14.6 C
Johannesburg
Friday, March 29, 2024
More

    Latest Posts

    Mini Clubman S JCW

    Although small wagons have been upstaged by small crossovers, they still appeal to a discerning few who want passenger-car handling plus a little extra luggage capacity without adding the higher center of gravity and additional mass that goes with a CUV.

    Wagons are about practicality, and in this second-generation Clubman that factor has been enhanced by a switch to four conventional side doors rather than the previous arrangement that featured a rear-hinged half-door on the passenger’s side. The rear side doors provide access to a much roomier rear-seat area, a function of the longer wheelbase and stretched body shell.

    The gain in size will be immediately noticeable to those sitting in the Clubman. Not only is access to the rear greatly improved but leg and head room is also now on par with the Audi A3. Two adults will be more than comfortable in the back, but you can squeeze three in if you need to.

    It's the first Clubman derivative to carry the John Cooper Works badge, and it backs that up with a two-litre Twin Power turbo petrol four with 170kW, the car’s response is athletic and body motions are minimal. More impressive than the new Cooper S Clubman’s quickness, however, is its blend of agility and slightly improved ride quality. Mini has long ascribed “go-kart handling” to its offerings, and the new Clubman maintains that tradition. The electrically assisted power steering is quick and accurate.

    The interior also has undergone a major makeover, distinguished in this test car by a set of race-worthy bucket seats clad in snazzy leather. he Clubman has one of the best sat-nav and infotainment systems on the market. Being owned by BMW means MINI can take advantage of its parent company’s iDrive system, which is based around a very intuitive swivel wheel down on the centre console

    Don’t be frustrated by the lack of a touchscreen as this system is far easier to use and stops those nasty smudges from appearing on the screen. Entry-level models get a 6.5-inch colour display, while a larger 8.8-inch screen comes on high-spec models. It serves as a display for infotainment, phone and navigation functions.

    Picture credit: google.com

    Entertainment | Celebrity Gossip and News

    Peter Machemba

    Latest Posts

    Don't Miss

    Stay in touch

    To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.