Mini Clubman JCW 2017: Specs and reviews
Range-topping estate gets 228bhp and goes from 0-62mph in 6.3secs - but what do the critics think?
First reviews are in for next year's range-topping Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW), which is set to rival the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus ST.
The Clubman JCW comes with a host of improvements over the standard model, including upgraded sports suspension, a new brake package with refined cooling ducts and Mini's ALL4 all-wheel drive system.
Under the bonnet, it gets the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit from the Cooper S hatchback, producing 228bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, helping it go from 0-62mph in 6.3secs and on to a top speed of 148mph.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Along with the sporty styling tweaks, the Clubman includes JCW embossed sports seats with carbon black upholstery and model specific door sills. There's also a leather steering wheel with multifunctional buttons and stainless steel pedals.
It's the most powerful Clubman yet, but can it compete with its hot hatch competitors?
Here's what the critics think.
Reviews
Unlike the "agile" three-door Mini Cooper S, the Clubman's hefty 3,417lbs makes it feel sluggish as you "watch the revs rise without any real haste", says Auto Express. It's a "problem" found on the standard Cooper S ALL4 and could be rectified with the six-speed manual gearbox option.
However, its engine remains one of the more characterful four-cylinder units on the market, the mag adds, "popping and crackling" on the overrun thanks to the new exhaust system. This makes the Clubman feel "boisterous" and different to a direct rival of the Volkswagen Golf.
Evo says the Clubman JCW "doesn't feel as fast as its figures suggest", which may be partly "due to the car's weight". Its lacklustre engine and transmission combination would be somewhat "tolerable" if it weren't for the "artificially compromised" steering, it continues.
The cabin is packed with flashes of "plasti-chrome embellishment" and can feel busy with the switchgear design, the mag adds. However, it has a "decent" seating position which is helped by the adjust steering wheel.
Top Gear agrees, saying the interior feels like a "real quality item" with plush materials and impressive tech gadgets bundled in. There's enough room in the back for adults "under six-feet", although boot space isn't much bigger than "a regular five-door Focus".
The Clubman JCW breaks the convention of "daft" fast Minis, the site continues, as it rides "pretty comfortably" and has a calm handling balance. While the ALL4 all-wheel drive system is "undoubtedly clever", a front-wheel drive version would be lighter and potentially more "exciting".
Prices
Orders for the Clubman JCW are already open, with the six-speed manual version starting from £29,345 on the road and £30,945 for the eight-speed automatic model.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 carefully selected cartoons about the Trump-Daniels jury selection process
Cartoons Artists take on a stress-free life, rare peers, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Loire Valley Lodges review: sleep, feast and revive in treetop luxury
The Week Recommends Forest hideaway offers chance to relax and reset in Michelin key-winning comfort
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published