2019 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW

Overview

The Mini Cooper Clubman is the wagon member of Mini's quirky clan of misfit autos, and the Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works is the most powerful—and most expensive—rendition. You might think that its snorty 228-hp turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension would enhance the Clubman's already fun and funky personality, but instead the JCW's tepid acceleration and harsh ride spoil the experience. While its retro styling is evident inside and out, the aesthetic doesn't appeal to everyone. The cheaper and cheekier Clubman S offers a better balance of price, performance, and driving enjoyment than the ultimately unsatisfying JCW version.

What's New for 2019?

Not much. Mini has included its telematics system as standard across the Clubman range, including the 2019 Clubman JCW model. The system provides a number of benefits to owners, including app-based services for remote locking and unlocking, stolen vehicle recovery, real-time traffic updates, and concierge services. The 2020 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW receives a mild refresh, including a serious power increase that boosts horsepower to 301 (up 73 hp) and lb-ft of torque to 331 (up 73 lb-ft).

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Interest in a Mini product indicates a desire to drive something with a unique aesthetic, and a JCW version separates the more serious drivers from the crowd even further—but it comes at a price. We'd be betraying ourselves if we did not get the JCW with the six-speed manual transmission and we'd also add the Premium package for a better sound system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Snorty exhaust note, standard six-speed manual, lively handling.
Dislikes: Poky acceleration compared with the competition, similar fun can be had for less money.

On paper, the JCW upgrade from the S is nothing to scoff at. The S has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 189 horsepower but the JCW is a beefier cut, with 228 horsepower. Unfortunately, the real-world performance improvement versus the Cooper S All4 is modest. At our test track, the JCW managed a brisk 6.7-second zero-to-60-mph time, while the S laid down a 7.3-second time.

One of the benefits of choosing a Clubman out of the Mini lineup is that its longer wheelbase is more adept at handling bumps and other pavement imperfections 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. Steering is heavy and quick, and turn-in is precise, although it's not quite the go-karting experience we've come to expect from our time in previous Minis.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite the 2019 Mini Clubman JCW's performance potential, it still achieves decent fuel economy numbers. It outperformed its EPA fuel-economy rating on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route by delivering a 32-mpg result.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Love-it-or-hate-it styling, functional infotainment controls, cool side-hinged rear doors.
Dislikes: Love-it-or-hate-it styling, Android Auto not offered, stingy cargo space.

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 blandtastic stylings of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen and the Subaru Outback. Interior materials are not up to snuff with the entry-luxury pricing (our test vehicle landed at $40,250), 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 (which in the original Mini housed the gauges). 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 cheapo interior surfaces.

Like the rest of the Clubman's equipment, the good infotainment stuff requires you to hand over the cash. With the Touchscreen Navigation package, buyers can equip their cars with Apple CarPlay, navigation, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen to replace the base 6.5-inch unit. The standard system comes equipped with voice controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

What the Clubman gains in style points, it loses in practicality. The Clubman's side-hinged rear 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. The cabin's cubbies are stingy with storage space for phones and detritus. However, a giant bin under the cargo-area load floor offers relief.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have tested the Clubman's performance in crash tests; a host of driver-assistance features are offered but none are standard. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available forward-collision warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Minis offer slightly better warranties than many other small cars. Only Volvo matches Mini's advantage of three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles