You might be wondering, how does a car that's ostensibly a wagon reign supreme in the hot hatch category? Well, hear us out. First, a hot hatch must of course be quick, and a hoot to drive. Powering the car is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that outputs 189bhp and 280Nm. This flexible unit is paired to a slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that allows the car to power through slower traffic easily. For those who enjoy wringing the car out, it also sounds good at the top end of its rev range without feeling breathless at all. Despite the 125kg weight penalty and 103mm-longer wheelbase compared to the MINI Cooper S 5-Door, you are still able to take turns at ridiculous speeds in this Clubman, thanks to the generous levels of grip on offer.

When you do reach the limit of car's turning abilities, the communicative steering wheel makes sure you are aware of what it can do. The Clubman may be a wagon by name, but on the road it drives entirely like a hatchback.

Second, a hot hatch needs to be a practical all-rounder. With a bigger sized boot than most other hatches and a good amount of room in the cabin, the Clubman makes the family a happy one. The supple-enough ride also means that your passengers will not be cursing and swearing on long journeys.

And third, a hot hatch must have a distinctive personality. The refreshed Clubman features head lights that sport redesigned LEDs, a radiator grill that now extends across the entire bumper, and new LED rear lights that has been reorganised into a Union Jack pattern. And, considering the fact that it's a relatively rare sight on our roads, that makes the Clubman just a little more special.

All things considered, the MINI Cooper S Clubman ticks all the right boxes for a hot hatch. And that makes it a deserving winner indeed.