Overview
This ain’t your granddad’s wood-paneled, road-hogging station wagon. It’s the 2024 Mini Cooper Clubman JCW, and its compact body hides a sporty chassis underneath while its retro-cute face masks a fiery 302-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This is a wagon that’s meant more for hauling ass than hauling cargo, though, and compact hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R offer a similar amount of space inside. It’s meant to be a more practical version of the puny Mini Cooper JCW and by that yardstick, it’s successful. The Clubman JCW is a joy to drive on a twisty back road and its muscley engine has plenty of snarl. The ride is firm, which may turn some drivers off—but for them, the standard Clubman S (reviewed separately) might offer the better balance of comfort and athleticism they’re looking for.
What’s New for 2024?
The Clubman JCW sees no significant changes for 2024, but Mini has said that the Untold Edition model which was supposed to be a one-year run for 2023 will be included in the lineup for a second year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Cooper Clubman JCW requires a big investment for such a small car, so we’d take it easy with options. Upgrading to the Signature trim brings 18-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. You also get in-dash navigation, Apple CarPlay, and a digital gauge display. It’s a nice package for the price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The JCW upgrade from the mid-range S model 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 302 horsepower. The Clubman’s long wheelbase is more adept at handling bumps and pavement imperfections than the smaller Cooper models, making it more comfortable for road trips. That advantage disappears once the Clubman is tuned for performance by JCW. Its lowered and stiffened suspension turns the ride brittle, which makes it less than pleasant as a daily driver. Steering is heavy and quick, and turn-in is precise, but it’s not quite the go-karting experience we’ve come to expect from Minis.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Even with its performance aspirations, the Clubman JCW still achieves decent fuel economy, boasting 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. And while we haven’t tested the Clubman’s turbo four on our 75-mph highway test route, know that the lower-powered 2019 model outperformed its EPA rating in the real world, delivering a 32-mpg result. For more information about the Clubman JCW’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although some might be turned off by the unconventional interior setup of the Clubman, there’s no denying that this car stands out from the blandtastic styling of the Subaru Outback. Cabin materials are not up to snuff with the entry-luxury pricing, but this car’s unique layout and offbeat design make up for some of that. Those who appreciate it will likely dig the aircraft-style toggle switches, the checkered-flag accents, and the in-your-face circular infotainment surround. Those who aren’t so easily amused will feel some frustration with the small hard-to-read gauge cluster, the strangely placed infotainment rotary-knob controller, and the cheapo surfaces. What this car gains in style points, it loses in practicality. The Clubman’s side-hinged rear doors and fold-flat back seat make it easy for owners to load stuff into the cargo area. However, there’s not a lot of room for that stuff, as this Mini is, well, mini. The cabin’s cubbies are similarly stingy, with storage space for phones and not much else. However, a giant bin under the cargo floor offers some additional utility.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like most things with the Clubman, if you want the good infotainment stuff, you’ll have to hand over the cash. With the Touchscreen Navigation package, buyers can equip their cars with Apple CarPlay capability and navigation. The standard system comes equipped with voice controls and Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A basic suite of driver-assistance features comes standard, but buyers seeking more high-tech features will need to add the Driver Assistance package. For more information about the Clubman JCW’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Minis offer slightly better warranties than many other small cars. Only Volvo and sister brand BMW match Mini’s program of three years of included scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works All4
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
BASE PRICE
$40,250
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 cu in, 1998 cc
Power
302 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque
332 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 168.0 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 56.7 in
Passenger volume: 93 cu ft
Cargo volume: 18 cu ft
Curb weight: 3600 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.5 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 25/23/29 mpg
