The MINI Clubman is a four-door hatchback compact car with tons of style, lively driving and distinctive split rear doors. The Clubman’s wide stance and low center of gravity give each available model plenty of dynamic acceleration to match its nimble handling and adept steering, especially the John Cooper Works performance variant. 

The MINI Clubman, now in its second generation, received a refresh for the 2020 model year that included new colors, wheels and a redesigned front end. The Clubman comes in three powertrain configurations: Cooper S, Cooper S All4 and John Cooper Works All4.

The Clubman JCW All4 sports distinct looks, and it’s upgraded 301-horsepower engine makes it the most powerful model in the brand’s sixty-year history (the Countryman JCW variant shares the same powertrain). MINI  

Both Cooper S variants are powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a seven-speed sport double clutch transmission that delivers 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The S All4 offers all-wheel drive. The JCW All4 also uses the same engine with an all-wheel drivetrain, but it’s tuned to hit a 301 horsepower (a first for MINI and a 73-horsepower improvement over the 2019 model) and is rated at 331 pound-feet of torque. Each powertrain can be customized with three different trims—Classic, Signature and Iconic—that tack on luxury amenities or give access to premium packages. 

Of the bunch, the JCW is the most entertaining to drive, especially if routinely navigating an urban environment. The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine is matched to an eight-speed gearbox that is responsive in manual mode. There also are other mapping options for improved performance during more spirited driving. It also gets from zero to 60 in 4.9 seconds, a speed that will make any commute less boring.

The Clubman feature split rear doors and is an ideal ride for buyers that want an entertaining and practical car, especially if routinely navigating an urban environment. MINI

The JCW Clubman’s newfound power is slightly startling in such a compact car. Its acceleration—while not approaching the likes of most dedicated sport models—is satisfying and useful, especially when merging or squirting through holes in traffic. The car stays firmly planted and stable when cornering, making clear that the engineering enhancements derived from racetrack experience. The JCW Clubman is also nice and compliant under casual daily use thanks to the multiple drive modes and adaptive suspension. No matter the drive style preferences, it’s a pleasant place to be.

MINI also hasn’t abandoned its commitment to novel interior design. The dashboard is still vertical, keeping space open in the front, and riddled with mechanical switches rather than the buttons most carmakers use. The switches make for more satisfying micro-interactions with the machine and have a stronger visual presence. Instead of a blank wall of black buttons, everything is designed with a meaningful impact on the entire interior in mind. In an age when all controls are migrating to big central screens, there’s still much to be said for engaging with mechanical switches. Make no mistake—the Clubman does have its share of black buttons—but the important stuff is switch-based.

The Classic trim on the Cooper S and Cooper S All4 has a leather wrapped sport wheel and a 6.5-inch display. Upgrading to the Signature adds a panoramic roof, a touchscreen, heated seats and driving modes. MINI

The new Clubman interior does still have a prominent touchscreen navigation and infotainment system, as is essential for both of those systems. The 8.8-inch infotainment screen is useful and well-organized.

The car maintains a persistent data connection, so music and entertainment streaming services are always at the ready, along with multiple MINI apps that generate traffic information as well as the Apple CarPlay interface. It also provides a Concierge service for scheduling maintenance and an internet portal for assorted navigation tools. One thing it does not provide, however, is Android Auto integration.

The Clubman hasn’t been evaluated by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and its safety systems are fairly limited. Forward collision warnings and automatic emergency braking are standard, but the Clubman doesn’t offer systems like blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alerts.

Overall, the MINI Clubman is a car that requires commitment because there are compromises that the average buyer must make. This includes its distinct styling and its occasional shortcomings in space (the center console and the space between the seats offer few options for storage). Additionally, its cupholders are awkwardly placed and slightly out of reach, something coffee and beverage hounds will eventually find tiresome. Compromises aside, it’s a terrific driving experience and the kind of high-concept, edgy design consumers rarely encounter anymore.