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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
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Replying to: percussionist (Mar 11, 2008 1:06 pm) |
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| 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. | |
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"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. |
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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!
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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.
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 14, 2008 9:33 am) |
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Replying to: miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 9:13 am) |
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Although I'm among those who indicated that the standard MINI should run on regular, and I still hold this view, you make some excellent arguments, rasldasl. I find the MINI, especially the Clubman, and for limited uses, the convertible, appealing, but its difficult for me to justify the prices. While not as cute as the MINIs, nor do they handle and corner as sharply, the VW Rabbit, Honda Fit, and Scion Xd excel in different ways, and cost significantly less. They also have a lot more dealerships, which could be an important consideration. That said, the fact that MINIs enjoy excellent resale value supports the fact that they are realistically and correctly priced. The market is the final arbiter on pricing. My acknowledgement of this is how I would justify buying a MINI, just as it would be a consideration, although not necessarily the determining one, for staying away from a car that depreciates rapidly.
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Replying to: hpmctorque (Mar 15, 2008 5:10 am) |
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My girlfriend and I test drove a Clubman S with a sport package yesterday and had a really great time. This car is on my (very) short list of next cars to get, so we really took our time on the drive and made sure to go over the car with a fine-toothed comb. Here's what we figured out: Trunk space is much improved over the normal Mini hatch, but that isn't saying much. Sadly, there is less space than the pictures would have you believe. A normal-sized suitcase would probably fit back there, however, and the seats are a breeze to fold down. Though improvements in trunk space were a bit disappointing, the improved rear leg space was a revelation. I am six feet tall and could easily fit in the back. The club door really helps too, but don't trip over the seat belt! Front seats are just like a normal Mini, however my girlfriend, who is of slightly-smaller-than-average-build, complained that the thigh bolsters were a bit too tight and that they did not allow her to relax in the passenger's seat. On the road, the Clubman S felt very similar to the normal Cooper S hatch. Steering was very quick with almost zero play. Pushing the 'sport' button seemed to tighten the steering by a small amount, and the extra mass of the Clubman did nothing to decrease the tossability. Acceleration was also similar to the normal Cooper S, with the sport button sharpening up the throttle markedly. The biggest difference, as many reviews have noted, was the ride. My girlfriend and I both decided that the normal Cooper S (sport pack) would be too rough to deal with day-to-day. The Clubman, while still firm, represented a huge improvement, with a ride now similar to the GTI and Civic Si's that I have driven. Overall, I loved the Clubman S. The extended wheelbase brings usability up to an acceptable level, while improving the ride and keeping the fantastic handling. The overall quirkiness of the car makes it a true anti-Camry. Oh yeah, and the barn doors are real hoot too. |
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