As in driving a car I'd end up liking so much that I would choose it over the Camaro.................... before it even gets here. The car? None other than the MINI Clubman S. Yes, months after gawking at photos and the few cars I've seen out on the road I finally did the deed, and there may be no turning back now. I was in Santa Monica yesterday (a hot spot for hot cars, heck, I even spotted an R8 while I was there) and saw quite few Clubman S's and thought I should make a point to go in and take a drive today at the MINI dealer.
First off i'd like to say that this isn't some whimpy toy of a car, it's very much the opposite, in extreme; a hardcore hothatch/sportscar. It doesn't have anywhere near a small block V8 nor will it ever need an engine that comes close. It's plenty quick and has equally good measure of dynamic prowess. The sensation in the steering is bar none, the 135i I drove a few months ago doesn't even come CLOSE. You literally feel glued to the road, and though the suspension is quite taut the ride is never jarring, but instead is compliant and comfortable for long stints out on the open road.
Inside there's plenty of room for someone such as myself, yes even at 6'5". There's even room to throw in all my gear in the back for a trip up to Mammoth with the homies for a snowboarding getaway though I won't be carting around more than two friends, it's still plenty of room. It's ultra important for me to have a versatile car capable of making runs pretty much anywhere and everywhere since I'm out on the road quite a bit. On top of all this the car gets excellent gas mileage (23/32). This combination of versatility, handling, performance and economy is next to impossible to find anywhere else. After today I really do think I've found my next car.
