Mini Reveals The New John Cooper Works Clubman

2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman (Credit: Mini)

With the 2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman finally revealed, Mini is positioning the car as a responsible way to enjoy hardcore performance. You can debate if the name “Mini” really applies much to the brand, as well as just how much of a driver’s car the newest Clubman is.

First, the practical elements include four doors (and two rear barn doors), rear legroom that isn’t a joke, and an All4 all-wheel-drive system. These are great if you regularly transport more than one other person and lives where it snows. Trust me, trying to drive a front-wheel-drive Cooper on snow-packed roads is a practice in futility.

2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman rear barn doors (Credit: Mini)

On the performance end, there’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which pumps out a pretty healthy 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s more torque than any John Cooper Works vehicle to have ever come before. It’s also good for a 0 to 60 time of six seconds flat, thanks in part to standard launch control. According to Mini, that acceleration time is the same, no matter if you get the six-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission. You also get a sport exhaust system with dual chrome outlets, Brembo brakes with 4-piston front calipers and a more aggressive suspension tuning.

Like other John Cooper Works models, this version of the Clubman features a unique body kit that’s designed for better aerodynamics. It also looks cooler, in a grown-up sort of way, or something like that. The car rides on 18-inch Grip Spoke wheels, which are appropriately aggressive for a Mini.

2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman with real rear legroom (Credit: Mini)

2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman (Credit: Mini)