2018 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW

Overview

The Clubman is the wagon member of Mini’s quirky clan, and the Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works is the most powerful—and most expensive—rendition. You might think that its snorty turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension would enhance the Clubman’s funky and fun personality, but instead the JCW’s tepid acceleration and harsh ride spoil the experience. Still, the sportiest Clubman is entertaining to toss around. Unfortunately, its retro styling may not be for everyone, and the cheaper and cheekier Clubman S offers a better balance of price, performance, and driving enjoyment.

What's New for 2018?

For 2018, Mini makes several minor changes to its entire lineup, including the Clubman JCW. The most notable updates are the addition of Apple CarPlay to the options list and a standard driver-attention monitor. Inside, the Clubman has blink-and-you’ll-miss-it revisions such as some relocated controls and a redesigned fuel gauge.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• JCW: $36,750

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

On paper, the JCW upgrade from the S is nothing to scoff at. The S has a 2.0-liter four that makes 189 hp, whereas the JCW is a beefier cut, with 228 hp, a six-speed manual transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the real-world performance improvement versus the cheaper Clubman S is modest. Although the JCW is an agile dancer, it’s not as engaging or exciting as hot-hatch rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf R, the Honda Civic Si and Type R, and the Ford Focus RS—some of which cost thousands less.

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

Mini makes sure that its off-the-wall personality is consistent both inside and out. Although some might be turned off by the unconventional interior setup, there’s no denying it stands out from the bland stylings of most rivals. Standard features include JCW sport seats, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel, and refrigerated storage in the glovebox. The rear, side-hinged 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.

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 high quality and can also be controlled by a rotating knob behind the shifter. Mini has addressed one of the Clubman JCW’s two glaring infotainment omissions by adding Apple CarPlay to its list of options for 2018. Unfortunately for non-iPhone folk, Android Auto is still missing in action.

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.