Powering the big little guy is a 1.6 liter direct-injection turbocharged engine that is connected to a 6-speed manual Getrag transmission. Clearly the Mini powertrain has been massaged by parent company BMW. The combo provides enough power to spin the front wheels if you stomp on the gas. However, the standard BMW-spec Dynamic Stability Control steps in and makes sure you will not spin the tires or the car itself. My S model with the higher-horsepower motor also came with a limited-slip differential (a $500 option). This helps plant the power to the ground. If you ever think you might use the Mini at an autocross, it is a worthwhile investment. But if you are not a racer you can skip over that option box and save the money (it definitely isn’t necessary in the base model). Even still, driving the Mini is a hoot. You’ll find yourself taking exit ramps a little faster than usual because it just sticks itself to the road so well. There is something to say about big handling in small packages! If there is a difference between the ‘little’ Mini and the Clubman, it is difficult to tell for all but the most discerning drivers.
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Powering the big little guy is a 1.6 liter direct-injection turbocharged engine that is connected to a 6-speed manual Getrag transmission. Clearly the Mini powertrain has been massaged by parent company BMW. The combo provides enough power to spin the front wheels if you stomp on the gas. However, the standard BMW-spec Dynamic Stability Control steps in and makes sure you will not spin the tires or the car itself. My S model with the higher-horsepower motor also came with a limited-slip differential (a $500 option). This helps plant the power to the ground. If you ever think you might use the Mini at an autocross, it is a worthwhile investment. But if you are not a racer you can skip over that option box and save the money (it definitely isn’t necessary in the base model). Even still, driving the Mini is a hoot. You’ll find yourself taking exit ramps a little faster than usual because it just sticks itself to the road so well. There is something to say about big handling in small packages! If there is a difference between the ‘little’ Mini and the Clubman, it is difficult to tell for all but the most discerning drivers.
"The Mini?s key/keyfob is a small disc that gets put into a receptacle on the dashboard. You then press an adjacent button to start the car. It would be cool to have a keyless start feature for future versions of the car so the key does not have to leave your pocket."
The Clubman does have the keyless feature as an option. It is part of the Convenience Package. I thought people would like to know.