Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hatchbacks MINI Clubman 2008 Mini Clubman
118 messages, Last post on Sep 14, 2008 at 1:18 PM
You are in the MINI Clubman Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
|
My local MINI dealer had a debut party for the Clubman last night... Catered.. (if it's free, it's for me!). Test drives were short, as there were a lot of people there, but we got to go by ourselves.. I don't have a lot of experience driving MINIs, so I can't really say whether it is better or worse.. But, I loved it.. I test drove an S-model.. I always thought the S would be the only one for me... but, after my test drive last night, I think I would go for the base Cooper... The car accelerated so quickly, that by the time I got out of first gear, I was exceeding the speed limit..  I think I could have a lot more fun with the base model, around town. It was a blast! I don't love the out-of-proportion looks of the Clubman, or the $2K increase in price.. but, I can appreciate the extra room.. regards, kyfdx visiting host
|
|
|
Replying to: kyfdx (Mar 01, 2008 7:11 am) The base will be little smoother and much quieter though.
|
|
|
Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 01, 2008 7:59 am) I was thinking more along the lines of a regular Cooper, not a Clubman (oops, I'm off topic).. In that case, I probably would be taking another car to Sam's, unless I was by myself.. One other advantage of the base models.... I think you can avoid run-flats.. |
|
Does anyone know what the gas millage is on the new mini cooper clubman?
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: mburleigh (Mar 03, 2008 7:21 pm) Clubman - 28/37 manual 26/34 auto Clubman S - 26/34 manual 23/32 auto My question is this - both require premium fuel. I understand for the "S" version because it has a turbo charger (almost all automakers require premium for turbo). Why does the regular 118hp "naturally aspirated" version require premium fuel? I don't get it, so if anyone does, please explain. 
|
|
|
Replying to: percussionist (Mar 11, 2008 1:06 pm) |
|
|
|
| Actually, premium fuel is not required, but "strongly recommended". The MINI compression ratio is 11:1, so the premium fuel will give the best performance, but it will run on regular. I would also strongly recommend premum, since the engine is designed fo premium. | |
|
|
|
"Actually, premium fuel is not required, but "strongly recommended". Yes, but this doesn't answer the question of why the normally aspirated engine wasn't designed with a lower compression direct injection system that is happiest with regular. After all, fuel economy is a high priority in a subcompact, even in a premium brand subcompact. You could argue that the high compression enhances fuel economy, but I'd argue that the greater fuel economy doesn't compensate for the higher cost of premium fuel. Incidentally, no one is arguing that the standard MINI won't "run" on regular, just that it wasn't designed for this grade. |
|
|
|
I guess BMW / MINI made the decision that the typical MINI owner prefers increased performance by using premium fuel over the saving asociated with using regular fuel, at a lesser engine performance. True, the MINI is a sub-compact, but it's also an enthusiast's car attracting those who value economy and performance. It's not designed for those seeking the most economical and practical sub-compact, and there are plenty of other manufacturers offering those type of cars, usually at a lower price than the cost of the base MINI Cooper. As a MINI owner, I'll take better engine response and pay the extra at the pump. Remember, the MINI is still rated at 28 city / 37 highway, and 32 mpg overall. According to the EPA site (www.fueleconomy.gov) , it would cost less than $100 per year more to fuel a MINI for 15,000 miles of driving versus a similar EPA-mileage rated Toyota Yaris. I'll gladly pay an extra $2 a week for the MINI!
|
|
|
Replying to: miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 9:13 am) It would have been more acceptable if only the Cooper S was designed for premium. It maybe for marketing reasons that they want a "premium" brand vehicle to use premium fuel since it will reinforce that image every time you go to the pump.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Hatchbacks MINI Clubman 2008 Mini Clubman
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 MINI Cooper
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
