MINI John Cooper Works Clubman 2.0 (A) Facelift Review
23 May 2022Viewed : 6,220 times
Facelift (What's New)
Redesigned Nappa sports leather steering wheel
MINI's latest multi-functional instrument display
New operating system within the 8.8-inch central touch display
I've never really understood the appeal of the MINI Clubman. It's always touted as the option for those who want the charming looks of a MINI but need just a bit more space. Sure, but with only 360 litres of space in the boot, the Clubman still sits behind even unstretched hatches like the Volkswagen Golf when it comes to cargo capacity.
And it isn't particularly pretty to look at as well, with its bloated frog-like front and an ungainly extended body at the rear, which to my eyes are all just too tall a price to pay for that smidgen of added practicality, especially when you consider the pleasing compact form of the MINI 3-Door.
But this John Cooper Works Clubman is something different altogether.
Always eager to go
Unlike the 228bhp MINI JCW 3-Door we tested a while back, this JCW Clubman comes with a total of 302bhp. That 74bhp difference, coupled with the bonus of all-wheel drive, may not sound like much, but from behind the wheel the difference is beyond palpable.
Where the 3-Door can sometimes feel lacking in outright pace, the Clubman is properly beastly when it comes to straight-line acceleration.


And this MINI JCW Clubman is not at all shy about letting you know this either. Push down on the accelerator and that eight-speed transmission is always eager to downshift, keeping revs within the mid-ranges even when you're just in the 'mid' driving mode.
Oblige with the gearbox's eager nature and you'll also find the 2.0-litre a treat to rev hard, with power delivery becoming truly urgent at the upper ends of its rev-range, wherein it also develops a rather pleasing angry snarl for your listening pleasure.
Always ready to dance


Keener drivers may find the steering just a touch quiet for such a sporty vehicle, but it's still delightfully fast enough to make piloting through winding roads at speed a real pleasure. And the car's strong brakes certainly help with proceedings here as well.
And still capable when you want to take things slow
Drive at a less frantic pace and there's still plenty to like about how the MINI JCW Clubman performs.


Cabin space and insulation levels, meanwhile, are also all just reasonable, although isolation from road noise could still be improved.
Although once you go aft of the rear seats, things do stop being so rosy. Beyond the aforementioned stingy 360-litre boot space, the strut operated rear barn-style doors pop out with some force and require some strength to close shut. And to be able to use them at all, you'll need to leave some space behind your car when parking if you want to retrieve your items. And the split door arrangement does cut down on rearward visibility somewhat.
A special stationwagon indeed


But it does significantly undercut other luxury hatchback options such as the 302bhp Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatchback at $302,888, and the 306bhp Audi S3 Sportback, which can be had from $290,650 (all prices as of 18 May 2022).
I'm afraid that's not quite enough for me to overlook the Clubman's awkward proportions. After all, a MINI should be, well, mini. And being able to adore that charming doe-eyed form, to my mind, is part and parcel of the MINI ownership experience.
But if you don't mind the compact boot or the look of the Clubman, then by all means ignore the opinions of the MINI purists like me and go for this JCW. You're going to be part of a mighty fast and exclusive club.
Shopping for a high-performance compact? There are also these popular options to consider:
The Skoda Ocatvia RS is quick, spacious, and has loads of capacity for your cargo
There's also the Cupra Leon Sportstourer, with an equally unique bodystyle and an equally dramatic drivetrain
Or you might want the Audi S3 Sedan instead, with its high ride comfort and quality cabin
The BMW M135i delivers on power and nigh unbreakable traction in the corners
We have more of this MINI JCW Clubman's riotous performance on display in this video review as well!
Facelift (What's New)
Redesigned Nappa sports leather steering wheel
MINI's latest multi-functional instrument display
New operating system within the 8.8-inch central touch display
I've never really understood the appeal of the MINI Clubman. It's always touted as the option for those who want the charming looks of a MINI but need just a bit more space. Sure, but with only 360 litres of space in the boot, the Clubman still sits behind even unstretched hatches like the Volkswagen Golf when it comes to cargo capacity.
And it isn't particularly pretty to look at as well, with its bloated frog-like front and an ungainly extended body at the rear, which to my eyes are all just too tall a price to pay for that smidgen of added practicality, especially when you consider the pleasing compact form of the MINI 3-Door.
But this John Cooper Works Clubman is something different altogether.
Always eager to go
Unlike the 228bhp MINI JCW 3-Door we tested a while back, this JCW Clubman comes with a total of 302bhp. That 74bhp difference, coupled with the bonus of all-wheel drive, may not sound like much, but from behind the wheel the difference is beyond palpable.
Where the 3-Door can sometimes feel lacking in outright pace, the Clubman is properly beastly when it comes to straight-line acceleration.


And this MINI JCW Clubman is not at all shy about letting you know this either. Push down on the accelerator and that eight-speed transmission is always eager to downshift, keeping revs within the mid-ranges even when you're just in the 'mid' driving mode.
Oblige with the gearbox's eager nature and you'll also find the 2.0-litre a treat to rev hard, with power delivery becoming truly urgent at the upper ends of its rev-range, wherein it also develops a rather pleasing angry snarl for your listening pleasure.
Always ready to dance


Keener drivers may find the steering just a touch quiet for such a sporty vehicle, but it's still delightfully fast enough to make piloting through winding roads at speed a real pleasure. And the car's strong brakes certainly help with proceedings here as well.
And still capable when you want to take things slow
Drive at a less frantic pace and there's still plenty to like about how the MINI JCW Clubman performs.


Cabin space and insulation levels, meanwhile, are also all just reasonable, although isolation from road noise could still be improved.
Although once you go aft of the rear seats, things do stop being so rosy. Beyond the aforementioned stingy 360-litre boot space, the strut operated rear barn-style doors pop out with some force and require some strength to close shut. And to be able to use them at all, you'll need to leave some space behind your car when parking if you want to retrieve your items. And the split door arrangement does cut down on rearward visibility somewhat.
A special stationwagon indeed


But it does significantly undercut other luxury hatchback options such as the 302bhp Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatchback at $302,888, and the 306bhp Audi S3 Sportback, which can be had from $290,650 (all prices as of 18 May 2022).
I'm afraid that's not quite enough for me to overlook the Clubman's awkward proportions. After all, a MINI should be, well, mini. And being able to adore that charming doe-eyed form, to my mind, is part and parcel of the MINI ownership experience.
But if you don't mind the compact boot or the look of the Clubman, then by all means ignore the opinions of the MINI purists like me and go for this JCW. You're going to be part of a mighty fast and exclusive club.
Shopping for a high-performance compact? There are also these popular options to consider:
The Skoda Ocatvia RS is quick, spacious, and has loads of capacity for your cargo
There's also the Cupra Leon Sportstourer, with an equally unique bodystyle and an equally dramatic drivetrain
Or you might want the Audi S3 Sedan instead, with its high ride comfort and quality cabin
The BMW M135i delivers on power and nigh unbreakable traction in the corners
We have more of this MINI JCW Clubman's riotous performance on display in this video review as well!
Car Information
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13km/L
Horsepower
225kW (302 bhp)
Torque
450 Nm
Acceleration
4.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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