Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Clubman JCW (2009-2014) review

MINI JCW Clubman is a unique hot estate that offers space and pace

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
  • Unique shape, roomy cabin, handling, performance
  • Single rear side door, opinion-dividing looks
Find your MINI Clubman
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The gentle pace of the Clubman’s sixties inspiration - the Traveller - hasn’t stopped MINI from giving its quirky estate the full John Cooper Works treatment. Perfect for buyers looking for a more practical hot hatch, the MINI JCW Clubman is certainly different as it matches MINI’s most focused chassis set-up and biggest power output with the quirky and roomier estate body. The single rear suicide door and side-hinged double doors to access the boot are unique to the Clubman but the 208bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is shared with the JCW hatch, Convertible and Coupe.

Engines, performance and drive

Opting for the Clubman over the hatch doesn’t mean compromising on driving thrills. In common with other JCW models the Clubman has taut body control, lots of grip and impressive high-speed stability. The steering is super sharp and the turn-in positive, while all the controls stream with feedback. Over uneven surfaces the wheel wriggles a little as the front tyres fight for traction and the ride is firm. Still, the flexible 1.6-litre turbo engine is punchy and well matched to the snappy six-speed gearbox, so performance doesn’t disappoint.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The Clubman commands a premium of around £1,000 compared to the equivalent MINI hatch, but that's justified by the extra boot space and improved rear legroom. Strong residuals and fixed price servicing are big plus points when it comes to running costs. But like all MINIs getting carried away with the options list adds to the already hefty list price. And doing without stop/start, the JCW is the least efficient MINI in the line-up - still, economy and CO2 isn’t that high given the performance.

Interior, design and technology

Mixing the unique Clubman shape with racy JCW styling cues has created a car that looks quite unlike any other hot hatch. At the rear twin exhausts sit below the barn style doors, while in profile the bodykit and 17-inch alloys look slightly at odds with the boxy shape. Still, a plentiful spread of JCW badges remind you that this is the fastest MINI estate money can buy. As with all MINI’s the retro looks, massive scope for personalisation and smart detailing are a big part of the visual appeal.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

As with the rest of the Clubman range, the wheelbase is 80mm longer and this means better rear legroom than the hatch. The twin opening rear doors reveal a 260-litre boot and the split/fold seat backs fold to increase luggage space to 930 litres. Although, the single suicide rear passenger door means the Clubman lacks the functionality of conventional five-door hot hatch rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Reliability and Safety

The MINI JCW Clubman gets a full compliment of airbags and Isofix as standard. The stability control is very effective and the DTC Dynamic Traction Control gives you a medium setting that allows enough slip to prevent the power being cut too aggressively, yet retains the stability control element for safety. With well-proven components the JCW Clubman uses performance parts developed for the hatch.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,380Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Compare Offers
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,040Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,463 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics
These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics header

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics

Is it time to get on board with these 40-year-old cars that have just qualified for the historic vehicle road tax exemption?
Features
12 Jan 2025
Car Deal of the Day: simply brilliant new Skoda Elroq SUV for under £300 per month
Skoda Elroq - side static

Car Deal of the Day: simply brilliant new Skoda Elroq SUV for under £300 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 12 January is a great price for Skoda’s supremely comfortable and very spacious new electric SUV
News
12 Jan 2025
Lexus LBX Takumi long-term test: impeccable quality meets surprising inefficiency
Auto Express senior news reporter Alastair Crooks standing next to the Lexus LBX while holding a giant Uno playing card

Lexus LBX Takumi long-term test: impeccable quality meets surprising inefficiency

First report: this new compact hybrid cross pulled an UNO reverse card on us
Long-term tests
12 Jan 2025