2019 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works verdict

There’s a charm to the Clubman JCW for something quick and quirky, but at more than £35,000, it’s playing with the big boys. Does it deliver? If interior quality and designer looks are your thing, yes, but not if you’re a keen driver looking for real thrills. The A35 has the same premium cache but goes even quicker, while the Mégane RS brings bags more giggles for more than £7000 less. Don’t forget, too, that the new BMW M135i and Ford Focus ST are coming very soon.

If we had £35,000 to spend on a hot hatch, here’s what we’d do: buy a Civic Type R, put up with its iffy infotainment system and spend the money we’d saved over a Clubman JCW on a track day. Because if pure driving pleasure is what you want, the Honda shines like the sun, while the JCW is merely a twinkling star.

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Read our full Mini Clubman review

What Car? says...

Rated 3 out of 5

2019 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works specification

Price £35,360 Engine 4cyls, 1998cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 302bhp at 5000-6250rpm Torque 332lb ft at 1750-4500rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Top speed 155mph 0-62mph 4.9sec Fuel economy 34.9mpg (WLTP) CO2/tax band 169g/km (NEDC), 37%

Rivals Honda Civic Type R, Renault Mégane RS

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