Nothing tells you more about a product than trying it out yourself.
Aside from the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, MINI Malaysia also launched the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in conjunction with the MINI Track Days 2017. Cutting to the case, the new Mini John Cooper Works Clubman essentially shares the same power plant as the Countryman with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with MINI Twin Power Technology.
With an output of 231 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, it allows the new John Cooper Works Clubman to abscond off the line in just 6.3 seconds; a mere 0.2 seconds faster than the John Cooper Works Countryman with the aid of the eight-speed Steptronic Sports Automatic transmission equipped with pedal shifters. With a top speed of 238 km/h, the new John Cooper Works Clubman’s combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.2L/100km.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | MINI John Cooper Works Clubman |
| Engine | 1,998cc; inline-4, twin-scroll turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic Sports auto |
| Max Power | 231 hp |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h; Top Speed | 6.3 seconds; 238 km/h |
| Price | RM328,888 (OTR excluding registration) |
To allow for individualised vehicle setup, the Clubman comes with MINI Driving Modes to enable the vehicle to be set up to meet the driver’s needs in various driving conditions. With a flick of the rotary switch positioned below the gear lever, the driver is allowed to switch between SPORT, MID and GREEN driving modes. This influences the characteristics of the accelerator pedal, steering feedback, engine acoustics and speed of the gear changes with the eight-speed transmission.
In GREEN mode, the efficiency of the vehicle is further optimised with the coasting function. This is where the drivetrain decouples at speed of between 50 km/h to 160 km/h as soon as the driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal.
The standard sports suspension in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features a particularly tight set-up of the damping system. Specifically-developed in collaboration with Brembo, the Clubman is fitted with a four-pot calliper system that bears the John Cooper Works logo to match the accelerating potency of the vehicle.
Other driving aids featured in the new John Cooper Works Clubman includes the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential whereas its Performance Control feature helps improve the vehicles agility through the bends.
The most impressive bit of kit has to be the latest generation all-wheel drive system ALL4 fitted as standard in both the John Cooper Works variants. The electronically-controlled system allows torque to be distributed between the front and rear wheels as and when is needed to safeguard the agility of the Clubman while providing supreme traction and driving stability in all weathers.
Working in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which perpetually measures the wheel rotational speeds, acceleration, accelerator pedal position, engine torque and steering angle, the ALL4 system sets both the Clubman and Countryman to perform as front-wheel drives – a characteristic that has been typical of the brand.
Only when necessary does the hang-on clutch relay torque to the rear wheels within fractions of a second with an electrohydraulic pump. With that, it ensures a significant reduction in power and torque loss that occurs when power is channeled to the rear axle.
The new John Cooper Works Clubman doesn’t fall short of equipment on the inside either. Upon entry, one would immediately notice the Heads-Up Display which displays speeds, engine revs, current gear and even indicates the right moment for a gear change. One would also be hard-pressed to miss the ultra-supportive John Cooper Works sports seats wrapped in Dinamica Leather with Carbon Black and Red Stripes. Together with the John Cooper Works leather steering wheel and stainless steel pedals, its just riles the urges for a spirited drive.
The centre console is occupied by an 8.8-inch touchscreen which can also be operated via the MINI Touch Controller. The John Cooper Works touch also extends to the instrument cluster and centre display trim. At night fall, the on-board experience of the new John Cooper Works Clubman is heightened with the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Style in Fibre Alloy. Other features include the MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity, 20GB of storage for music as well as an LED ring around the centre display.
A new feature introduced in the John Cooper Works models is the MINI Find Mate which includes two Bluetooth tags; allowing the driver to keep track of his or her belongings. Once the item is tagged and connected to the system, an audible signal will be triggered while the location of the item would be sent to your smartphone should the items go missing.
Quality tunes will be provided by the Harman Kardon sound system with a generous 410-watt of output through four mid-range speakers at the front door and rear doors complemented by two central bass speakers tucked beneath the front seats. Other features that make up the creature comforts list in the new John Cooper Works Clubman consists of Parking Assist, a Rear View Camera, the Comfort Access function and a nifty Automatic Tailgate which can be activated by triggering the foot sensors.
Moving on, the John Cooper Works footprint on the Clubman’s shell is unmistakable. The race-inspired exterior is made up of the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Bodykit, 19-inch Cooper Works Course Spoke wheels in Burnish Black, a John Cooper Works grille, a striking Chilli Red roof and body stickers, as well as the John Cooper Works Side Scuttles and Door Sill which are hard to miss.
At RM328,888 excluding insurance, both the new MINI John Cooper Works models are available in Rebel Green and Midnight Black with the White Silver combination available exclusively for the new Clubman. Both the new John Cooper Works models will be covered by MINI’s newest 5 Years Roadside Assistance program of which details can be found here.
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