Based on the Mini Cooper S, the JCW version is priced at $48,800 for the hardtop, and $51,300 for the stretched Clubman version tested here.
This includes unique 17-inch alloy wheels, the inevitable racing stripes, bi-xenon headlights, leather/cloth combination seats, automatic climate control, 10-speaker audio system and some items unique for Clubman - a front armrest with storage, a removable flat-floor in the luggage bay and Bluetooth with USB interface.
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The capacity of the JCW Clubman’s 1.6-litre turbocharged and directinjected petrol engine remains unchanged. But a mix of internal, intake and exhaust modifications pump power up from 128 to 155 kW and torque from 240 to 260 Nm (with an extra 20 Nm available on fullthrottle).
According to Mini, this leads to a very handy 6.8 sec 0-100 km/h sprint (down from 7.6). Despite this, official fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions stay unchanged on paper at 7.0 L/100 km and 168 g/km. Our fuel use was 8.7 L/100 km, equivalent to a CO2 average of about 208 g/km.
This engine is a great example of why car makers are extolling the virtues of combining turbochargers and smaller capacity engines.
Sports suspension, bigger brakes with red-painted calipers and the ability to alter steering and throttle response are highlights of the JCW Clubman’s dynamic tune.
The electronic steering is quick but also light in standard mode and artificially heavy when the Sport button is pressed. There’s also some torque steer when accelerating hard from low speed. BMW fits the JCW with an electronic diff lock that helps quell, but not dispel, the tugging at the wheel.
A leather-bound three-spoke steering wheel, Anthracite roof lining, piano black finish and a 260 km/h speedo are the main (and minimal) changes to the interior.
The huge central speedo, the tacho sitting on the reach-and-rake adjustable steering column, the curves and circles of the plasticky interior and the toggle switches used for power windows are all familiar.
Access is good, and once inside you’ll find there is room for a couple of adults, although not for a long trip.
The JCW’s standard safety kit includes six airbags, ABS, traction and stability control and parking sensors.
It’s fair to ask whether the $51,300 JCW Clubman is worth the extra money over the standard Cooper S Clubman. For most people, it probably isn’t, as the performance advantages won’t justify the extra cost.
This is the car for the Mini fanatic who is after the ultimate model in the range, or has an appreciation of the brand’s history. Either way, they’ll like it. For most of us though, it’s a niche too far.
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