Clubman is now practically fast

Mini has unveiled its John Cooper Works Clubman ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

One of more practical bodystyles in the Mini range has been paired up with the most powerful engine: a 228bhp twolitre turbocharged petrol unit paired with four-wheel drive.

That means a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds (the same as the Mini hatch) and a top speed of 148mph. The figures are identical whether the car is fitted with the six-speed manual or eightspeed auto box.

These are impressive figures, given the Clubman is around 300kg heavier than the hatch thanks to its larger body and all-wheel-drive system.

As with other models, it also gets firmer suspension and better brakes (adaptive damping is an option), along with plenty of customisation options to blow quite substantial chunks of cash on.

Mini claims if you opt for the eightspeed Steptronic automatic version, the new JCW will average 41.5mpg. CO2 emissions are tolerable, too, at 154g/km.

The six-speed manual model is a little less efficient, however; it returns a claimed 38.2mpg and emits 168g/km of CO2.

The Clubman uses Mini’s All4 allwheel-drive system, which is capable of sending power to the rear wheels when required in a fraction of a second.

All versions feature Mini’s drive selector, which allows drivers to tweak settings to complement their driving style.

Mini has thrown the works into the JCW Clubman. Brembo brakes, Dynamic Stability Control and a sports exhaust are all standard, as are collision warnings, city braking, cruise control, Park Distance Control and all the other acronymised driver assistance you’ll find on the standard Clubman. It also comes with a race-inspired speedo.

Prices start at £29,345 for the manual version, rising to £30,945 if you want the eight-speed automatic version.

Mini’s John Cooper Works Clubman combines the firm’s most powerful engine and one of its more practical body styles,