Skip advert
Advertisement

Mini Clubman JCW

Pseudo estate gets the John Cooper Works treatment

Evo rating
  • More composed ride and handling
  • It’s no looker

The John Cooper Works Clubman is the hatchback Mini JCW’s ugly twin. It packs the same 208bhp punch and comes with a similar array of performance and styling additions, including an aero kit, 17in ‘Challenge’ wheels and 316mm Brembo brakes. It just doesn’t look quite so cohesive.

However, the Clubman does have the advantage of an 80mm longer wheelbase, and with it comes a tangible benefit when putting so much power through the front axle. There’s less scrabble, a little more composure and greater traction, allowing the throttle to be squeezed harder and earlier out of tight turns. The ride quality improves too; the Clubman fidgets and jiggles less, and as a consequence the whole experience is less frenetic.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On the debit side, some of the wild entertainment dished up by the full-on responsiveness of the all-action Mini chassis has been lost, but you only miss it when pushing on down your favourite back road. Overall the Clubman is the more rounded package. Shame it looks so awkward.

Specifications

Engine1598cc, turbo
Max power208bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque207lb ft @ 2000-5300rpm
Top speed148mph (claimed)
0-62mph6.8sec (claimed)
Price£22,000
On saleNow
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar
GMA T.50 front
Reviews

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar

The GMA T.50 is the car we thought would never come: Gordon Murray's sequel to the ultimate hypercar, the McLaren F1
26 Apr 2025