The iconic Mini brand is renowned for its agile sports-car handling and playful styling, and the Clubman S offers up to 48 cubic feet of storage. Standard features include a 189-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive, while an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are available as options. This model boasts agile handling and a surprisingly comfortable ride, along with sporty bucket seats and stylish ambient lighting. A JCW version with 228 hp is expected to arrive later in 2016.
The Mini range has become increasingly costly and larger in size, making them less practical for some. However, the Clubman is an exception. Despite being the most expensive and largest car in the Mini lineup (excluding the Countryman crossover), the wagonlet is the most popular. It has a distinct styling and avoids the stiff ride quality found in other Minis, thanks to its longer wheelbase.
The John Cooper Works package amplifies the appeal of the Clubman, despite being pricier and more cramped than other small hatchbacks and wagons. The costly upgrade includes a body kit, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a firmer suspension, and an extra 39 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque (for totals of 228 and 258) from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. However, this package does not bring a tangible performance benefit over the Clubman S.
All JCW models come with the All4 all-wheel drive system as standard. Despite this, the 3430-pound Clubman's 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds is 0.1 second slower than the less expensive front-drive Clubman S with the available automatic transmission; this is notably slower than the 6.0-second time claimed by Mini. Other mid-size sedans can outperform this Mini, with the Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, and Volkswagen Golf R being 1.5-2.1 seconds faster.
Testing revealed that the JCW's 0.4-inch-lower ride height and firmer suspension did not significantly improve cornering grip. On the same tires as the Clubman S models, the JCW's 0.88 g of grip around the skidpad was only 0.01 g higher than the Clubman S, falling short of the figures posted by other hot hatches. However, the suspension does affect the Clubman's ride quality, imparting a certain firmness that lesser Clubmans avoid. The JCW's suspension amplifies the run-flat tires' worst characteristics, and the optional adaptive dampers ($500) could not fully overcome the added chop over expansion joints and pavement cracks. The dampers can be dialed up even firmer via the Sport driving mode for those who prefer a firmer ride; alternatively, 19-inch wheels are offered as an option.
The car is enjoyable to drive, especially in town, where its compact dimensions and powerful low-end torque make it ideal for navigating traffic. The dual-mode sport exhaust provides a pleasing sound, with occasional pops and braps from the 2.0-liter engine. There is ample back-seat space for two people, unlike in most other Minis. The brake pedal is firm and responsive, with the Brembo brakes it activates taking 171 feet to stop the JCW from 70 mph—two feet longer than the front-drive Clubman S yet 13 feet shorter than the Clubman S All4.
The John Cooper Works (JCW) shares many advantages with other Clubman models, yet it comes with a hefty price tag. The starting cost of the JCW is $35,950, which is $5650 more than the All4 Clubman S and $7450 more than the more agile front-drive Clubman S. This puts it in the same price range as three high-end vehicles: the Focus RS, the Civic Type R, and the Golf R. Our Mini totaled $40,250 without leather upholstery (which ranges from $750 to $2250). It did, however, come with a $500 Melting Silver metallic paint finish (plus complimentary Chili Red–painted roof and door mirrors), the $750 Cold Weather package (heated front seats), the $2250 Technology package (head-up display, Mini Connected infotainment, navigation, and parking sensors), $300 SiriusXM satellite radio, and the $500 adaptive suspension.
The interior of the JCW may not seem worth the $40K price tag. Its dark color scheme and control layout, which is the same as other Minis, gives it a somewhat cave-like feel. The multifunction knob for the central display is situated between the seats, the headlight switch is concealed behind the steering wheel, and the small speedometer markings are supplemented by a digital speed readout in the gauge’s lower hemisphere. Additionally, there is a row of rocker switches with unclear markings ahead of the shifter - one of which (the slightly larger red one) turns the car on and off.
It is possible to increase the cost of a Clubman John Cooper Works to over $50,000 by adding the $1750 automatic transmission, the $1800 Premium package, and various personalization parts. However, if you are attracted to the Mini’s looks, a base or S model offers the same features, similar performance, and a more comfortable ride at a much lower cost.