MINI Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4 2021 Review

The Mini 2 Door Hardtop (previously just called the Mini Cooper) is the undisputed icon of the Mini lineup, but its diminutive size means it's not practical for all buyers. Thankfully, Mini offers a range of models that are more passenger- and cargo-friendly. They include the 2022 Mini Clubman, a hatchback/wagon with more room than the 4 Door Hardtop but without the lifted height and extra mass of the Countryman SUV.

Unlike the Hardtop and Countryman — which each come with a three-cylinder engine standard — the Clubman is only available in spicy and blazin' flavors. The base Cooper S model is good for nearly 200 horsepower, while the John Cooper Works trim bumps output to over 300 hp. The result is a small car that is sporty and engaging no matter how you spec it — especially if you select the returning-for-2021 manual transmission.

Read MatoCar' Expert Rating below to see how the Mini Clubman stacks up against other hot compacts from Honda, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

Which Clubman does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Mini Clubman is a small hatchback/wagon available in three main trim levels: Cooper S Clubman, the all-wheel-drive Cooper S Clubman All4 and the performance-focused John Cooper Works All4. Each of those is broken into three subtrims: Classic, Signature and Iconic. It's a little confusing, but the main takeaway here is that the main trims vary by powertrain while the subtrims determine what features you get.

Cooper S Clubman The front-wheel-drive Cooper S Clubman is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 horsepower, 207 lb-ft). A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Classic trim, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available for extra cost. On the Signature and Iconic trims, the automatic is standard and the manual is a no-cost option.

Standard features on the Classic include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Automatic wipers
• Heated mirrors
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 6.5-inch infotainment display
• Heated and height-adjustable front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery (Cooper S models)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in behind the vehicle when parking)

The Signature model includes those features, plus:

• 6.5" Touchscreen Media Display package (see below)
• Adjustable suspension dampers
• Panoramic sunroof
• Harman Kardon premium sound system
• Satellite radio
• Faux leather-and-cloth combination upholstery

The top-of-the-line Iconic trim consists of:

• Signature trim
• 8.8" Touchscreen Navigation package (see below)
• 18-inch wheels
• Power-folding mirrors
• Auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors
• Power-adjustable front seats
• 40/20/40-split rear seat
• Leather upholstery
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

Cooper S Clubman All4 The Clubman All4 generally mirrors the equipment and features of the standard Clubman but comes with all-wheel drive and is only available with the automatic transmission.

John Cooper Works Clubman All4 The JCW Clubman All4 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (301 hp, 331 lb-ft). It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Features on the Classic, Signature and Iconic trims generally mirror those on the Cooper S Clubman All4. Other features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• JCW sport seats with faux suede-and-cloth combination upholstery
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Larger brakes
• Additional chassis bracing for improved stiffness
• JCW-specific styling, including front and rear bumpers and a roof-mounted spoiler

All Clubman models offer several packages and stand-alone options, including:

• 6.5" Touchscreen Media Display package
• Digital instrument panel
• Navigation system
• Touchscreen functionality for the central display screen
• Apple CarPlay compatibility
• 8.8" Touchscreen Navigation package
• Contents of 6.5" Touchscreen Media Display package but with an 8.8-inch touchscreen
• Wireless device charging pad
• Driver Assistance package
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Head-up display
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Clubman and the car in front)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• Premium package (Signature trim required)
• Power-folding mirrors
• Auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors
• Power-adjustable front seats
• 40/20/40-split rear seat
• Leather upholstery
• Roof rails
• Satellite radio