Photo: CarPix
With the rise of electric cars, crossovers and... electric crossovers, the MINI Clubman is less relevant than ever. But that doesn't mean we can't get excited about this JCW version.
You see, while there's no guarantee that the car will get more power, there's also every reason for MINI to play it safe. Not only is the 231 HP Clubman JCW facing stiff competition from faster, cheaper rivals, there's also the BMW X2 M35i that's just come out.
Oh, how happy we are that we were right about the X2 M35i being called that and not what the rumors suggested. Under the hood, the BMW has virtually the same 2-liter turbo as in the JCW, but it produces 306 HP. The number seems to be a new sweet spot for European automakers, considering both the Golf R and Audi TTS have switched to it.
We'll remind you that with ALL4 grip, the current JCW model will reach 100 km/h in about 6 seconds while the hot X2 takes just 4.9 seconds. MINI needs access to that kind of performance. Otherwise, its overpriced models will become irrelevant when even the Kona EV cracks 200 HP.
This 2019 facelift prototype has a new exhaust system. But we wouldn't get too excited about that, considering adding particulate filters is more important than improving the aural experience right now.
Cosmetic changes are also minimal at best, with the easiest one to spot is the taillight design. Every MINI owner knows that circles are supposed to be drawn inside that thing, but inspired by the UK flag, the company's designers have switched to stripes. We wouldn't necessarily call that an improvement.
The front end seems to sport a new mesh for the main grille, and fresh LED adaptive projectors. There are no images of the interior, but the recent electric MINI sighting suggests the company is looking into a fully digital dashboard configuration which all models might benefit from.
Oh, how happy we are that we were right about the X2 M35i being called that and not what the rumors suggested. Under the hood, the BMW has virtually the same 2-liter turbo as in the JCW, but it produces 306 HP. The number seems to be a new sweet spot for European automakers, considering both the Golf R and Audi TTS have switched to it.
We'll remind you that with ALL4 grip, the current JCW model will reach 100 km/h in about 6 seconds while the hot X2 takes just 4.9 seconds. MINI needs access to that kind of performance. Otherwise, its overpriced models will become irrelevant when even the Kona EV cracks 200 HP.
This 2019 facelift prototype has a new exhaust system. But we wouldn't get too excited about that, considering adding particulate filters is more important than improving the aural experience right now.
Cosmetic changes are also minimal at best, with the easiest one to spot is the taillight design. Every MINI owner knows that circles are supposed to be drawn inside that thing, but inspired by the UK flag, the company's designers have switched to stripes. We wouldn't necessarily call that an improvement.
The front end seems to sport a new mesh for the main grille, and fresh LED adaptive projectors. There are no images of the interior, but the recent electric MINI sighting suggests the company is looking into a fully digital dashboard configuration which all models might benefit from.
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