2023 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4 Classic

2023 MINI Clubman Review

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2023 Mini Clubman offers much of the thrill of Mini's classic hardtop models in a small wagon body. The Clubman has distinctive side-hinged, barn-style doors instead of a top-hinged hatch out back, which give it both a standout look and different functionality from most of its competitors. It's available in two outputs (189 horsepower and 301 hp) from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive comes standard on the top John Cooper Works trim and is available on the base Cooper S trim.

　　Do some research and you'll find that Clubman is more expensive than the typical small hatchback, such as a Mazda 3. But in return it provides more energizing performance and a classier interior. It's also a worthy alternative to Mini's Hardtop 2 Door if you need more practicality but want to stay with the Mini brand. The bottom line is that the Clubman is pretty distinctive in its size, packaging and performance. Read all the details in our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the Clubman drive? The Clubman JCW uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes an impressive 301 hp. At our test track, it propelled our test car from 0 to 60 mph in a rather outrageous 4.7 seconds. Using launch control, the Clubman JCW blasts off the line, cracking off shifts and even getting some tire chirp on the 1-2 upshift. It feels quick in routine driving too, with plenty of low-end torque and a responsive gas pedal.

　　The Clubman JCW is relatively composed around turns, and it doesn't have the go-cart feel of older Minis. The steering is heavier than you might expect, but it feels good and responsive. Even with all-wheel drive, there is a mild amount of torque steer. In general, the handling isn't markedly different or more enjoyable than that of a Cooper Clubman S.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the Clubman? Mini spent a lot of time tuning the suspension and handling. Unfortunately, the engineers have tuned it for performance, with no regard for comfort and refinement. The Clubman JCW is stiff. Uncomfortably so. It crashes over bumps, and potholes will rattle your teeth. The firm and oddly padded seat doesn't help much either. Yes, the bolsters do a great job of keeping you planted on winding roads, but it only compounds the ride-quality issue.

　　It's not all bad inside. When it's not sending shockwaves through your spine, the Clubman JCW is actually fairly quiet and refined. The turbocharged engine makes a nice-sounding growl even if much of it is prerecorded and piped in through the speakers. The climate control works well and has air vents for the rear passengers.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below