FOR THOSE TO whom such things are important, a new and faster MINI is about to hit Australian showrooms. It’s called the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman.
Extensive changes to the John Cooper Works four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine help it produce a whopping 225kW – an increase of 55kW over the previous model – and 450Nm of torque.
The power hike contributes to the JCW Clubman achieving the standard sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The JCW Countryman has also been updated with the new engine and now achieves the 0-100km/h time in 5.1 seconds.
MINI Australia has complemented the engine upgrades for JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman with substantial specification updates to both models, new transmissions for petrol Clubman and Countryman and an increased level of equipment for the Cooper S Clubman variant that will be offered without a price premium.
“Spirited driving fun has been quintessential to the MINI experience since our brand’s inception in 1959, and the JCW engine update will make the new JCW Clubman a true firecracker ideal for performance-loving Australians,” said MINI Australia General Manager Brett Waudby.
“We are delighted to also offer this impressive engine in the JCW Countryman – which adds a whole new dimension to the way that car drives – while providing key updates to the Cooper S Clubman and upgrading our transmission offerings as part of our ongoing plan to broaden and freshen our line-up for MINI customers.”
MINI JCW Clubman, which will also be available in a motorsport-inspired ‘Pure’ guise, will arrive in Australia alongside the new JCW Countryman, updated Cooper S Clubman and revised petrol Clubman and Countryman models in Q4, 2019.
Powertrain updates across the board
The 55kW power increase for the JCW engine is thanks to wholesale internal revisions including a reinforced crankshaft drive, new pistons with modified compression, adapted connecting rods with bushless bracket, modified injection valves with increased flow rate and a newly developed exhaust turbocharger with integrated air-diverter valves.
Power is transferred via a new torque-optimised, shift-by-wire eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission that delivers rapid shifts while also featuring Launch Control for race-style starts.
The updated Cooper S Clubman also now features a shift-by-wire seven-speed Steptronic sports DCT unit, replacing the conventional eight-speed unit of the previous generation model.
In addition, Cooper S Countryman now includes the same transmission as the updated Cooper S Clubman, while the conventional six-speed transmission of the Cooper Countryman has been upgraded to a new seven-speed Steptronic transmission.
All updated models feature a new, ergonomically-designed gear selector.
Race-inspired set-up
Both the MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman are fitted with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard to harness the engine’s full potential and put power to the ground.
A mechanical limited slip differential also aids front end grip and prevents torque steer.
An enhanced JCW sports braking system, which comprises ventilated 18-inch front discs (360×30) and ventilated 17-inch rear axle brake discs (330×20), provides impressive stopping power.
The braking system features efficient cooling channel geometry, improved fatigue endurance and a sporty brake pedal feel for improved performance.
Ride height has also been lowered by 10mm on the JCW models to optimise handling.
In conjunction with increased camber values and an extremely rigid chassis structure, the JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman deliver heightened agility and a new level of cornering pace.
Unique sporting aesthetic
The front styling package of the new MINI JCW Clubman includes new bumpers and a revised grille and splitter that showcase dynamic intent and highlight model-specific character.
Revised LED headlights with full elliptical LED DTR light and LED Union Jack tail lights illuminate the rear and highlight the new rear bumper in signature MINI style.
The new grille and head and tail light designs also apply to the updated Cooper S Clubman.
JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman specification highlights:
- Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
- 19-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Circuit spoke in two tone
- Sports suspension (JCW Countryman fitted with adaptive suspension)
- Leather Cross Punch upholstery in Carbon Black with sports seats
- Mirror package, extended
- Head-Up Display
- 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system
- Heated seat function, front
- Electric seat function
- Interior surface in Piano Black
- Roof rails in Black
- Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring
JCW Clubman ‘Pure’ specification highlights:
- Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
- 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Grip spoke in black
- Adaptive suspension
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres
- John Cooper Works sports seats in Dinamica/Leather
- Mirror package, exterior
- Black Line grille, head and tail light surrounds
- Interior surface in Piano Black
- Roof rails in black
- Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring
Cooper S Clubman updated specification highlights:
- Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
- Interior surface in Piano Black
- Roof rails in black
- Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring
Key specification and pricing:
| Power/Torque | 0-100km/h | Fuel efficiency | Price* | |
| MINI Cooper S Clubman | 141kW/280Nm | 7.2s (manual)
7.3s (DCT) |
7.1 l/100km (manual)
6.2 l/100km (automatic)
|
$45,900 |
| MINI JCW Clubman | 225kW/450Nm | 4.9s | 7.7 l/100km | $62,900
$57,900 (Pure) |
| MINI JCW Countryman | 225kW/450Nm | 5.1s | 7.9 l/100km | $65,900 |