7

The Mini Clubman has received a performance make-over to create a new John Cooper Works flagship model – with prices starting at £29,345.

The most powerful Clubman in the current line-up, the new model will deliver 231PS and 350Nm of torque via a turbocharged two-litre engine enabling a 0-62mph time of just 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph with the assistance of the brand’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system.

Mini claims that the high-performance compact estate car will achieve 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 154 g/km, however.

Upgraded suspension, braking, cooling, exterior styling and new options including a new touch-screen MINI Navigation XL are all part of the John Cooper Works package.

More aggressive front and rear bumpers, and a rear wing help reduce lift and provide additional cooling to the more powerful engine, while unique alloy wheels and John Cooper Works badging also denote the top-of-the-range Clubman, which can be specified with a special ‘Rebel Green’ paint.

Specification highlights inside the car include sports seats, an Alcantara headliner, and a wide array of standard equipment including MINI Navigation, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, along with adaptive cruise control.

The Mini Clubman John Cooper Works can be specified with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed sports Steptronic transmission.

The manual gearbox features rev-matching system to deliver smooth downchanges.

The eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, meanwhile, allows for especially fuel-efficient driving thanks to the wide spread – but closely stacked – gear ratios and quick shifting times, Mini claims.

Meanwhile, technology in Mini’s fitted with the optional MINI Navigation XL system, sees the Steptronic gearbox take into account upcoming bends and junctions, avoiding unnecessary gear changes.

Optional items include a Harman Kardon hi-fi system and the MINI Navigation System XL.

Other options include a panorama glass roof, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, seat heating for driver and front passenger and windscreen heating.

Over 80% of MINI John Cooper Works Clubman customers are expected to choose the Chili pack which adds the customer’s choice of any upholstery from the range, heated seats, 19-inch Course spoke alloy wheels and the storage compartment pack. Chili pack is priced at £2,000 on MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.