FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition TV GT Lapz of the Clubman JCW
[video=youtube_share;OZCuSoidKpM]https://youtu.be/OZCuSoidKpM[/video]
[video=youtube_share;OZCuSoidKpM]https://youtu.be/OZCuSoidKpM[/video]
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2016 Mini Clubman (2nd Generation)
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Clubman long-term test review: final report
The latest Clubman is more practical than its predecessor, but could it cope on our fleet with the niche demands of being a hard-worked photographer’s car?
The Mini Clubman Cooper D is about to return to its maker. It’s an unusual car. We gave it threeand-a-half stars on our first road test – a respectable, if not outstanding, score – but were intrigued enough to consider it worth running one.
“It’s a bit of an imposter, a likeable rogue,” we concluded, I think pretty fairly. After all, in a class of similarly profiled cars with five doors, straight looks and conventional hatchback tailgates, it’s right and proper that a Mini – a car originally defined by doing things its own way – should treat things differently.
But, well, things have evolved the way they have for a reason, haven’t they? After all, nobody these days thinks: “I know, I’ll try making a wheel but chamfer a few bits off so it has some straight edges.” Wheels have stayed round in the same way that small-medium sector cars have become uniform hatchbacks – because that’s very sensible.
Well, sensible be damned. Having spent more than 10,000 miles in this Mini, with its funky interior and cute double rear doors, I’m inclined to think that more new cars should have some of its pizzazz, some of its willingness to be different.
This Clubman arrived in August last year, fairly fresh out of the box. It’s a Cooper D, meaning its on-the-road price back then was £21,810 before options (it’s £23,035 now). But BMWs and Minis are easy to option up should you want to, and the biggies on this one were a Media Pack (£1010), which includes sat-nav and enhanced connectivity, and the £2785 Chili Pack, which brings seat upgrades, climate control and separate drive modes. Other options important to me were a throughloading system (£200) and a luggage separating net (£155), given the amount of photography kit I carry.
First impressions were good from a fit, finish and design perspective. I’m a big fan of Mini interiors, with their funk and intelligence, but, from a ‘stacking-it-with-kit’ perspective, the Mini, as you might expect, lags behind those class rivals.
Its boot floor is a touch high and the roof a touch low, and, at 360 litres with seats up, the luggage capacity is smaller than I was used to. But, then, I had at the time just stepped out of a Skoda Superb estate.
But over time, the more cars I try, the more respect I have for the Mini’s entertainment, communications and sat-nav systems. You get a speedo and rev-counter in front of the diddy steering wheel, while the navigation and other infotainment options take up position in the centre of the dashboard. They are bespoke Mini items but the controller is very clearly derived from iDrive system of Mini’s parent company, BMW.
Which means it works splendidly well, and is a lesson in how you can get a system to work without reverting to a touchscreen set-up, thus leaving no grubby finger marks on the dashboard. It integrates really well with a smartphone too; or at least it seemed to with mine. Some cars disable their own navigation when you hook up a smartphone – basically admitting yours is better, which it will be, but it might not be free. Anyway, the Mini let me access my music app but still use its other systems, which seems ideal.
There are also cool ambient lights in the doors and trim. You can choose your hue to make the Mini’s interior feel very special. Although one thing went slightly wrong with it: the collar around the base of the gearlever, which is a switch for the variable drive modes, developed a slight rattle.
Just as impressive is the drivetrain. Obviously, a Cooper of any sort should be brisk, so it gets a sprightly 2.0-litre diesel making 148bhp and, more crucially, 243lb ft from just 1750rpm. The engine has a broad powerband, too, and a slightly rubbery but positive enough manual gearshift. Mini claims all of that is good for a 0-62mph time of 8.6sec, which is utterly believable.
Certainly, it was good enough to keep on top of the chassis, which is in ‘good enough’ territory: the ride’s a bit brittle, the steering nervous, but generally it feels sound.
But the better thing about the engine is how quiet and refined it is; relatively hushed at idle and quite capable of revving out. It was rather frugal, too: right from the start of our time with the Clubman Cooper D, it looked like it was going to return in excess of 50mpg, and so it did. Sometimes it dipped under on the occasional tank, and it was hard to persuade it to do much more unless you drove very, very carefully, but in everyday, often brisk driving, I reckon that’s pretty good. Having a 500-plus mile range on a car like this is terrific.
So far, then, so good. But that, finally, brings us to the Clubman’s reason for being: those wacky/funky/ cool/clever/retro (delete depending on your mood) rear doors. I’m going to cut them some slack. Sure, you can’t see out of them properly. Yes, I don’t doubt they’re heavier and more expensive than the single hatch you’ll find on many of this Mini’s key rivals. And, yes, it’s possible to box yourself in between them if you’re parked tight against something. But they also make this car one of the more interesting small cars to look at, so to hell with functionality.
If you fancy one like it, there are plenty of Clubmans around, with a big price variance because of the options you could squeeze on it. Given this one was optioned up to nearly £30,000 means that it’s worth around its non-option retail price on a forecourt. But you could get this style for less. And, if I had a proper job, I might do just that.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/our-cars/mini-clubman-long-term-test-review-final-report
The latest Clubman is more practical than its predecessor, but could it cope on our fleet with the niche demands of being a hard-worked photographer’s car?
The Mini Clubman Cooper D is about to return to its maker. It’s an unusual car. We gave it threeand-a-half stars on our first road test – a respectable, if not outstanding, score – but were intrigued enough to consider it worth running one.
“It’s a bit of an imposter, a likeable rogue,” we concluded, I think pretty fairly. After all, in a class of similarly profiled cars with five doors, straight looks and conventional hatchback tailgates, it’s right and proper that a Mini – a car originally defined by doing things its own way – should treat things differently.
But, well, things have evolved the way they have for a reason, haven’t they? After all, nobody these days thinks: “I know, I’ll try making a wheel but chamfer a few bits off so it has some straight edges.” Wheels have stayed round in the same way that small-medium sector cars have become uniform hatchbacks – because that’s very sensible.
Well, sensible be damned. Having spent more than 10,000 miles in this Mini, with its funky interior and cute double rear doors, I’m inclined to think that more new cars should have some of its pizzazz, some of its willingness to be different.
This Clubman arrived in August last year, fairly fresh out of the box. It’s a Cooper D, meaning its on-the-road price back then was £21,810 before options (it’s £23,035 now). But BMWs and Minis are easy to option up should you want to, and the biggies on this one were a Media Pack (£1010), which includes sat-nav and enhanced connectivity, and the £2785 Chili Pack, which brings seat upgrades, climate control and separate drive modes. Other options important to me were a throughloading system (£200) and a luggage separating net (£155), given the amount of photography kit I carry.
First impressions were good from a fit, finish and design perspective. I’m a big fan of Mini interiors, with their funk and intelligence, but, from a ‘stacking-it-with-kit’ perspective, the Mini, as you might expect, lags behind those class rivals.
Its boot floor is a touch high and the roof a touch low, and, at 360 litres with seats up, the luggage capacity is smaller than I was used to. But, then, I had at the time just stepped out of a Skoda Superb estate.
But over time, the more cars I try, the more respect I have for the Mini’s entertainment, communications and sat-nav systems. You get a speedo and rev-counter in front of the diddy steering wheel, while the navigation and other infotainment options take up position in the centre of the dashboard. They are bespoke Mini items but the controller is very clearly derived from iDrive system of Mini’s parent company, BMW.
Which means it works splendidly well, and is a lesson in how you can get a system to work without reverting to a touchscreen set-up, thus leaving no grubby finger marks on the dashboard. It integrates really well with a smartphone too; or at least it seemed to with mine. Some cars disable their own navigation when you hook up a smartphone – basically admitting yours is better, which it will be, but it might not be free. Anyway, the Mini let me access my music app but still use its other systems, which seems ideal.
There are also cool ambient lights in the doors and trim. You can choose your hue to make the Mini’s interior feel very special. Although one thing went slightly wrong with it: the collar around the base of the gearlever, which is a switch for the variable drive modes, developed a slight rattle.
Just as impressive is the drivetrain. Obviously, a Cooper of any sort should be brisk, so it gets a sprightly 2.0-litre diesel making 148bhp and, more crucially, 243lb ft from just 1750rpm. The engine has a broad powerband, too, and a slightly rubbery but positive enough manual gearshift. Mini claims all of that is good for a 0-62mph time of 8.6sec, which is utterly believable.
Certainly, it was good enough to keep on top of the chassis, which is in ‘good enough’ territory: the ride’s a bit brittle, the steering nervous, but generally it feels sound.
But the better thing about the engine is how quiet and refined it is; relatively hushed at idle and quite capable of revving out. It was rather frugal, too: right from the start of our time with the Clubman Cooper D, it looked like it was going to return in excess of 50mpg, and so it did. Sometimes it dipped under on the occasional tank, and it was hard to persuade it to do much more unless you drove very, very carefully, but in everyday, often brisk driving, I reckon that’s pretty good. Having a 500-plus mile range on a car like this is terrific.
So far, then, so good. But that, finally, brings us to the Clubman’s reason for being: those wacky/funky/ cool/clever/retro (delete depending on your mood) rear doors. I’m going to cut them some slack. Sure, you can’t see out of them properly. Yes, I don’t doubt they’re heavier and more expensive than the single hatch you’ll find on many of this Mini’s key rivals. And, yes, it’s possible to box yourself in between them if you’re parked tight against something. But they also make this car one of the more interesting small cars to look at, so to hell with functionality.
If you fancy one like it, there are plenty of Clubmans around, with a big price variance because of the options you could squeeze on it. Given this one was optioned up to nearly £30,000 means that it’s worth around its non-option retail price on a forecourt. But you could get this style for less. And, if I had a proper job, I might do just that.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/our-cars/mini-clubman-long-term-test-review-final-report
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Curb Culture speed run of the JCW
[video=youtube_share;E0Jy7OUIXYA]https://youtu.be/E0Jy7OUIXYA[/video]
[video=youtube_share;E0Jy7OUIXYA]https://youtu.be/E0Jy7OUIXYA[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: JCW puts pep in Clubman's step
When the three-door Mini hatch was launched in latest John Cooper Works form in 2015, BMW shouted from the rooftops that it was the most powerful production Mini ever made with 170kW and 320Nm. But now, with last month’s introduction of the Clubman JCW, there’s a new king Mini on the block with just a smidge more gusto beneath the bonnet.
Actually, it’s the Clubman and its big-bodied sister the Countryman JCW which together lay claim to the most powerful Mini titles, as both pip the three-door with 170kW and 350Nm. But please take note: these two models may have the most oomph, but they’re not the fastest. The hatch is still quicker even with a 30Nm torque deficit.
Why? Because of weight. Not only are the Clubman and Countryman much bulkier cars, but they’re also fitted with Mini’s All4 all-wheel drive system. These models may get a traction advantage off the line, but the extra componentry needed to send drive to the rear axle counters the slight torque increase.
Mini quotes 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds for the front-wheel drive automatic JCW hatch, and when we put it against the clock it nearly matched the factory claims with an actual 6.16 seconds. The Clubman JCW auto on the other hand, comes with a 6.3 second claim, and our Vbox test equipment showed a best real world figure of 6.54.
With these outputs, and these acceleration figures, the Clubman JCW is spot on in performance comparisons with the Golf GTI. But as an all-wheel drive station wagon, it fills a hole unoccupied by rival cars. Audi’s S3 Sportback is probably the closest in concept, but with way more power, much quicker times, and a heftier pricetag, it’s not really an accurate competitor.
This Mini’s a niche car, and not only in numbers. As mentioned, the Clubman qualifies as a wagon, but with a unique set of side-hinged barn doors where a conventional liftgate should be at the back. Yes, it’s an over-engineered way of accessing the boot, and the design severely inhibits rear visibility from the driver’s seat (especially with the three back headrests in place), but I quite like the unusual body style and found the door design convenient at times.
When tossing in a small item it’s possible to open one half of the barn setup only, like a refrigerator door, and then close it again with one hand. I did bash my forehead on the JCW-spec rear wing more than once though, when reaching inside.
The Clubman’s a little shorter in overall length than an S3 Sportback, but it’s wider and a bit taller, so this is indeed a fairly large car. But that impression diminishes quickly from the inside, where things do seem a little cramped. Loads of dark materials, including a moody black headliner add to an illusion of confinement, and if the front seats are spatially acceptable the back is less so. Knee-room is limited by the JCW’s racy front buckets, and that tapering roofline does interfere with headspace.
The luggage compartment is also impeded by the chassis structure which uses a lateral brace between the wheels. It’s more of a deep well than a flat floor, and the already limited cargo hold is further hampered by three small bags for tyre repair and first aid kits, and a warning triangle which are either velcroed or tethered in place. The back seats will fold for loading of longer objects, but if you’re thinking this hot little wagon would be perfect for hauling your weimaraner to doggy day-care, think again.
I suppose space constraints can be excused given we’re talking about a car actually named “Mini”. This is a brand more focussed on fun factor than ergonomic ideologies, and the JCW piles on the fanfare in heaps. From the colour-changing mood lighting, to the animated graphics in the circular infotainment display, to the tartan-patterned centre console storage tray, the Clubman is a refreshingly light hearted option in a normally quite serious segment.
It’s fun to drive too. There’s a cheeky burble and occasional overrun pop from the exhaust, the steering is sharp and direct, and the 2-litre turbo engine delivers with plenty of pep.
Because it gets a much longer wheelbase than the three-door it’s also less prone to suspension bobble, and Mini’s done well to dial out some of the suspension harshness that afflicted older John Cooper Works derivatives. It rolls on low profile 225/40/R18 tyres so you can still feel a road’s surface in great detail, but the nasty jarring we remember from previous JCWs has been kept to a minimum.
Of course all-wheel drive plays a big part in this Clubman’s refined ride, and where the torque-steery three-door will pummel your arms with lactic acid, this one just calmly grips and goes where you point it. Sure, some of the hyperactivity of a firmly sprung, front-wheel driven hot hatch that hops around, rather than carves through corners is missing here, but a station wagon is supposed to appeal to a more grown up crowd. Right?
FACTS
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Power: 170kW @ 5000-6000rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1450-4800rpm
0-100km/h (tested Gauteng): 6.54 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 238km/h
Price: R584 516
Warranty: 2-year/unlimited km
Service plan: 5-year/100 000km
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-jcw-puts-pep-in-clubmans-step-11547447
When the three-door Mini hatch was launched in latest John Cooper Works form in 2015, BMW shouted from the rooftops that it was the most powerful production Mini ever made with 170kW and 320Nm. But now, with last month’s introduction of the Clubman JCW, there’s a new king Mini on the block with just a smidge more gusto beneath the bonnet.
Actually, it’s the Clubman and its big-bodied sister the Countryman JCW which together lay claim to the most powerful Mini titles, as both pip the three-door with 170kW and 350Nm. But please take note: these two models may have the most oomph, but they’re not the fastest. The hatch is still quicker even with a 30Nm torque deficit.
Why? Because of weight. Not only are the Clubman and Countryman much bulkier cars, but they’re also fitted with Mini’s All4 all-wheel drive system. These models may get a traction advantage off the line, but the extra componentry needed to send drive to the rear axle counters the slight torque increase.
Mini quotes 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds for the front-wheel drive automatic JCW hatch, and when we put it against the clock it nearly matched the factory claims with an actual 6.16 seconds. The Clubman JCW auto on the other hand, comes with a 6.3 second claim, and our Vbox test equipment showed a best real world figure of 6.54.
With these outputs, and these acceleration figures, the Clubman JCW is spot on in performance comparisons with the Golf GTI. But as an all-wheel drive station wagon, it fills a hole unoccupied by rival cars. Audi’s S3 Sportback is probably the closest in concept, but with way more power, much quicker times, and a heftier pricetag, it’s not really an accurate competitor.
This Mini’s a niche car, and not only in numbers. As mentioned, the Clubman qualifies as a wagon, but with a unique set of side-hinged barn doors where a conventional liftgate should be at the back. Yes, it’s an over-engineered way of accessing the boot, and the design severely inhibits rear visibility from the driver’s seat (especially with the three back headrests in place), but I quite like the unusual body style and found the door design convenient at times.
When tossing in a small item it’s possible to open one half of the barn setup only, like a refrigerator door, and then close it again with one hand. I did bash my forehead on the JCW-spec rear wing more than once though, when reaching inside.
The Clubman’s a little shorter in overall length than an S3 Sportback, but it’s wider and a bit taller, so this is indeed a fairly large car. But that impression diminishes quickly from the inside, where things do seem a little cramped. Loads of dark materials, including a moody black headliner add to an illusion of confinement, and if the front seats are spatially acceptable the back is less so. Knee-room is limited by the JCW’s racy front buckets, and that tapering roofline does interfere with headspace.
The luggage compartment is also impeded by the chassis structure which uses a lateral brace between the wheels. It’s more of a deep well than a flat floor, and the already limited cargo hold is further hampered by three small bags for tyre repair and first aid kits, and a warning triangle which are either velcroed or tethered in place. The back seats will fold for loading of longer objects, but if you’re thinking this hot little wagon would be perfect for hauling your weimaraner to doggy day-care, think again.
I suppose space constraints can be excused given we’re talking about a car actually named “Mini”. This is a brand more focussed on fun factor than ergonomic ideologies, and the JCW piles on the fanfare in heaps. From the colour-changing mood lighting, to the animated graphics in the circular infotainment display, to the tartan-patterned centre console storage tray, the Clubman is a refreshingly light hearted option in a normally quite serious segment.
It’s fun to drive too. There’s a cheeky burble and occasional overrun pop from the exhaust, the steering is sharp and direct, and the 2-litre turbo engine delivers with plenty of pep.
Because it gets a much longer wheelbase than the three-door it’s also less prone to suspension bobble, and Mini’s done well to dial out some of the suspension harshness that afflicted older John Cooper Works derivatives. It rolls on low profile 225/40/R18 tyres so you can still feel a road’s surface in great detail, but the nasty jarring we remember from previous JCWs has been kept to a minimum.
Of course all-wheel drive plays a big part in this Clubman’s refined ride, and where the torque-steery three-door will pummel your arms with lactic acid, this one just calmly grips and goes where you point it. Sure, some of the hyperactivity of a firmly sprung, front-wheel driven hot hatch that hops around, rather than carves through corners is missing here, but a station wagon is supposed to appeal to a more grown up crowd. Right?
FACTS
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Power: 170kW @ 5000-6000rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1450-4800rpm
0-100km/h (tested Gauteng): 6.54 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 238km/h
Price: R584 516
Warranty: 2-year/unlimited km
Service plan: 5-year/100 000km
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-jcw-puts-pep-in-clubmans-step-11547447
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Clubman JCW All4 Sports-Auto (2017) Quick Review
Price and after-sales backup
The Mini Clubman JCW All4 sports-auto retails for R584 516, which includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
If you’re looking for the most compelling performance that you can get out of a family-friendly 5-door Mini then the Clubman JCW has to be your default choice. As a result of its packaging and less than scrawny kerb weight, the All4 tested here is sure-footed and spirited, but stops short of being fast. That might matter little to those who love the sheer pugnaciousness of the Clubman JCW, which could never be mistaken for anything but a rorty, large-wheeled cabinet-doored Mini.
However, the car’s appeal is limited to very small pocket of brand enthusiasts; those who’d love to show off their cars’ novelty doors (all 6 of them) and replay the crackles and burbles of the sports exhaust system to everyone and anyone who’d care to see/hear them. In terms of outright pace and ultimate practicality, this JCW is soundly beaten by some of its rivals on both counts. It is, however, one of the most instantly desirable cars in market… It’s impossible to not have an opinion about it.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mini-clubman-jcw-all4-sports-auto-2017-quick-review/44148/
Price and after-sales backup
The Mini Clubman JCW All4 sports-auto retails for R584 516, which includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
If you’re looking for the most compelling performance that you can get out of a family-friendly 5-door Mini then the Clubman JCW has to be your default choice. As a result of its packaging and less than scrawny kerb weight, the All4 tested here is sure-footed and spirited, but stops short of being fast. That might matter little to those who love the sheer pugnaciousness of the Clubman JCW, which could never be mistaken for anything but a rorty, large-wheeled cabinet-doored Mini.
However, the car’s appeal is limited to very small pocket of brand enthusiasts; those who’d love to show off their cars’ novelty doors (all 6 of them) and replay the crackles and burbles of the sports exhaust system to everyone and anyone who’d care to see/hear them. In terms of outright pace and ultimate practicality, this JCW is soundly beaten by some of its rivals on both counts. It is, however, one of the most instantly desirable cars in market… It’s impossible to not have an opinion about it.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mini-clubman-jcw-all4-sports-auto-2017-quick-review/44148/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters review of the Clubman JCW
[video=youtube_share;tDYloWIo-y8]https://youtu.be/tDYloWIo-y8[/video]
[video=youtube_share;tDYloWIo-y8]https://youtu.be/tDYloWIo-y8[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
REVIEW: Mr Bean’s Mini lives on in the Clubman JCW
Remember that classic television programme we all couldn’t get enough of? That show about that dim-witted, tall man that’s as clumsy as a puppy after a long nap. Yip, that’s right. I’m talking about Mr Bean: the Englishman with the vocabulary that only covered the word “Bean”.
But what Mr Bean had was that little green Mini. The car he drove to every conceivable destination and event, with his on-off “girlfriend” occasionally riding shotgun. That green Mini became a legend. It added to the character of the show. Where Bean would find himself, chances were that little green Mini was somewhere within close proximity.
The show, sadly, is dead now, but the memory of Mr Bean and his green Mini lives on. And it lives on in Mini’s modern-day vehicle offering, too. Like this Clubman JCW (John Cooper Works), for example.
Red with black stripes
The Clubman JCW has an endearing look about it, but it’s not in everyone’s taste. Especially those big headlights: they can be overwhelming, very bug-like. Be that as it may, that is classic Mini. These lights have become a signature design trait of this brand that it would almost be unfathomable to imagine these cars without it. The red colour is as striking as it is good to look at.
And why shouldn’t it be? Mini’s are supposed to exude a sense of occasion, fun, and liveliness. That’s what Mr Bean had with his Mini, so why can’t we. And with the black stripes that’s been added to the pattern, the JCW looks ready to race and ready to impose itself on the driver.
The Clubman, like the Countryman, is much bigger than the Cooper. It has four doors, seating for five, and a boot that is both practical and usable. At just over 4.2m, the Clubman is not as long as it seems. It looks lengthy at first glance, but the dimensions are compact. Yet it seats five adults in comfort.
Seating five passengers
An attribute of the Clubman JCW is its ability to transport five occupants in comfort. One has to slump into the seats because of how low the car is, but that’s fine. It’s not an uncomfortable process. The same red and black theme on the body runs on the seats as well. It looks sporty too and it hugs the front passengers the moment you slip into them. In the middle of the centre console sits another Mini classic: that big, round information cluster.
Back in the day it used to display only the speedometer, but nowadays it houses a truckload of information that ranges from media, vehicle data/settings, and navigation. And in front of the driver sits the speedometer and rev needle.
What definitely adds to the aura of this car is that the interior lighting can be set according to the driver’s preference (or the passengers’, if they are so bold to take over the controls). The interior will light up like a Christmas tree and the vehicle will have an almost youth-like persona. Because why not, hey. Mini’s were never made to be too mature, too grown-up, too… serious.
Driving a go-kart
What Mini has become known for over the years is how playful their vehicles are to drive, without feeling too light and off-beat. And this Clubman JCW is testament to that. Sporting big optional 19” wheels, the car has an air of solidity about it. It clings to bends, creating a sense of a never-ending supply of grip as it is pushed to the limit. Power is, of course, sent to all four wheels, and the 2.0-litre engine has no problem to continuously supply the tyres with 170kW/350Nm.
These figures may not seem like much, but the playfulness that accompanies the drive is addictive. Especially when the driving mode is flicked into Sport (I didn’t even bother with ‘Normal’ or ‘Green’). Then the JCW becomes alive to the extent that it’d be a sin to get out of the driver’s seat. Because once you’ve set off and the car shoots off the line, it wants to keep going. And going! In just over six seconds the 100km/h mark fly’s past and only at a claimed 238km/h will the car lose steam. But find a decent stretch of road with an overdose of twisties (like I did), and the car becomes something else.
The Mini’s engine will roar as it chases the rev counter’s red line while at the back, with every gear change and lift off the throttle, it burbles to the ears’ delight. Letting the car flow through the bends and always maintaining a racing line will bring out the best in this Mini. It surges forward, it sticks to the road, and it indulges the senses with every passing moment.
And that is what Mini does best. It may have shortcomings in terms of practicality and be slightly less inclined towards a family orientated nature, but it is a fun car of note. It’s no wonder, then, that Mr Bean held onto his green 'Wonder' for all those years. Not because it added to his personality and that clumsy persona of the character, but because it was an experience every time he got behind the wheel. An experience viewers got to share and be a part of.
Even though by a long shot, I’m glad to have met Mr Bean’s Mini.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-mr-beans-mini-lives-on-in-the-clubman-jcw-20171215
Remember that classic television programme we all couldn’t get enough of? That show about that dim-witted, tall man that’s as clumsy as a puppy after a long nap. Yip, that’s right. I’m talking about Mr Bean: the Englishman with the vocabulary that only covered the word “Bean”.
But what Mr Bean had was that little green Mini. The car he drove to every conceivable destination and event, with his on-off “girlfriend” occasionally riding shotgun. That green Mini became a legend. It added to the character of the show. Where Bean would find himself, chances were that little green Mini was somewhere within close proximity.
The show, sadly, is dead now, but the memory of Mr Bean and his green Mini lives on. And it lives on in Mini’s modern-day vehicle offering, too. Like this Clubman JCW (John Cooper Works), for example.
Red with black stripes
The Clubman JCW has an endearing look about it, but it’s not in everyone’s taste. Especially those big headlights: they can be overwhelming, very bug-like. Be that as it may, that is classic Mini. These lights have become a signature design trait of this brand that it would almost be unfathomable to imagine these cars without it. The red colour is as striking as it is good to look at.
And why shouldn’t it be? Mini’s are supposed to exude a sense of occasion, fun, and liveliness. That’s what Mr Bean had with his Mini, so why can’t we. And with the black stripes that’s been added to the pattern, the JCW looks ready to race and ready to impose itself on the driver.
The Clubman, like the Countryman, is much bigger than the Cooper. It has four doors, seating for five, and a boot that is both practical and usable. At just over 4.2m, the Clubman is not as long as it seems. It looks lengthy at first glance, but the dimensions are compact. Yet it seats five adults in comfort.
Seating five passengers
An attribute of the Clubman JCW is its ability to transport five occupants in comfort. One has to slump into the seats because of how low the car is, but that’s fine. It’s not an uncomfortable process. The same red and black theme on the body runs on the seats as well. It looks sporty too and it hugs the front passengers the moment you slip into them. In the middle of the centre console sits another Mini classic: that big, round information cluster.
Back in the day it used to display only the speedometer, but nowadays it houses a truckload of information that ranges from media, vehicle data/settings, and navigation. And in front of the driver sits the speedometer and rev needle.
What definitely adds to the aura of this car is that the interior lighting can be set according to the driver’s preference (or the passengers’, if they are so bold to take over the controls). The interior will light up like a Christmas tree and the vehicle will have an almost youth-like persona. Because why not, hey. Mini’s were never made to be too mature, too grown-up, too… serious.
Driving a go-kart
What Mini has become known for over the years is how playful their vehicles are to drive, without feeling too light and off-beat. And this Clubman JCW is testament to that. Sporting big optional 19” wheels, the car has an air of solidity about it. It clings to bends, creating a sense of a never-ending supply of grip as it is pushed to the limit. Power is, of course, sent to all four wheels, and the 2.0-litre engine has no problem to continuously supply the tyres with 170kW/350Nm.
These figures may not seem like much, but the playfulness that accompanies the drive is addictive. Especially when the driving mode is flicked into Sport (I didn’t even bother with ‘Normal’ or ‘Green’). Then the JCW becomes alive to the extent that it’d be a sin to get out of the driver’s seat. Because once you’ve set off and the car shoots off the line, it wants to keep going. And going! In just over six seconds the 100km/h mark fly’s past and only at a claimed 238km/h will the car lose steam. But find a decent stretch of road with an overdose of twisties (like I did), and the car becomes something else.
The Mini’s engine will roar as it chases the rev counter’s red line while at the back, with every gear change and lift off the throttle, it burbles to the ears’ delight. Letting the car flow through the bends and always maintaining a racing line will bring out the best in this Mini. It surges forward, it sticks to the road, and it indulges the senses with every passing moment.
And that is what Mini does best. It may have shortcomings in terms of practicality and be slightly less inclined towards a family orientated nature, but it is a fun car of note. It’s no wonder, then, that Mr Bean held onto his green 'Wonder' for all those years. Not because it added to his personality and that clumsy persona of the character, but because it was an experience every time he got behind the wheel. An experience viewers got to share and be a part of.
Even though by a long shot, I’m glad to have met Mr Bean’s Mini.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-mr-beans-mini-lives-on-in-the-clubman-jcw-20171215
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Clubman City revealed as new sub-£20k entry-level model
Sat-nav and parking sensors are included on newest Clubman trim to attract fleet and business buyers
Mini has launched its latest Clubman trim, City, that aims to attract fleet and business buyers.
The name gives a nod to the classic Mini range, which featured a City trim. The Clubman City gets sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth as standard and takes the entry-level price of the Clubman down to £19,995, making it a more attractive offering in terms of benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax for business users than the £21,085 1.5 Cooper.
Emissions are as low as 109g/km on the diesel-engined car, rising to 130g/km and 131g/km on the petrol automatic and manual versions respectively. These are claimed to return 49.6mpg and 48.7mpg, while the diesel returns 68.9mpg. The diesel model’s emissions are the lowest of any car in the Clubman range.
Mini’s head of corporate sales, Steve Roberts, said: “We’re well aware that many fleets operate strict CO2 limits but also need to offer drivers vehicles that are versatile and suitable for everyday life. The Clubman, one of the brand’s most versatile vehicles, offers all of these benefits alongside a great standard specification for the corporate market.”
The variant launches amid falling fleet and business registrations in the UK across the year so far. Up to the end of June, business registrations declined by 11.6% compared with the same period in 2017, although for the month of June they grew by almost the same percentage. Fleet registrations fell by 6.4% in January-June.
The year-to-date fleet and business decreases are worse than the total registration year-on-year decline of 6.3% in the first half of the year. Despite the focus on fleet and business customers, the Clubman City will be available to private buyers as well.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-city-revealed-new-sub-£20k-entry-level-model
Sat-nav and parking sensors are included on newest Clubman trim to attract fleet and business buyers
Mini has launched its latest Clubman trim, City, that aims to attract fleet and business buyers.
The name gives a nod to the classic Mini range, which featured a City trim. The Clubman City gets sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth as standard and takes the entry-level price of the Clubman down to £19,995, making it a more attractive offering in terms of benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax for business users than the £21,085 1.5 Cooper.
Emissions are as low as 109g/km on the diesel-engined car, rising to 130g/km and 131g/km on the petrol automatic and manual versions respectively. These are claimed to return 49.6mpg and 48.7mpg, while the diesel returns 68.9mpg. The diesel model’s emissions are the lowest of any car in the Clubman range.
Mini’s head of corporate sales, Steve Roberts, said: “We’re well aware that many fleets operate strict CO2 limits but also need to offer drivers vehicles that are versatile and suitable for everyday life. The Clubman, one of the brand’s most versatile vehicles, offers all of these benefits alongside a great standard specification for the corporate market.”
The variant launches amid falling fleet and business registrations in the UK across the year so far. Up to the end of June, business registrations declined by 11.6% compared with the same period in 2017, although for the month of June they grew by almost the same percentage. Fleet registrations fell by 6.4% in January-June.
The year-to-date fleet and business decreases are worse than the total registration year-on-year decline of 6.3% in the first half of the year. Despite the focus on fleet and business customers, the Clubman City will be available to private buyers as well.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-city-revealed-new-sub-£20k-entry-level-model
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Clubman
With a precisely modified design, an extended selection of innovative equipment features and the latest technology in the areas of operation and connectivity, the new MINI Clubman hones its profile as a stylish individualist in the premium compact segment. Combining hallmark MINI driving fun with a high level of suitability for both day-to-day driving and long-distance travel, the variable 5-seater now gains additional charisma with fresh accentuations for the exterior and interior. The latest updates in the range of MINI Connected digital services underscore the progressive, lifestyle-oriented character of the new MINI Clubman. Meanwhile, attractive additions to the programme of optional equipment features and Original MINI Accessories provide further possibilities for customisation.
https://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2020-clubman/
With a precisely modified design, an extended selection of innovative equipment features and the latest technology in the areas of operation and connectivity, the new MINI Clubman hones its profile as a stylish individualist in the premium compact segment. Combining hallmark MINI driving fun with a high level of suitability for both day-to-day driving and long-distance travel, the variable 5-seater now gains additional charisma with fresh accentuations for the exterior and interior. The latest updates in the range of MINI Connected digital services underscore the progressive, lifestyle-oriented character of the new MINI Clubman. Meanwhile, attractive additions to the programme of optional equipment features and Original MINI Accessories provide further possibilities for customisation.
https://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2020-clubman/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Facelifted Mini Clubman uncovered (with 'Union Jack' taillamps)
The lightly facelifted Mini Clubman has been revealed at Auto Shanghai 2019, sporting new exterior colours, updated interior trim and a smattering of minor styling tweaks, including the option of specifying the (now standard) LED taillamps in a “Union Jack” design.
As before, the Clubman features four side doors, two split rear doors and five seats.
Updates include a new front design, led by a fresh take on the Mini’s grille (the latter bordered by a slim, one-piece frame) that now extends further across the bumper. Buyers can also now specify LED headlamps (with a Matrix function for the high beam) and new LED foglamps (complete with ring-shaped daytime running lights).
LED taillamps now ship standard, although they are optionally available in the "Union Jack" design we first saw on the updated Mini Hatch. Redesigned alloy wheels, sports suspension (lowering the vehicle by 10 mm), adaptive suspension and a new range of leather trim and interior surfaces are furthermore offered.
In South Africa, we can expect the basic engine line-up to again comprise just two units: a three-cylinder and a four-cylinder, both turbocharged petrol mills. The Cooper Clubman’s 1,5-litre is again worth 100 kW and 220 N.m, while the Cooper S Clubman’s 2,0-litre is also unchanged at 141 kW and 280 N.m. Models with manual gearboxes are unlikely to be offered locally.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/facelifted-mini-clubman-revealed-with-union-jack-taillamps/
The lightly facelifted Mini Clubman has been revealed at Auto Shanghai 2019, sporting new exterior colours, updated interior trim and a smattering of minor styling tweaks, including the option of specifying the (now standard) LED taillamps in a “Union Jack” design.
As before, the Clubman features four side doors, two split rear doors and five seats.
Updates include a new front design, led by a fresh take on the Mini’s grille (the latter bordered by a slim, one-piece frame) that now extends further across the bumper. Buyers can also now specify LED headlamps (with a Matrix function for the high beam) and new LED foglamps (complete with ring-shaped daytime running lights).
LED taillamps now ship standard, although they are optionally available in the "Union Jack" design we first saw on the updated Mini Hatch. Redesigned alloy wheels, sports suspension (lowering the vehicle by 10 mm), adaptive suspension and a new range of leather trim and interior surfaces are furthermore offered.
In South Africa, we can expect the basic engine line-up to again comprise just two units: a three-cylinder and a four-cylinder, both turbocharged petrol mills. The Cooper Clubman’s 1,5-litre is again worth 100 kW and 220 N.m, while the Cooper S Clubman’s 2,0-litre is also unchanged at 141 kW and 280 N.m. Models with manual gearboxes are unlikely to be offered locally.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/facelifted-mini-clubman-revealed-with-union-jack-taillamps/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Mini Clubman Revealed
here have been some updates to the Mini Clubman and the 2020 iteration has been revealed. Let's see what's new.
The Mini Clubman is an interesting model in the hierarchy. Substantially more spacious than the hatches, yet a touch smaller than the family-focused Countryman, there's always been some left-field appeal to the Clubman. It's oozing coolness and more than a few members of the Cars.co.za team have a soft spot for this model.
The new Mini Clubman is expected to land in South Africa before the end of 2019.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-mini-clubman-revealed/46646/
here have been some updates to the Mini Clubman and the 2020 iteration has been revealed. Let's see what's new.
The Mini Clubman is an interesting model in the hierarchy. Substantially more spacious than the hatches, yet a touch smaller than the family-focused Countryman, there's always been some left-field appeal to the Clubman. It's oozing coolness and more than a few members of the Cars.co.za team have a soft spot for this model.
The new Mini Clubman is expected to land in South Africa before the end of 2019.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-mini-clubman-revealed/46646/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman
The British premium car manufacturer MINI presents what is by some measure the most powerful models ever approved for public road use in the brand's sixty year history. The 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman both display outstanding performance in the compact premium segment. In both models, the extraordinarily powerful engine is combined as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, including mechanical differential lock on the front axle, an ALL4 all-wheel drive system, a specifically engineered chassis, and additional reinforcement modifications for the body structure, engine connection and chassis fastenings. This enables the John Cooper Works racing sensation to attain a completely new dimension of performance.
In these brand new versions of the two top sports models, both the individual six door model with its extreme driving fun and the robust all-rounder provide a challenging performance experience. The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology surpasses that of the previous drive by as much as 55 kW/75 hp at maximum output. Maximum torque has increased by 100 Nm to 450 Nm, and acceleration performance has also risen commensurately. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman turns in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman achieving the same in 5.1 seconds - 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models. The elasticity of the two models has never been as impressive as it is now.
With the concentrated power of their new engine and its optimised ability to transfer its output onto either a road surface or loose terrain, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman have assured their places in the leading line-up of sport models in the compact segment. And within the MINI model range, these two top athletes have never been more deserving of their top positions. Compared to the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, output has risen from its previous level of 29 kW/39 hp to 84 kW/114 hp. The resulting superior performance characteristics are accompanied by a range of model-specific design and equipment features that successfully underline the exclusive and rarefied nature of these two John Cooper Works models.
https://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2020-john_cooper_works_clubman/
The British premium car manufacturer MINI presents what is by some measure the most powerful models ever approved for public road use in the brand's sixty year history. The 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman both display outstanding performance in the compact premium segment. In both models, the extraordinarily powerful engine is combined as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, including mechanical differential lock on the front axle, an ALL4 all-wheel drive system, a specifically engineered chassis, and additional reinforcement modifications for the body structure, engine connection and chassis fastenings. This enables the John Cooper Works racing sensation to attain a completely new dimension of performance.
In these brand new versions of the two top sports models, both the individual six door model with its extreme driving fun and the robust all-rounder provide a challenging performance experience. The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology surpasses that of the previous drive by as much as 55 kW/75 hp at maximum output. Maximum torque has increased by 100 Nm to 450 Nm, and acceleration performance has also risen commensurately. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman turns in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman achieving the same in 5.1 seconds - 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models. The elasticity of the two models has never been as impressive as it is now.
With the concentrated power of their new engine and its optimised ability to transfer its output onto either a road surface or loose terrain, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman have assured their places in the leading line-up of sport models in the compact segment. And within the MINI model range, these two top athletes have never been more deserving of their top positions. Compared to the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, output has risen from its previous level of 29 kW/39 hp to 84 kW/114 hp. The resulting superior performance characteristics are accompanied by a range of model-specific design and equipment features that successfully underline the exclusive and rarefied nature of these two John Cooper Works models.
https://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2020-john_cooper_works_clubman/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Countryman and Clubman JCW bumped up to 302bhp
Mini updates its larger John Cooper Works models with significant power upgrade, bringing Cupra Ateca-baiting performance
Mini has upgraded the hot John Cooper Works variants of its Countryman crossover and Clubman estate, making them significantly more powerful and faster.
Claimed to be the most powerful Minis approved for road use to date, the cars pack a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that has been boosted from the 228bhp of the outgoing models to 302bhp, with torque rising by 74lb ft to 332lb ft.
The upgrade enables a 0-62mph time of 4.9sec for the Clubman and 5.1sec for the Countryman – 1.4sec and 1.5sec quicker than the previous models respectively. Both top out at a governed 155mph. For reference, the rival Cupra Ateca puts out 296bhp and manages the sprint to 62mph in 5.2sec.
Both the Clubman and Countryman JCW feature ALL4 four-wheel drive as standard, as before. Mild styling tweaks include larger air intakes, plus aero-optimised roof spoilers and mirror caps
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mini-countryman-and-clubman-jcw-bumped-302bhp
Mini updates its larger John Cooper Works models with significant power upgrade, bringing Cupra Ateca-baiting performance
Mini has upgraded the hot John Cooper Works variants of its Countryman crossover and Clubman estate, making them significantly more powerful and faster.
Claimed to be the most powerful Minis approved for road use to date, the cars pack a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that has been boosted from the 228bhp of the outgoing models to 302bhp, with torque rising by 74lb ft to 332lb ft.
The upgrade enables a 0-62mph time of 4.9sec for the Clubman and 5.1sec for the Countryman – 1.4sec and 1.5sec quicker than the previous models respectively. Both top out at a governed 155mph. For reference, the rival Cupra Ateca puts out 296bhp and manages the sprint to 62mph in 5.2sec.
Both the Clubman and Countryman JCW feature ALL4 four-wheel drive as standard, as before. Mild styling tweaks include larger air intakes, plus aero-optimised roof spoilers and mirror caps
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mini-countryman-and-clubman-jcw-bumped-302bhp
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New JCW Clubman most powerful Mini yet
JCW badge now worth a 25% power boost on Mini Countryman and Clubman.
Mini has revealed its latest John Cooper Works (JCW) five-door wagons, with more power than ever before. The iconic JCW badging now confirms very compelling 2-litre turbocharged power for both the Mini Clubman and Countryman, boosting a significant performance advantage over the previous derivatives of each.
Credited as the most powerful Minis yet, these new 2-litre JCWs are good for 225 kW and 450 Nm. Those engine output numbers signify healthy gains of 55kW and 100Nm over the previous JCW Countryman and Clubman. As before, the drivetrain is an eight-speed automatic transmission distributing torque to all four wheels.
With the substantial increases in engine output, come commensurate improvements in performance. The slightly lighter JCW Clubman runs a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds (1.4 sec quicker than before), whist the gravel travel friendly JCW Countryman competes that same benchmark in 5.1 seconds (1.5 sec swifter).
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-jcw-clubman-most-powerful-mini-yet/46672/
JCW badge now worth a 25% power boost on Mini Countryman and Clubman.
Mini has revealed its latest John Cooper Works (JCW) five-door wagons, with more power than ever before. The iconic JCW badging now confirms very compelling 2-litre turbocharged power for both the Mini Clubman and Countryman, boosting a significant performance advantage over the previous derivatives of each.
Credited as the most powerful Minis yet, these new 2-litre JCWs are good for 225 kW and 450 Nm. Those engine output numbers signify healthy gains of 55kW and 100Nm over the previous JCW Countryman and Clubman. As before, the drivetrain is an eight-speed automatic transmission distributing torque to all four wheels.
With the substantial increases in engine output, come commensurate improvements in performance. The slightly lighter JCW Clubman runs a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds (1.4 sec quicker than before), whist the gravel travel friendly JCW Countryman competes that same benchmark in 5.1 seconds (1.5 sec swifter).
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-jcw-clubman-most-powerful-mini-yet/46672/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Mini Clubman ‘Modern African Gentlemen’ Edition revealed
Mini South Africa has taken the wraps off its new Clubman Modern African Gentlemen Edition, which will be limited to just 20 units.
The local arm of the BMW-backed brand said the new model is the result of “an exhaustive and comprehensive campaign to determine: ‘what is a modern African gentleman?’.”
The SA-specific special-edition model will be offered in Cooper and Cooper S guise, with ten units of each derivative set to be available locally.
“At Mini South Africa, we see the Mini Clubman as ‘the Gentleman for confidence and style for every occasion’. We wanted to contextualise this statement for the local market and, during the latter part of 2018 and into 2019, engaged listeners of radio stations Kaya FM, Heart FM and Gagasi FM to help define the modern African gentleman,” said Thilosh Moodally, head of Mini South Africa.
“The results from across the country were astoundingly similar and resounding: this is a person who lives in the “western world” while remaining truly African. We wanted to show this duality in the form of a car developed in South Africa for a local audience,” Moodally added.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/mini-clubman-modern-african-gentlemen-edition-revealed/
Mini South Africa has taken the wraps off its new Clubman Modern African Gentlemen Edition, which will be limited to just 20 units.
The local arm of the BMW-backed brand said the new model is the result of “an exhaustive and comprehensive campaign to determine: ‘what is a modern African gentleman?’.”
The SA-specific special-edition model will be offered in Cooper and Cooper S guise, with ten units of each derivative set to be available locally.
“At Mini South Africa, we see the Mini Clubman as ‘the Gentleman for confidence and style for every occasion’. We wanted to contextualise this statement for the local market and, during the latter part of 2018 and into 2019, engaged listeners of radio stations Kaya FM, Heart FM and Gagasi FM to help define the modern African gentleman,” said Thilosh Moodally, head of Mini South Africa.
“The results from across the country were astoundingly similar and resounding: this is a person who lives in the “western world” while remaining truly African. We wanted to show this duality in the form of a car developed in South Africa for a local audience,” Moodally added.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/mini-clubman-modern-african-gentlemen-edition-revealed/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Clubman JCW (2019) International Launch Review
Mini has rejuvenated its Clubman compact 'wagon (or 6-door hatchback, if you really want to split hairs about it) and the Oxford-based marque is gearing up to bring its most potent version, the Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW), to South Africa before the end of 2019. Gero Lilleike travelled to Frankfurt, Germany to give it a whirl...
The year 2019 is quite a significant one for the Mini brand, which is celebrating 60 years of producing fun-to-drive cars and instilling youthful energy into thousands upon thousands of nostalgia-enthused car buyers across the world. But whereas the original Mini was designed to bring compact car transportation to the masses, the current iteration of the iconic British marque is more of a niche brand that caters to particular tastes in terms of design. And, while its products may not be for everyone, performance remains a key deliverable and plays a vital role in the brand's success story.
While we eagerly await the full reveal and arrival of the latest Mini JCW GP, which looks like a properly focused track toy, the latest Mini Clubman JCW has the same engine as the GP and we were eager to see how it performs. Europe was experiencing a heatwave last week and Frankfurt was boiling at close to 40°C – a record for the German city. Was the Clubman JCW responsible for bringing the heat? We were keen to find out…
Final ramblings
In the blink of an eye, our drive was over and it was time to head back to South Africa. Just hours later, at 37 000 feet in the air and rocketing south at 900 kph, I reflect on the merits of this latest Mini Clubman JCW…
I am deeply impressed with the performance of the Mini. It's fast (courtesy of a magnificent engine), refined and clearly competent through the twisty stuff. There’s a lot to like about the Clubman JCW, but I can’t help but think that there is something missing, as if it fails to land a knockout punch.
Perhaps it was the Clubman JCW's muffled soundtrack that planted the seed of doubt in my mind. I honestly expected more drama or perhaps a greater sense of occasion when I flicked the drive mode switch into Sport and mashed the Mini's throttle pedal. Instead, I was treated to a car that sounds good and performs admirably, but the overall driving experience just wasn’t eventful enough to match my (and I feel that of many others') perception of what a JCW derivative is supposed to be: an unashamedly sporty, loud and slightly unhinged car that oozes youthful rebellion. Perhaps ever-tightening European noise regulations are to blame and Mini's engineers felt inclined to dial back on the pops and bangs to prevent suburban pooches from piping up into a barking frenzy and ruining people's peaceful rest on Sundays... My response? "If it’s too loud, you’re too old."
The updated Clubman is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of 2019 (Q4). The local range will start with the Cooper Clubman powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 110 kW and 220 Nm of torque. The Cooper Clubman S will up the ante with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine developing 141 kW and 280 Nm of torque and of course, the Clubman JCW will top the range. See pricing for the range below…
Mini Clubman Price in SA
Cooper Clubman - R433 000
Cooper S Clubman - R519 000
Clubman All4 JCW - R642 000
A 2-year/unlimited warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan will be offered as standard.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mini-clubman-jcw-2019-international-launch-review/47138/
Mini has rejuvenated its Clubman compact 'wagon (or 6-door hatchback, if you really want to split hairs about it) and the Oxford-based marque is gearing up to bring its most potent version, the Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW), to South Africa before the end of 2019. Gero Lilleike travelled to Frankfurt, Germany to give it a whirl...
The year 2019 is quite a significant one for the Mini brand, which is celebrating 60 years of producing fun-to-drive cars and instilling youthful energy into thousands upon thousands of nostalgia-enthused car buyers across the world. But whereas the original Mini was designed to bring compact car transportation to the masses, the current iteration of the iconic British marque is more of a niche brand that caters to particular tastes in terms of design. And, while its products may not be for everyone, performance remains a key deliverable and plays a vital role in the brand's success story.
While we eagerly await the full reveal and arrival of the latest Mini JCW GP, which looks like a properly focused track toy, the latest Mini Clubman JCW has the same engine as the GP and we were eager to see how it performs. Europe was experiencing a heatwave last week and Frankfurt was boiling at close to 40°C – a record for the German city. Was the Clubman JCW responsible for bringing the heat? We were keen to find out…
Final ramblings
In the blink of an eye, our drive was over and it was time to head back to South Africa. Just hours later, at 37 000 feet in the air and rocketing south at 900 kph, I reflect on the merits of this latest Mini Clubman JCW…
I am deeply impressed with the performance of the Mini. It's fast (courtesy of a magnificent engine), refined and clearly competent through the twisty stuff. There’s a lot to like about the Clubman JCW, but I can’t help but think that there is something missing, as if it fails to land a knockout punch.
Perhaps it was the Clubman JCW's muffled soundtrack that planted the seed of doubt in my mind. I honestly expected more drama or perhaps a greater sense of occasion when I flicked the drive mode switch into Sport and mashed the Mini's throttle pedal. Instead, I was treated to a car that sounds good and performs admirably, but the overall driving experience just wasn’t eventful enough to match my (and I feel that of many others') perception of what a JCW derivative is supposed to be: an unashamedly sporty, loud and slightly unhinged car that oozes youthful rebellion. Perhaps ever-tightening European noise regulations are to blame and Mini's engineers felt inclined to dial back on the pops and bangs to prevent suburban pooches from piping up into a barking frenzy and ruining people's peaceful rest on Sundays... My response? "If it’s too loud, you’re too old."
The updated Clubman is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of 2019 (Q4). The local range will start with the Cooper Clubman powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 110 kW and 220 Nm of torque. The Cooper Clubman S will up the ante with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine developing 141 kW and 280 Nm of torque and of course, the Clubman JCW will top the range. See pricing for the range below…
Mini Clubman Price in SA
Cooper Clubman - R433 000
Cooper S Clubman - R519 000
Clubman All4 JCW - R642 000
A 2-year/unlimited warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan will be offered as standard.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mini-clubman-jcw-2019-international-launch-review/47138/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mini Clubman John Cooper Works 2019 review
Should I buy one?
If something like a Volkswagen Golf R or BMW M135i is too straight-laced for your liking, we reckon the Mini Clubman JCW is definitely worth a look. It’s a considerably better car than the one it replaces, albeit still something of a left-field choice.
It’s around £3,000 more than the outgoing 228bhp model, which seems fair enough given the power boost. But once you’ve ticked a few choice boxes on Mini’s endless option programme – as most customers are expected to – you’re looking at £40,000.
There are better all rounders in this segment - its BMW Group sibling, for example, trades a bit of visual character for a more polished interior, while the Golf R is ahead in terms of ride and refinement, with similar levels of handling prowess.
The Countryman, also now available with with the same powertrain in JCW form, is also a more practical offering. But the Clubman hasn’t been designed purely to tick objective boxes. And, crucially, this is finally a Clubman that feels like it deserves to wear the John Cooper Works badge.
Mini Clubman John Cooper Works specification
Where Frankfurt, Germany Price £34,250 On sale Now Engine 1998cc, 4cyls, turbocharged Power 302bhp at 5000-6250rpm Torque 332lb ft at 1750-5000rpm Gearbox 8spd automatic Kerb weight 1565kg Top speed 155mph 0-62mph 4.9sec Fuel economy 38mpg CO2 169g/km Rivals Mercedes-AMG A35, Volkswagen Golf R estate
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...es/mini-clubman-john-cooper-works-2019-review
Should I buy one?
If something like a Volkswagen Golf R or BMW M135i is too straight-laced for your liking, we reckon the Mini Clubman JCW is definitely worth a look. It’s a considerably better car than the one it replaces, albeit still something of a left-field choice.
It’s around £3,000 more than the outgoing 228bhp model, which seems fair enough given the power boost. But once you’ve ticked a few choice boxes on Mini’s endless option programme – as most customers are expected to – you’re looking at £40,000.
There are better all rounders in this segment - its BMW Group sibling, for example, trades a bit of visual character for a more polished interior, while the Golf R is ahead in terms of ride and refinement, with similar levels of handling prowess.
The Countryman, also now available with with the same powertrain in JCW form, is also a more practical offering. But the Clubman hasn’t been designed purely to tick objective boxes. And, crucially, this is finally a Clubman that feels like it deserves to wear the John Cooper Works badge.
Mini Clubman John Cooper Works specification
Where Frankfurt, Germany Price £34,250 On sale Now Engine 1998cc, 4cyls, turbocharged Power 302bhp at 5000-6250rpm Torque 332lb ft at 1750-5000rpm Gearbox 8spd automatic Kerb weight 1565kg Top speed 155mph 0-62mph 4.9sec Fuel economy 38mpg CO2 169g/km Rivals Mercedes-AMG A35, Volkswagen Golf R estate
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...es/mini-clubman-john-cooper-works-2019-review
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Honorary Master
DRIVEN: Mini John Cooper Works Clubman Sport Steptronic
Accommodating a new 2,0-litre turbopetrol motor that propels its metabolism 55 kW beyond its already punchy predecessor, the new John Cooper Works Clubman shares the mantle of Mini’s most powerful production model to date. But it’s a surprisingly subtle package.
Better balanced, or too civilised?
Whether it’s the product of smoothing out the JCW character to appeal to a broader audience, or a by-product of impressive engineering, it feels like a markedly more mature and balanced creature than before. We’ll just have to see how this more civilised approach washes with hot hatch enthusiasts when it arrives in South Africa towards the end of 2019.
FAST FACTS
Model: Mini John Cooper Works Clubman Sport Steptronic
Price: R645 795
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol
Power: 225 kW
Torque: 450 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,9 sec
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 7,7 L/100 km
CO2: 150 g/km
Transmission: 8-spd automatic
https://www.carmag.co.za/car-review...i-john-cooper-works-clubman-sport-steptronic/
Accommodating a new 2,0-litre turbopetrol motor that propels its metabolism 55 kW beyond its already punchy predecessor, the new John Cooper Works Clubman shares the mantle of Mini’s most powerful production model to date. But it’s a surprisingly subtle package.
Better balanced, or too civilised?
Whether it’s the product of smoothing out the JCW character to appeal to a broader audience, or a by-product of impressive engineering, it feels like a markedly more mature and balanced creature than before. We’ll just have to see how this more civilised approach washes with hot hatch enthusiasts when it arrives in South Africa towards the end of 2019.
FAST FACTS
Model: Mini John Cooper Works Clubman Sport Steptronic
Price: R645 795
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol
Power: 225 kW
Torque: 450 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,9 sec
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 7,7 L/100 km
CO2: 150 g/km
Transmission: 8-spd automatic
https://www.carmag.co.za/car-review...i-john-cooper-works-clubman-sport-steptronic/