPG, depending on what info you look at.

 

The manual tranny in any MINI will be more fuel efficient than any (currently offered) automatic tranny.

For most cars, in general, this is true.

But, don't forget that you're also paying more for an automatic tranny, (somewhere around $1000, isn't it?). So if saving money is your ultimate goal, then there are 2 strikes against the automatic: slightly worse fuel economy, and paying a grand more right from the outset.

 

the steptronic is $1200....

cant say much about MPG as I am just starting my 2nd tank of gas.. will get back to you after the car settles in..

 

A review of an automatic Clubman is here on MotoringFile.

 

That's the same review I posted - automatic S - but thanks gokartride.

No, I'm certainly not "trying to save money" by buying an automatic, that's something I have to do due to a wounded "wing" and I'm fully aware that standard shift cars always get better mileage. All I am trying to do is to garner information specific to both the S and non-S automatic Clubman....for example how people might be seeing their mpgs improving after initial break in, how they feel in their own driving experiences with their specific versions of the automatic, etc. Just looking for the personal reviews of owners.

 

I only have 500 miles in the Clubman S.... But so far I am very pleased with the city mileage. I am getting an average of 26 MPG in strict urban driving with and without the sport button on. This AISIN automatic seems to me like a very well tuned gearbox for the car and I am very impressed with the shift quality, responsiveness and overall performance. I have yet to use the manual agitronic mode or the paddles. In a couple of weeks I should be done with the break in period and then I'll crack the whip!

 

Another thing that I like about the AISIN automatic is that it rev matches when I lift my foot off the gas. This transmission provides a lot of engine braking power effect, much in the same manner as you would driving a manual. The shifts are very crisp and the AISIN is very responsive. It doesn't have the un-nerving sluggish response of regular automatics and it doesn't shift into neutral when you are coming to a stop. My guess is that as the car piles up in mileage, the fuel economy should improve steadly, but as it stands, I am getting 2-3 MPG better economy than my '05 R53 S manual.

 

Thanks for your posts, ClubmanS - that's the kind of thing I was hoping for. Having driven a CVT for 4 plus years, I am looking forward to this much smoother AISIN transmission with its other plusses, as well.

(Also Tim, thank you for the fueleconomy.gov link, I believe I'd checked that before, but it's always good to have.)

 

I also had a CVT for almost 6 years, so I am very well familiarized with it! It was a '02 R50 Cooper CVT, and currently lives in a new loving home in Southern California!

 

We got very used to the CVT and never had any problems with it. But I personally prefer the AISIN, but that ZF CVT-1 transmission had a character of its own.

 

Aha, well there you go - you've been very encouraging, even if mine will be a Cooper not an S.

P.S. And just fully reading your signature, your past and current MINIs make me feel as though I'm not quite as insane as I'd thought.

 

I once drove a R56 MC automatic when they were first launched last year and enjoyed it quite a bit. Originally we were pretty much set on a Cooper Clubman automatic, but a couple of weeks later we changed the order to the Clubman S and we are very happy with it. Either way, you can't go wrong!

 

so how are you liking the new Auto compared to the CVT OTRA?

I am really curious about your opinion having gone from one to the other literally days apart.

 

I like it - it is different, it sounds different. To me it sounds as though it makes more "engine" noise when you're giving it gas...I almost wondered today if they did that on purpose so you would think you were driving a sports car. I really want to go drive it someplace in the country on some nice twisty roads to use the sport button (it's different from sport mode) and to just feel the way the bigger MINI holds the road, corners, etc. - just haven't been able to do that, yet, but will. The JTR5 will be a fantastic place for this.

It does not have any of that hesitation that the CVT so often did from a stop...I used to put mine in sport mode whenever I was getting on the Hutchinson River Parkway, and with this you definitely do not have to.

Also haven't tried the paddle shifters yet or shifting in sport mode...figured I'd wait a bit and wanted to really know what I was doing - as in read the manual and check out a thread I found on here earlier today.

The inside in the front seems so much bigger! I'm guessing that it's the difference here of the 1st Generation vs this 2nd Gen.? It really is so much more roomy and I don't believe the Clubman is wider - correct me if I'm wrong.

That's it for now. Once I really get to drive her, I'll be sure to report back.

 

Up for more auto fuel economy numbers!!!

 

I noticed this as well on the test drives. It almost sounds like it has an aftermarket exhaust or a CAI ... i like it though. not a fan of cars that are too quiet.

The new engine definetly has more power at least it feels like it. By the numbers they are somewhat similar to the R50 ... or maybe its just that louder enigne sound

 

The current prince engine has gobs of torque a lot sooner than in the 1st gen Tritec engines.

Otra, yes the Clubman is wider by about 1 or 2 inches. I was able to fit a Combi EX stroller (Folded) in the Clubman's boot completely flat against the cargo floor. This was impossible to do in my R53 hardtop (It would fit but sideways).

There is also more shoulder room front and back. The second gen MINI, specially the Clubman is a bigger car, no doubt about it.

 

Oh, didn't realize that the Clubman was wider! I learn something new everyday - thanks.

 

And by the way, congratulations on the new Clubby.

I drove a Cooper Clubman auto a few weeks ago and liked it a lot.

 

I'll post the official body measurements between the Clubman and the 1st gen MINI shortly.

 

Thanks, I actually washed it today - you don't know me but that's not my normal behavior. Too much pollen around here!

P.S. Aurel, thanks for corroborating my hearing! Sometimes I think it's just me - but I really did feel it sounded much more quasi S like..no burble but there's definitely a sporty sound.

 

Have had my auto Clubbie S for about a month and a half and its getting good gas mileage....overall city/highway is 29 and the last all highway trip was 34! Love it

 

Our Clubbie S Automatic is just about to turn 5000 miles, 2500 of those in the last week. Best highway mileage has been 36.1, worst tank was at Fontana/Dragon/Robbinsville at 26.0. The computer consistently reads about 1.5 better than we measure (37 on the computer is 35.5 in real life).