2017 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW

Overview

When BMW relaunched the Mini marque back in 2002, it put the storied English nameplate on a high-dosage prescription of “more”—more models, more performance, and more quirky charm. Mini’s John Cooper Works (JCW) performance division takes the standard versions and infuses those models with even more spice. Inspired by the original hot-rod Coopers from England, Mini has developed a number of JCW variants, including this Clubman All4 station wagon. JCW buttresses the Cooper S Clubman with more power, a lowered suspension, and subtle exterior revisions. But more isn’t always better, especially when it comes with the accompanying high prices that Mini charges.

What's New for 2017?

The 2017 Clubman JCW is the first Mini to pair the new generation of its all-wheel-drive system—known as All4—as standard with the line’s hottest engine, a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. With a special JCW body package, revised suspension, a lower ride height, bigger wheels and brakes, and a more raucous exhaust system, the car looks the part of a hotted-up Cooper.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $35,950

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard Mini Cooper S has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The JCW is a beefier cut, with 228 horsepower at and 258 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the real-world performance improvement versus the Cooper S All4 is modest. The turbo four in the Clubman JCW sounds throaty and feels zesty enough, but it’s working against a surprisingly hefty curb weight. The manual gearbox’s clutch is a bit springy, and the throws of the shifter are long, so be ready to work when stirring a Clubman into action. Although the JCW Clubman is an agile dancer, it’s not as engaging or exciting as small but reasonably practical performance cars like the Volkswagen Golf R, the Honda Civic Si, or the Ford Focus RS—some of which can cost thousands less. One of the benefits of choosing a Clubman out of the Mini lineup is that its longer wheelbase is more adept at handling bumps than the smaller Cooper models, making it more comfortable for longer trips. That advantage disappears once the Clubman is tuned for performance by JCW, with its lowered and stiffened suspension that makes the ride brittle and less than pleasant as a daily driver.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Although some might be turned off by the Cooper Clubman JCW's unconventional interior setup, there’s no denying it stands out from the bland stylings of Volkswagens and Subarus. The Mini’s materials are not up to snuff with its luxury pricing, but part of that is addressed by its unique layout and offbeat design. Those who appreciate it will dig the aircraft-style toggle switches, the checkered-flag accents, the digital gas gauge, and the in-your-face circular infotainment surround. Those who aren’t so easily amused will find frustration with the small, hard-to-read gauge cluster, the strangely placed infotainment rotary-knob controller, and the cheap interior surfaces. The rear barn doors and fold-flat back seat present an easy space to load with cargo or luggage. However, this is a small car, and there’s not a whole lot of room inside to handle said stuff.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Minis have some of the most iconoclastic infotainment packaging on the market, with the screens and buttons housed in a giant round panel smack in the middle of the dash. The touchscreen resolution is of high quality and can also be controlled by a rotating knob behind the shifter, but the system is missing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The base model comes with Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, but like the rest of the Clubman’s equipment, the good stuff requires you to hand over the cash. With the $2250 Technology package, buyers can equip their cars with a head-up display, navigation, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen to replace the base 6.5-inch unit.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Mini Cooper Clubman JCW’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.