Mini Clubman Gets JCW Treatment

OXFORD, U.K. – Maybe the finger should be pointed at the German owners of Mini for producing the first John Cooper Works tuned station-wagon, or should we say sportswagen?

While German engineers long have been besotted by performance-orientated luggage-haulers, the new JCW Clubman is the first British-built “practical” Mini to get the famous JWC tune-shop treatment.

The car combines a JCW-specification engine and chassis modifications with Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

Power comes from a 231-hp engine with modified TwinPower turbocharger, sports suspension and powerful braking system. It claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph (238 km/h), while boasting fuel economy of up to 33.3 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) on the combined cycle and carbon-dioxide emissions as low as 154 g/km. It will be offered with 6-speed manual or Steptronic auto transmissions.

Aerodynamic modifications include lowered front and rear bumpers and a rear wing. These not only help reduce lift but, in the case of the front section, also assist with the additional cooling requirements of the more powerful engine.

Unique alloy wheels and JCW badges also denote the top-of-the-range Clubman, as does the option of the special color “Rebel Green.”

Inside, the JCW edition includes sports seats, an Alcantara headliner and a wide array of standard equipment including navigation; Bluetooth and USB connectivity; and cruise control with brake function.

Customarily with Mini, there’s a comprehensive range of personalization options.

The car will make its world debut at the Paris auto show this month and is expected to retail in the U.K. for £29,345 ($38,163) including taxes.