2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 Road Test and Review

2017 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4 front quarter ・ Photo by MINI

Mini’s cars are no longer mini. The British automaker has a history of being known for its subcompact hatchbacks, but in recent years, it has started offering bigger models that appeal to the masses in hopes to increase its annual sales — and it seems to be working.

The Mini Countryman is the brand’s first crossover, offering an option for those that still adore the brand but are looking for more interior space. Another option is the Clubman, which also provides substantial interior volume but does it in a style that could be considered a wagon or shooting brake. In our opinion, the Clubman is the better looking of the two, which is why we were pretty eager to spend a week-long affair with one.

Oh, and did we mention that this is not just any Mini Clubman? No, this is the high-performance 2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4. How does this roomy yet high-performance Mini stand up to the competition? Let’s find out.

A Stylish and Cute Exterior

When you first take a look at the 2017 Clubman, it seems like a stretched version of the standard Mini, and in many respects it is. The front end is the same as the legendary MINI Cooper. But the side profile is much longer, which is why we classify it as a station wagon or a shooting brake.

The standard four-door Cooper sits on a wheelbase that measures 101.1 inches with an overall length of 158 inches. Comparatively, the Clubman measures in at an overall length of 168.3 inches. Other than that, the only difference between the exterior design of the two models is that the Clubman features dual side-hinged doors that provide easy access to the cargo area and taillights that are a little more stylish than its smaller sibling. Overall, the 2017 Clubman still has the cheeky styling that has become the signature of the British automaker.

Photo by MINI

This isn’t just any Mini Clubman — this is a JCW.

Because this is the John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 we’re talking about, this Clubman is a little more aggressive-looking than the standard model. JCW-exclusive design cues include larger cooling air intakes, different side sills, dual exhaust pipes, a wider rear apron, a signature hexagonal grille (with a stylish honeycomb pattern) and JCW logos all around. Our test car also features the exclusive JCW Rebel Green exterior paint job, which we highly recommend as it gives the model some unique character. Other model-exclusive options include a contrasting red roof (which our model didn't come with), red mirror caps and sports stripes.

Viewed alongside cars like the Volkswagen Golf GTI or the Ford Focus ST, and the Mini sets itself apart with its unique styling. In a way, there is just a little more excitement in the exterior of the Mini.

Photo by MINI

A more spacious, sporty interior.

The interior also includes some model-exclusive features like the JCW leather steering wheel, JCW door sills, sports seats in "Dinamica" fabric, and stainless steel pedals and driver footrest. The ambient lighting package, which allows you to pick from a range of colors, is also an exciting addition and adds a little flavor to the interior.

Being that this is the Clubman, let’s talk about space for a second. When compared to the MINI Cooper four-door, the Clubman offers an extra two inches of legroom for rear passengers and an extra 7 cubic feet of total cargo volume. So if legroom and space are of major concern to you when shopping for a Mini, the Clubman wagon or Countryman crossover are probably your best options.

Photo by MINI

Loaded up with technology.

Along with adding larger models, Mini has also stepped up its game in the tech department. Standard tech features with the John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 include Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming), dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and a 6.5-inch display that houses audio and vehicle setting info.

Among the three packages that are available with the model, we highly recommend the Technology Package, as it adds some innovative and must-have options. For $2,250, it includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Mini Connected infotainment, Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, a heads-up display, a parking assistant and more. If you really desire heated seats, you’ll have to add on the Cold Weather Package, and if you want the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, you can either add on the Premium Package or purchase it as a stand-alone option for $750.

One thing we must point out: It does take some time to get used to the interface of Mini's touchscreen display. It’s not as simple as most systems these days, so it’ll take you a good 45 minutes to an hour to circle through all the options and buttons to get used to the flow of the system.

Photo by MINI

Safety Is at a maximum in Mini.

Along with a long list of standard safety equipment, the Technology Package adds further safety features. However, if you’re looking for features like adaptive cruise control, you’ll have dish out an additional $1,000, while an alarm system will set you back $500. If you do end up opting out of the Technology Package, most driver assist features are available as stand-alone options, including the heads-up display and parking assistant.

Photo by MINI

Go-Kart-Like Performance

Time to have some fun! The 2017 MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that produces a fun 228 horsepower with a peak torque of 258 lb-ft. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 mph comes in just six seconds flat with a top speed of 142 mph (which you’ll probably never actually hit).

The "ALL4" in the name stands for all-wheel drive. Other standard performance-enhancing features on this model include a Performance Control System that allows for more control under an aggressive driving style and a sport suspension that helps deliver a tightly tuned ride. As with all Mini models, it provides go-kart-like driving dynamics. There's instantaneous acceleration with extremely tight handling that gives you all the courage you need on and off the track.

Photo by MINI

Pick Your Mode

Like most performance vehicles in today's market, this Clubman allows you to pick between different driving modes depending on your mood. If you're feeling a bit rebellious, kick it into Sport Mode for quick acceleration and tighter steering. Feel like being one with nature? Pop it into the Green Mode and the JCW Clubman will hold back your performance to optimize fuel economy. If you’re just going for a cruise, you can keep it in Mid Mode, which balances performance and efficiency.

We were huge fans of the Sport Mode setting. On top of enhancing the overall performance, it increases the acoustics of the sports exhaust system to make the child in all of us extremely happy.

Photo by MINI

Fuel Economy

Speaking of efficiency, the John Cooper Works Clubman averages an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Comparatively, the standard Clubman averages a fuel economy of 25/34 mpg. With that in mind, if fuel efficiency and saving money at the pump are your main concerns, the John Cooper Works model is probably not the car for you.

Photo by MINI

Price is potentially off-putting.

The 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 carries a starting price tag of $35,900. It’s easy to load it up with options and quickly approach the $40,000 mark. If you’re looking for a hot hatchback goes from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds, there are other affordable options.

Take the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Ford Focus ST. Both are similarly quick with a price tag that starts around $25,000. Even after you load them up with similar tech options and performance-enhancing features, you’re still around $30,000.

Photo by MINI

Our Take

There are more affordable options when it comes to high-performance hatchbacks. In fact, there are even more powerful hatchbacks, like the 350-horsepower Ford Focus RS, which starts at just over $36,000.

So what makes the 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman an option? In our opinion, there are two main things that make the Clubman a little more interesting: the overall higher-quality interior and the added interior space. If you’re in the market for a hot hatch, we definitely recommend test driving all these options and seeing which one that best fits your needs and desires.

Photo by MINI