Mini Clubman JCW touches down

MINI Australia has announced pricing for its range-topping Clubman JCW high-performing six-door, with the hot 170kW/350Nm hatch available from $53,900 before on-roads.

The arrival of the JCW boosts the Clubman range to three models, joining the $34,900 Cooper and $42,900 Cooper S, which arrived in Australian showrooms in November 2015.

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that powers all JCW derivatives has been updated for the Clubman to provide buyers with the torquiest Mini engine yet, putting out a respectable 170kW of power and 350Nm of torque, 30Nm more than its Hatch and Convertible siblings.

Along with the boost in torque, the Clubman JCW now comes with Mini’s All4 all-wheel-drive system, the first time the drivetrain has been offered in a JCW model outside the Countryman.

The Hatch and Convertible JCWs remain front-drive only, and it will also mark the first time that the Clubman is offered with all-paw traction.

The All4 system is hydraulically operated and has been optimised by Mini for less weight and more efficiency, and teams with the dynamic stability control system to deliver maximum traction in any situation.

The standard JCW suspension system can be optioned, for no additional cost, with fixed sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 10mm, while dynamic damper control is also available free of charge, which allows owners to choose between comfort or sports-biased suspension.

It also comes with Mini Performance Control as standard, which is designed to minimise understeer.

Teamed to the updated donk is an eight-speed automatic transmission, with Mini also offering a six-speed self-shifter as a no-cost option.

The Clubman JCW manages the zero to 100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds, while combined fuel consumption sits at 7.2 litres per 100km.

On the outside, the Clubman JCW comes with sporty finishes such as 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, LED headlights with high beam assist and all the trim expected of a JCW model such as a beefier bodykit and bonnet stripes.

Inside the cabin, the Clubman JCW gets front and side driver and front passenger airbags, as well as front and rear curtain airbags, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, DAB digital radio, extended head-up display, leather cross punch upholstery and ambient LED interior lighting with adjustable colour palette.

Optioning the $2200 convenience package nets buyers electric front seats with memory function and electronically-adjustable lumbar, 40:20:40 rear split seating and rear armrest, park assist with front and rear park distance control, alarm with illuminated aerial fin and an interior and exterior mirror package.

A $2400 climate package adds a panoramic glass sunroof, sun protection glazing and heated seats for front-row occupants.

Standard safety equipment includes active cruise control with stop and go function, city crash mitigation with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors with parking assistant and speed limit info. Optioning the $650 control package adds adaptive LED lights and tyre pressure monitoring.

Like all Minis, the Clubman JCW comes with a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Mini Australia general manager Tony Sesto said the handling and personalisation possibilities would make the Clubman JCW a winner.

“Now with the John Cooper Works variant, we offer a high-specification, high-performance flagship for the Clubman range,” he said.

“The latest ‘All4’ all-wheel drive system offers incredible traction over a wide range of surfaces, and of course there’s an impressive level of personalisation options available.”