2020 Mini Cooper Review: Clubman JCW
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 7/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- Verdict
That the 2020 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works is the most powerful Mini to land in Australia isn't all that surprising. After all, parent company BMW has hidden the mighty four-cylinder engine from the M135i under the hood, and this thing turns any car into a snarling beast.
What's surprising, however, is that now, driving this angry, crackling, growling hot hatch, with its gurgling exhaust and properly fast acceleration, it took the Mini so long to do so.
So does the engine upgrade now put the Clubman JCW on the same pedestal as Europe's best hot hatches? There is only one way to find out.
| Mini 5D Hatch 2020: Cooper S | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | - |
| engine's type | 2.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 6l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | No recent ads |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
It's no secret that earlier versions of the Clubman were, well, a little tricky on the eyes (Mini herself says, "That was cool - if you were designed that way...").
This updated version of the Clubman is much more pleasing to the eye than its previous versions.
But this updated version is much more pleasing to the eye, if not as pretty, as the three-door hatchback variants. Its dimensions - long, sleek sides, square rear and bulging grille - somehow work together to create a car that is undeniably unique, yet quite attractive at the same time.
The addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless technologies makes the center screen much more functional.
Inside, everything is fairly familiar to the Mini, with circular screens and jet-style switches. And it's a stylish cabin space with a good mix of materials and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the center screen much more functional.
The only downside is that for me he prefers this style to the content. It's not the most comfortable space I've ever sat in, although I imagine the more time you spend there, the more you'll get used to it.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
The Clubman is super practical - for a Mini... It's not a Bunnings bandit, and you won't be stuffing endless Ikea flat packs into the trunk.
It measures just over 4.2m long, 1.4m high and 1.8m wide, and while these aren't huge numbers, you might be surprised by the room in the background.
I'm about 175cm tall and I can get into my own driver's seat with ease - thanks in no small part to the smart jagged edges that give you extra legroom - and headroom isn't bad either.
Clubman is just over 4.2m long, 1.4m high and 1.8m wide.
Yes, you can definitely fit two adults in the back seat (but never three), and those riding in the back will find vents to help keep temperatures down, as well as USB ports and a couple of child seat mounts.
Up front, the cabin somehow feels cramped, with the steering wheel, center console, and controls on the driver's door feeling like they're a little invading your privacy, but it's still comfortable to sit here.
The cabin is a bit cramped up front.
Step up to the barn-style trunk and you'll find what looks a bit like a station wagon, only without all the space. Yes, it looks like a trunk next to a three-door sunroof, but you still don't get as much luggage space with the official figure of 360 - 1250 liters.
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
Mini is betting on a new specification strategy designed to take the endless questions and options out of buying a new car.
As such, the Clubman JCW is the first Mini to be offered in Pure trim ($57,900), which severely limits the customization options so you can leave the showroom and get behind the wheel as quickly as possible. You can choose from two wheel options, four body paint options, a rear roof or a sunroof, and that's about it.
On the outside, your money can buy 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tires.
On the outside, your money can buy 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber, adaptive suspension, roof rails and LED front and rear lights. Inside, expect cloth sports seats, an 8.8-inch screen equipped with (wireless) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard navigation, climate control with rear vents, and push-button start.
The Clubman JCW is equipped with LED head and tail lights.
If the Pure doesn't give you enough options, then the regular Clubman JCW ($62,900) will add 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, a head-up display, and heated front seats. Oh, and all the personalization options you shake your credit card into.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
This is an engine hack; twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque to all four wheels.
This power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission, bringing the Clubman JCW from 100 to 4.9 km/h in 250 seconds before hitting XNUMX km/h.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Mini claims its Clubman JCW consumes 7.7 l/100 km on the combined cycle and emits about 175 g/km of CO02.
What is it like to drive? 7/10
Yes, this is the most powerful Mini ever to land in Australia. And, even better, it will remain so, or at least at the same level, when the Mini GP arrives next year. This car is equipped with the same powerful engine and the same power, although a smaller and lighter hatchback will no doubt be faster.
That means Clubman JCW buyers won't lose their street credit, and this engine will likely be the king of the castle for a while longer.
This is the most powerful Mini ever to land in Australia.
Clubman He can tip the scales at 1550kg, but the pounds won't hurt his straight-line speed much. Turn it on in sport mode, which also adds that deep bass to the exhaust, put your right foot in, and the Clubman blasts forward with determination.
What's more, it feels - and sounds - just as fast. There's that angry click and pop when overdriven, and the exhaust really rumbles in the cabin when you really dig your foot in.
You've certainly heard the cliché about Minis feeling like they're on rails, and we won't waste your time on them here. Suffice to say, we've pushed the Clubman through some pretty tight corners at pretty decent speeds, and while it doesn't feel like a featherweight, it also picks up and sticks to the line without any tire sillyness and interferes very little. body roll.
We've been pushing the Clubman in some pretty tight corners and he's clinging to the line without any fuss.
It's good, now it's not so good. The impressive handling feels like it was achieved by making the suspension as stiff as possible, and the downside to that is that it can feel quite harsh and springy over big bumps. On the right road, it kind of adds to the experience, but I guess the daily commute will start to wear down your patience pretty quickly.
There's also a sort of shyness in the way it rides fast, which I don't really mind, but others might say it's not as natural or smooth as others in the segment.
This is the toughest and fastest club member you can buy.
But it's the stiffest, fastest club member you can buy, and so you go into it knowing there will be some compromises on comfort. And if you're looking for a loud, cool hot hatch, this is the thing for you.
And on the right side of the road in general crap.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
The Clubman JCW comes with six airbags, a reversing camera, AEB, active cruise, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, and what Mini calls Performance Control, which the company promises will reduce understeer and increase traction. in turns.
The Mini Clubman received a full five-star ANCAP safety rating when tested in 2017.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
The Mini Clubman JCW is covered by a three-year warranty and is covered by the BMW Group maintenance program that will let you know when it's time for service.
The Mini Clubman JCW comes with a three year warranty.
Verdict
The Mini Clubman JCW is quirky in many ways, and now has a powerful, adrenaline-pumping engine. If you're already on the fence about joining the Clubman club, this option will win your heart more than any other.
