MINI Clubman

MINI Works wonders on ultimate Clubman

Here’s a Clubman with the Works!

Auto Express Car Reviews

Carbon trim and new alloys are part of Works makeover

By Chris Thorp

19th November 2007

We revealed the rear view of this sizzling MINI Clubman before, when it appeared on a poster at October’s Tokyo Motor Show – and now we can unveil the front end, too.

These official pictures are of the John Cooper Works package that will allow buyers to create their ultimate Clubman. As well as the added visual muscle, there are mechanical tweaks that should make the load-lugger just as entertaining to drive as class-leading hot hatches.

Along with the twin black stripes and matching roof, key JCW features include new 18-inch alloy wheels. The striking rims use the latest technology to offer the best performance and lowest weight. A JCW Clubman won’t be hard to spot in your rear view mirror, thanks to its carbon fibre air intake and wing mirrors.

Mechanical upgrades include a sports brake kit with drilled and vented discs. Under-bonnet tweaks have yet to be confirmed, but are set to reflect those of the standard MINI Cooper S hatchback – so expect the 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant’s output to increase from 175bhp to 192bhp.

Buyers will also be able to give the Clubman’s interior a racy makeover. The most popular addition is likely to be the F1-style gearshift lights which glow green, amber then red to match the engine revs.

Meanwhile, Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S versions of the Clubman are now on sale in the UK. The estate, which is built at MINI’s Oxfordshire plant, is priced from £14,325.