2017 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works Announced

The six-door Mini Clubman will be the next model in the Mini stable to receive the JCW treatment, with the BMW-owned British marque confirming today that the John Cooper Works version of its micro-wagon will make its first public showing at next month’s Paris Motor Show.

In a departure from tradition, the 2017 Mini Clubman JCW will transition from the front-drive configuration of its predecessor and adopt Mini’s All4 all-wheel drive drivetrain, making it the first F-series Mini to take power to all four wheels (the Countryman is also AWD, but is built on Mini’s older R-series architecture).

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Power will be provided by a 170kW/350Nm turbocharged petrol inline four that makes the same power but 30Nm more torque than the blown 2.0 in the JCW hatch and convertible, with power being sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

Mini claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.3 seconds both the manual and auto JCW Clubman, which is identical to the JCW hatch manual’s zero-to-hundred dash time – despite the Clubman’s 250kg-odd of extra mass.Credit that to its extra torque (30Nm more than the JCW hatch) and grippy AWD driveline.

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The rest of the JCW Clubman’s spec sheet reads much like that of its hatchback counterpart, with the availability of electronically adjustable dampers (which are expected to be standard in Australia), Brembo brakes, speed-sensitive power steering and 18-inch alloys. Engine, transmission, steering and suspension characteristics can all be altered through the drive mode selector, with three modes offered; Sport, Mid and Green.

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Like the JCW hatch, the interior will feature JCW-specific sports seats with fatter bolsters, a girthy JCW steering wheel and a head-up display with unique graphics.

However, the JCW Clubman will boast a more practical cabin, with four-door access, seating for five, a 40:20:40 split rear seat and a hands-free sensor for opening its split tailgate.

The JCW Clubman will also debut Mini’s latest touchscreen-enabled infotainment system.

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Local timing, specifications and pricing have yet to be announced, with the Australian launch for the John Cooper Works Clubman expected in the first half of next year.