First Drive Impression - MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and Clubman

Wet ‘n wild with John Cooper Works Clubman & Countryman

By Ané Theron

It happened to be the coldest day of the year when MINI SA launched their latest performance MINIs to SA Media - the John Cooper Works Clubman and John Cooper Works Countryman. Upon arrival at a freezing George Airport, the sun was shining optimistically over the glistening MINIs parked on the lawn. But this bright weather was not to last.

Getting comfy in the cold

My co-driver and I hopped into the black JCW All4 Clubman sports-auto first (only 8-speed sports-auto variants of the JCW Countryman and JCW Clubman were available on launch) to set off on the route to Oudtshoorn that included a romp over the breathtaking Outeniekwa Pass. I would be in the passenger’s seat for the first section, and got comfortable with my seat heater (optional) on full blast. As we approached the Ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn where we’d be doing a driver change, I noticed that the majestic Swartberg Mountains in the distance were heavily dusted with snow. The ambient temperature was 3 degrees and the wind chill factor meant that teeth would chatter every time I’d stop for photos.

Sure-footed on slippery surfaces

My stretch of the launch route in the JCW Clubman included some of the finest sweeping bends through the Karoo, that would again lead back to Knysna via the Outeniekwa Pass. The Clubman’s long wheelbase and extra power made for a stable, grippy and effervescent drive - its 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol-engine (previously 155kW and 260Nm) is now good for 170 kW and 350 Nm of torque , and the wet roads were perfect to test out its All4 capabilities. If you’re wondering what All4 is - It’s a system that will engage four-wheel-drive if it detects that there’s a loss of traction and more ‘vastrap’ or grip is needed, much like the system in the Audi Q5 that launched recently (click here for my driving impression). I could never detect the transfer of power from front to rear, which means the system’s sensors are making calculations quicker than you or I can say 2+2=4. The Clubman’s steering feels a tad over-assisted, but it’s somewhat better in Sport mode.

Quirks & characteristics

The JCW Clubman (R584 516) is even lower to the ground than the ‘regular’ Clubman and as much as I liked driving it and enjoyed the extra power, the Clubman S (R485 052, with 141 kW / 300Nm) will do just fine -  mostly because it’s almost a 100K cheaper with not much difference in spec level!  Even though the Clubman’s odd shape makes it very practical, it’s not exactly what I’d call sexy. With its  black paint job and darkly-tinted windows,  from the side  it looks slightly hearse-like, but it’s saved by its cute rear lights and barn-style doors. If you’re looking for a performance hatch with sex-appeal, there’s a wide range of yummier-looking cars in this performance/ price range (such as the Audi A3 Sportback,  or VW GTI).  I felt the seats needed more lumbar support as well - after about 45 minutes of driving I wanted to get out and stretch my legs and back.

Heading off in the country, man

After lunch it was our turn in the JCW All4 Countryman sports-auto (R636 792). A torrential downpour was making driving very difficult and visibility extremely poor, and we still had  the treacherous, all-gravel Prince Alfred Pass to traverse. By the time we reached the start of the pass, the rains were easing up, and we made our way along, trying to miss the countless potholes but hitting quite a few nonetheless. Despite the the 18-inch run-flat tyres, the JCW Countryman’s ride quality was surprisingly good - quite hard, yes, but not bone-jarringly so, and agile as a Romanian gymnast. Yet again, I have to ask the question - is it worth spending all that extra dosh on the JCW Countryman if I plan to go on regular outings like this? I’d have to say no - yet it’s good to know that it can be done! (For your information, the MINI Cooper S Countryman sports-auto, at R530 306, also has 141 kW and 300 Nm.)

All4 one, and one for all 

Driving the JCW Countryman on the wet tarmac on the way back was exceedingly enjoyable. Its strength lies in its power, hatch-like driving characteristics, spaciousness and tremendously handsome looks - plus, that All4 system makes you feel very confident when you tackle the turns. The JCW Countryman’s output figures are now up from 160 kW / 280 Nm to a bird’s-eye-chilli-hot 170 kW / 350 Nm. As for the 8-speed sports-auto ’box - it’s only a pleasure to work with, and gear changes are only perceptible if you have your eye on the rev counter. Drive it in manual mode and you’ll be delighted by some more cheerful chortling from the dual exhaust pipes. The 2.0-litre turbo-engine is not too thirsty either, and we averaged 8 litres per 100 km in Green mode, and 11.2 in Sport.

Interior

Just like the Clubman S and Countryman S, both the JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman have a lot going on inside -  the JCW Clubman seemingly even more so. But there is no lack of character and not one button or dial or surface that looks inexpensive. To my great delight I discovered there are two USB ports inside each car. Both the JCW Countryman and JCW Clubman are loaded with tech, and once you get the hang of it,  the infotainment systems are relatively straightforward and intuitive.

I much prefer the spacious passenger/driver area in the JCW Countryman to that of the JCW Clubman, which  feels a bit cramped. Both cars are satisfyingly big on boot space; the Countryman has 450 litres and the Clubman 360.

Verdict

MINI aimed for upmarket versatility, style and character with both cars, and they passed with flying colours -  but as both JCW cars are significantly more expensive than the more-than-sufficient S-derivatives, I can’t help but wonder how favourable the sales figures will look.If money was no object, I’d splurge on the JCW Countryman though.  It’s good-looking, athletic, cool, outdoorsy, adaptable and clever - just like your dream date.

Pricing

MINI John Cooper Works All4 Clubman (manual) - R558 612

MINI John Cooper Works All4 Clubman sports-auto - R584 516

MINI  John Cooper Works All4 Countryman (manual)  - R610 726

MINI John Cooper Works All4 Countryman sports-auto - R636 792

Every MINI JCW comes standard with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Safety: ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and 6 airbags.