New-age, BMW-owned MINI has long traded on the heritage of the British brand to sell cars, and the John Cooper Works Clubman is the perfect example of this.
The Clubman name refers to an estate-like shape in a relatively small package with rear doors that open like on a van.
Then there’s John Cooper Works, which is the name for the firm’s performance brand, named after the Mini racing legend.
Brought together here, they form an intriguing proposition in the “hot hatch” market. Now with more power than ever before, the question is, is this just a quirky alternative or a genuine threat to more mainstream-looking rivals?
Well MINI has given the JCW Clubman a surprisingly thorough going over for what is actually a facelift upgrade.
The engine has had a big boost in power making it and the updated JCW Countryman SUV, which has received similar fettling, the most powerful road-going Minis ever.
There’s a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel-drive that features a mechanical locking differential on the front wheels to improve front end grip, and a reinforced body structure that makes it stiffer (and theoretically more responsive) than before.
There’s also a new exhaust system that’s said to be noisier despite an emissions-friendly petrol particulate filter.
Under the bonnet the engine is essentially the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit that we’ve seen in the Cooper S models (and the new BMW M135i), but MINI’s engineers have made plenty of improvements to give it proper top-end hot hatch performance.
Power is now measured at 302bhp and torque is 450Nm, up about 75bhp and 100Nm on before.
That’s a healthy gain that puts it on level pegging with another premium performance rival, the Mercedes-AMG A35, which the firm said it considers a direct competitor.
To achieve this increase in power, there’s a new crankshaft, uprated internal components and a bigger, boostier turbocharger.
What’s it like to drive? The defining feature of this updated JCW Clubman is the engine – the increased power output is noticeable.
Put your foot down and the gearbox is fairly quick to respond, feeling a fraction lazy even in manual mode, but once engaged you surge towards the red line surrounded by a fruity four-cylinder thrum.
You quickly discover that this is a car that doesn’t like to be chucked about, instead preferring you to find a smooth rhythm on a winding road.
It feels quite heavy, particularly under braking, so although it’s capable in corners, it perhaps lacks that highly responsive “go-kart” fun that fast MINIs tend to have. An A35 certainly feels faster and livelier.
Meanwhile, our test car had the standard-fit sports suspension, which we’d recommend avoiding.
It means that no matter what drive mode you’re in, the suspension is hard, so you feel every ripple in the Tarmac – it would grate in everyday life.
We didn’t get a chance to test the adaptive suspension, a £700 option, but the choice to tone down the ride would be welcome.
Yet the Clubman’s unique selling point is that it truly does offer something different.
It’s so easy to dismiss modern cars as incapable of having character, but this lovable MINI manages to mix retro-inspired styling with a quirky-looking, perfectly usable rear hatch that’s just so much more interesting than a regular estate.
In JCW trim, its looks are amplified with a sporty body kit and a spoiler above the rear hatch, while the optional Union Flag rear tail-lights are a fun nod to the brand’s heritage.
It’s something of a Tardis, too, looking compact on the outside but feeling spacious once you jump inside.
Something MINI has long nailed is interior ambience. Everything you see and touch looks and feels premium, from the dashboard materials to the satisfying feel of the aeroplane cockpit-like buttons in the centre console.
The large central infotainment screen is divisive, though. There’s a large circular light bar, which takes some getting used to, but the actual screen itself is clear and easy to use.
The overall sensation is that MINI continues to offer high-quality interiors that are ergonomically excellent, while still managing to fit interesting design into the mix.
Opt for a John Cooper Works Clubman and you’re looking at a hefty premium over the Cooper S, which is next in the trim hierarchy.
That model starts at £23,900 compared with £34,250 for the JCW.
Aside from the extra performance and mechanical upgrades that are provided, there’s also a decent amount of equipment offered to justify the price tag.
On the outside there are 18-inch alloy wheels, a JCW-specific body kit, performance brakes and a sports exhaust.
Interior equipment includes sports seats, leather steering wheel, piano black interior trim, satellite navigation and a suite of driver aids.
Overall, the MINI JCW Clubman is a unique proposition – a small family car with estate-like looks, genuine character and hot hatch performance.
Opt for the adaptive suspension and it should be comfortable enough to live with every day, which is important considering it’s so practical and the interior is such a lovely place to be.
However, if the driving experience is key you might be left wanting.
The Clubman feels heavy and is therefore not as direct in its responses as those it considers rivals.
If character’s more important, though, the MINI has it in spades, while still offering enough performance to keep most happy.
THE FACTS
- Model: MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
- Price: £34,250
- Engine: 2.0-litre fourcylinder turbocharged petrol
- Performance: 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. Top speed of 155mph
- Economy: 40mpg
- CO2: 161g/km
