Choosing the right MINI these days is like choosing food in one of those trendy L.A. restaurants. You usually end up with something that is heavy on the garnish but void of anything with actual substance, and in the end it’ll leave you wanting a regular old burger. With that in mind, here’s the latest item on MINI USA’s menu, the 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.
This MINI is a Clubman which means it has more space in the back, and it’s a JCW which means it has the powerful 228 hp 2.0-liter engine. It is also ALL4, meaning that it comes with an all-wheel drive system and launch control. Although why would you need that in a small car like this is a subject for another debate. But MINI says it enhances acceleration, which is good, given that you would want to get in and drive off as quickly as possible before people notice you are driving a tiny station wagon with racing stripes on the bonnet.
But image aside, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is a good performer for its size and class, making 60 mph from 0 in 6.0 seconds with both the standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission. The car also comes with powerful Brembo sport brake system and sport suspension, as well as optional Dynamic Damper Control. The JCW treatment means that you also get an aero kit, Black 18” JCW Grip Spoke wheels, sport seats, and chrome-tipped sport exhaust. The new MINI will hit U.S. showrooms from December 2016.