3 Reasons Why Renault Clio is #CarsAwards Finalist
What makes the Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique a worthy contender in the Compact Hatchback category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
Renault’s popular Clio was facelifted late in 2016, bringing with it a host of visual and interior enhancements. This Clio 66 kW Dynamique brings French-flair to the compact hatchback segment and is well-appointed with standard features. The Clio offers perky performance from its small-capacity engine and returns acceptable fuel consumption. Is it enough to scoop the win in this category?
3 Reasons Why Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique is a #CarsAwards Compact Hatchback finalist
1. Value for money
The Clio 66 kW Dynamique is comprehensively-equipped with features including a 7-inch MediaNav infotainment system replete with Bluetooth, navigation and USB/aux support. Other key features include 16-inch alloy wheels, engine stop/start, rake and reach adjustable multifunction steering wheel, partial cloth/leather upholstery, electric folding side mirrors and cruise control.
Safety features include 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control.
2. Light on fuel
Powered by a small-capacity 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 66 kW and 150 Nm of torque, the Clio is perfect for inner city commutes and will return reasonable fuel consumption figures on a daily basis. Renault claims 5.5 L/100km for this derivative.
3. Practical runner
With 300 litres of luggage space and 60/40 split rear seats that increase loading space to 1 446 litres, the Clio offers reasonable levels of practicality.
The Clio is also backed by a comprehensive 5-year/150 000km warranty and a service plan of 3-years/45 000 km as standard.
Have Your Say: Complete our survey and WIN!
Do you own a Renault Clio? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your experience by completing our Ownership Satisfaction Survey. Your input counts for 50% of the final result!
Is the Kia Sportage 2.0 EX Plus Auto the sweet spot in the expanded Sportage range?
Kia, as a relatively young manufacturer, has certainly come a long way in a short space of time. Its products are constantly improving and being improved, and the new Sportage is arguably the best car in its ever-growing stable.
The Sportage range is made up of 12 different models with five engines, so even though buyers are spoilt for choice, all those options can make it difficult to choose the best one, or simply the right one for your lifestyle.
In this video, we take a detailed look at the Sportage 2.0 EX Plus Auto. The model fits into the middle of the range and while it is about R100 000 more than the entry-level model, we think the comfort and tech features make the extra spend worth it.
To compare all the Kia Sportage models, or compare the Sportage to popular rivals such as the Hyundai Tuscon, Mazda CX-5 or VW Tiguan, visit our easy-to-use and comprehensive compare page here
Ford will invest R3 billion in manufacturing operations in SA, including a production line for the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Ford is trying to keep up with demand for this generation of Ranger that was launched back in 2011. The cash injection will see Ford SA able to meet local and export demand for the bakkie all over the continent.
Ockert Berry, vice president Operations, Ford Middle East and Africa said, "looking further ahead, the expanded production capacity will ensure that we are geared up and fully prepared to respond to additional future market demands for the Ranger by ramping up our production even further. This significant investment reaffirms Ford's ongoing commitment to South Africa as a local manufacturer, exporter and key employer in the automotive sector, supporting a large number of direct jobs as well as indirect employment through our extensive supplier base.
At the top end of the bakkie scale, the Ranger Raptor will also be produced in SA. The performance bakkie is set to be released in 2019. Speculation assumes the Raptor will be built with a 331 kW 3.5-litre V6 turbopetrol, but it’s too early in the development stage to get a lockdown on the specifics.
"The response to our announcement that Ford will be introducing a Ranger Raptor has been absolutely phenomenal, and we're exceptionally proud to now confirm that this highly anticipated performance model will be assembled in South Africa," stated Dr Casper Kruger, managing director of Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region. "This is yet another fantastic achievement for our local team, and signals our ability to produce world-class products of the highest calibre."
2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards powered by WesBank; Finalists
And then there were 39! Cars.co.za is proud to announce the finalists of the 2017/18. Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. The finalists (three in each of 13 respective categories) were selected out of 65 vehicles that seven members of Cars.co.za’s extended editorial team agreed were the best derivatives available in the South African new vehicle market on 1 September 2017.
To reduce the selection of vehicles per category from five to three, the same team ranked the contenders by evaluating them against predetermined pillars of success in each category.
No fewer than 20 brands are represented in the list of finalists, with the Volkswagen Group leading the nominations with 10 derivatives (Audi and VW have five apiece), followed by the BMW Group (four). Significantly, Alfa Romeo, Kia, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Subaru make their first appearance in the final of the #CarsAwards in this (third) iteration of the programme.
The next phase of the programme will take place on 1 and 2 November 2017, when a combined panel (the Cars.co.za editorial team and 11 respected and experienced guest judges from a variety of backgrounds) will evaluate the finalists back-to-back during a two-day test at Gerotek.
The importance of after-sales service
However, the findings of the 18 judges will only count for half of the finalists’ total scores – the remaining 50% will be based on rankings that the respective vehicles’ brands achieved in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists Lightstone Consumer. The data incorporates feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (less than five years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
"Several strong new candidates were launched in the past 12 months, so the judges had their work cut out in the first two phases of this year's awards programme,” says Cars.co.za consumer experience manager Hannes Oosthuizen.
“But choosing class-leading products is only half of the story. After-sales service make up the other half. Ultimately, the judges have only 50% of the say, with data from the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey – in partnership with Lightstone Consumer – accounting for the rest, which gives a voice to the people who know their cars best: South Africa’s vehicle owners.
"The scene is set for an interesting final test routine and judging," he adds. “We urge all South African car owners to complete the survey. We want real, credible input, and the only way to do that is for the public to give us their views on the cars they know best – the ones they own.”
WesBank, which finances the majority of private vehicle purchases in South Africa, is the headline sponsor of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards for a second consecutive year. Members of the public can follow developments of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank on Cars.co.za and its social media channels (content bearing #CarsAwards hashtag).
To participate in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey or access more information about the programme (including categories, judges and finalists) visit http://www.carsawards.co.za
Here are the Finalists in their respective categories:
Budget Car (under R175k)
Buying an affordable car doesn’t mean you should compromise on safety, technology and quality. The winner of this category represents as much good car as possible for the asking price. Value is very important, as are low running costs and all such "common sense" considerations. Given the financial pressure that all South African households face, we've only raised the price cap for semi-finalists to R175 000 this year. ABS and dual airbags are must-have safety requirements. The finalists are:
In this extremely competitive category, we’re looking for a balanced offering that is excellent across the board. Cars in this segment must appeal to a very wide audience – from the young professional or family buying up from an entry-level car, to pensioners buying down from something larger and expensive. The winner of this award must truly reflect what is best about modern automotive design and engineering, but present it in a concentrated, reasonably affordable form. The finalists are:
Stylish and sophisticated yet, practical enough for most motoring needs, these are the cars for the upwardly mobile go-getter. The winner in this category must not only offer outstanding quality, refinement, performance and the latest technologies, but also broadcast a message of success and ambition. The finalists are:
With household budgets stretched to breaking point, the reasonably affordable modern-day family car has to wear many hats – from compact traffic dodger, to spacious school-run specialist and even weekend getaway machine. Practicality and spaciousness are important considerations, but so are safety, technology, fuel efficiency and a modicum of lifestyle flexibility. The finalists are:
The typical family car fulfils a wide variety of duties and needs to be a practical, safe all-rounder. The winner of this category should be ideal not only for the morning school run, but also the school holiday run to a distant location. In judging this category we’ve placed particular emphasis on interior flexibility, comfort and safety. The finalists are:
In this category you will find the type of cars that realistic dreams are made off. We’re looking for an aspirational vehicle that will appeal to the image-conscious driver who places a priority on performance, dynamics, technology and design. The target customers have achieved success and want a car that isn’t only a personal reward, but also one which broadcasts their achievements. The finalists are:
These technological masterpieces represent an enviable blend of First Class luxury and comfort, and Business Class technology and dynamic appeal. Prestige is usually a given in this segment, but we’re also looking for significant technological advancement, yet without compromising the level of comfort and quiet style that these sedans are renowned for. The finalists in this category are:
In this immensely popular and fiercely contested category of the market, the search is on for the ultimate all-rounder. From luxurious touring vehicle, to hardcore off-roader, capable carry-all, family do-all and lifestyle activity machine, leisure double-cab bakkies can no longer be too utilitarian and rough around the edges, but should be highly sophisticated offerings. The finalists are:
We’re looking for the ultimate recreational vehicle to transport a family and all their holiday and lifestyle gear in comfort to almost any destination, on- or off-road. Off-road ability is emphasised, in combination, with practicality, comfort and long-distance cruising. The finalists are;
Increasingly regarded as the status symbol to have, most premium brands now offer road-biased SUVs that combine prestige and practicality in a package that is characterised by superior refinement. Drivetrain performance and refined road manners are a priority as is a cabin that features upmarket materials and the most up-to-date technology. The finalists are:
Luxurious SUVs may appeal for irrational and emotional reasons such as kerb appeal and status, but at their core they are some of the most sophisticated and capable vehicles on the market. Blending spaciousness with high-tech off-road equipment, powerful engines, as well as luxuriously trimmed cabins, the prestige-badged premium SUV we are looking for in this category should be tailor-made for image- and practicality obsessed buyers. The finalists are:
What is it that makes a car "fun" to drive? Is it purely about performance and handling? To a large degree it is, but for this award category we’re looking for a total package that is not priced in fantasy land. This is one for the petrolheads – a car that must leave the die-hard enthusiast smiling after every drive, in the way it looks, handles, sounds and, yes, performs. The finalists are:
While supercars and other “exotics” are mere fantasies for most, there are cars priced below the magical R1 million mark that offer near-supercar thrills and performance. In this category we are not only looking for sizzling performance, but also driver engagement, whether driven on track or road. The finalists are:
South Africa’s new vehicle market continues to put up a fight against the challenges of a tough economic environment, recording an increase in sales for the fifth month in a row.
According to the latest sales data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the new car market grew by 4.6% year-on-year (2 255 units) in October 2017. Year-to-date, the industry is still performing to expectations, growing 1.7% (with dealer sales growing 1.2%) against a backdrop of sustained political and economic uncertainty, low business and consumer confidence and low economic growth rates.
New vehicle exports were negatively affected by the impact of the recent storm that affected Durban Port operations and on production volumes at the Toyota Durban Plant, but exports should show an improvement for the last 2 months of the year as operations normalise.
The best-selling vehicle in South Africa for October 2017 was the Ford Ranger with 2 855 units sold. The mighty Toyota Hilux mustered 2 483 sales to claim third place on the sales chart behind the ever popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo which claims second place with 2 851 units sold.
It's the first time in a long time that the Volkswagen Polo (1 950 units) hasn't featured on the Top 5 list, but it was relegated by strong sales of the Toyota Etios which racked up impressive sales of 2 059 units. The Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest remains hugely popular in South Africa achieving 2 135 units sold in October 2017.
Factors contributing to improved local sales momentum:
Sharply reduced new vehicle pricing, at an annualised third quarter rate of 3.1%, down from 9.9% in the third quarter of 2016
The July 2017 reduction in interest rates
Continued highly attractive sales incentives
Continued above-average demand by car rental companies
New car sales summary – October 2017
Aggregate new vehicle sales at 51 037 units up 4.6% (2 255 units) compared with October 2016
New car sales at 35 316 units up 7.9% (2 594 units) compare with October 2016. The car rental industry accounted for an estimated 26.1% of new car sales.
Domestic sales of new Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) at 13 376 units down 1.7% (227 units) compared with October 2016
Export sales: 28 229 units down 8.3% (2 544 units) compared with October 2016
Top 5 best-selling car brands in South Africa – October 2017
Brand
Total Sales for October 2017
Toyota
12 312
Volkswagen
7 898
Ford
6 337
Nissan
4 858
Hyundai
3 464
Top 5 best-selling cars in South Africa in October 2017
“Looking forward, we are of the view that the market will track sideways as the country approaches key political moments,” says Chris de Kock, Group CEO of WesBank, "Recent developments have also increased the potential for an economic downgrade later this month, and this will add further stress the market which has benefited from a reducing interest rate environment. The weak Rand and rising oil prices will result in higher fuel costs, another vital input impacting the fortunes of the motor industry.”
The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement and the subsequent sharply lower exchange rate came too late in October to affect the sales figures. A year-on-year improvement of around 1.5% for 2017 remains possible, NAAMSA predicts. Continued positive global economic growth trends should support new vehicle exports over the medium to long-term.
What makes the Mazda2 1.5 Individual a strong contender in the Budget Car category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards programme – powered by WesBank? Read on…
The Mazda2 1.5 Individual is a stylish compact hatchback that combines attractive styling with modern interior packaging and a comprehensive standard features list. With good all-round performance and refined ride quality, the Mazda2 1.5 Individual is a sensible purchase in the compact hatchback segment.
3 Reasons why the Mazda2 1.5 Individual is a #CarsAwards Finalist
1. Frugal daily runner
Equipped with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine offering 82 kW and 145 Nm of torque, the Mazda2 1.5 Individual returns good fuel consumption figures with Mazda claiming 5.5 L/100km. This means you will be saving money at the pumps every time you fill up!
2. Value for money
The Mazda2 1.5 Individual is well-equipped with features such as 6-inch alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheel that’s adjustable for rake and reach, front and rear electric windows, electric side mirrors, cruise control and a floating 7-inch touchscreen that offers Bluetooth functionality. A total of 2 USB ports are included along with an Aux port.?
The Mazda2 offers 280 litres of luggage space with 60:40 splits seats allowing for added flexibility.
In terms of safety specification, this derivative offers 2 airbags and ABS with EBD. However, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control is not offered on this derivative.
3. Brand strength and support
Mazda offers good after-sales service and customers will appreciate Mazda’s reputation for building reliable, bullet-proof cars. The 1.5 Individual is sold with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty and a 3-year/unlimited km service plan.
Have Your Say: Complete our survey and WIN!
Do you own a Mazda2? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your experience by completing our Ownership Satisfaction Survey. Your input counts for 50% of the final result!
Which cars are the Mazda2's rivals in #CarsAwards?
BMW M2 vs Audi RS3 (2017) Comparative Review Video
BMW and Audi have a rivalry that stretches back decades. Over the years these two brands have produced some legendary sportscars. However, these two machines represent a new era: the 2017 Audi RS3 is the most powerful compact sedan ever built, and the BMW M2 is the first M2 – ever. A duel was inevitable…
Of course, there are some key differences between the newcomers. The BMW is very much rear-wheel-drive while the Audi, true to its roots, is a quattro. A difference that really came into play as on the day we filmed, the heavens opened and our epic secret road was properly slippery.
The RS3 produces its peak outputs using a 5-cylinder turbopetrol motor, whereas the BMW, true to its roots, features a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six. And while most BMW M2s will likely be ordered with a dual-clutch auto, the example that we tracked down was a manual – a rare treat.
In this video, Ashley Oldfield and Ciro De Siena push these cars on a closed road outside Cape Town in a bid to decide which one they'd rather take home. It's not a very straightforward answer…
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has arrived in South Africa and our regular Cars.co.za contributor Francisco Nwamba took it for a drive at the recent BMW M Festival held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg.
When Mercedes Benz announced many years ago that the A-Class would no longer be a tall family orientated vehicle, we were all quite nervous. We had gotten used to its shape, but looking back, we will be forever grateful for the change – which has allowed for a new audience to be introduced to the brand. Will the BMW be able to pull off a similar act with its latest 6 Series GT? Will we one day look at the 6 Series and be thankful that it is no longer the sleek coupe it once was? We drove the new 6 Series GT to better acquaint ourselves with this new-look 6.
The Changes
The 6 Series GT's styling plays into its role as a comfortable and practical long-distance hauler.
To call the new 6 Series GT revolutionary would be an overstatement. For those who know their BMW’s well, they’ll instantly notice that the car looks very similar to the old 5 Series GT. In fact, the overall design is basically the same as the facelifted 5 Series GT, with the number 5 replaced with a 6. The 6 Series coupe and convertible have been relegated, but it’s not all “gloom and doom” as the eagerly awaited 8 Series will be its replacement. It’s a give-and-take situation, as you can see.
On the outside, the 6 Series GT has been made 'softer' in appearance, with a streamlined rear taillight and boot lid design, as well as a refreshed front-end. Where the 5 Series GT looked a tad odd, the 6 Series cures that with a more palatable appearance. Despite that, the car still feels out of place and it's difficult to define. Is it an SUV? Or perhaps a crossover? The addition of xDrive in the South African market helps us understand who BMW wants to target — families.
The 6 Series GT's interior is near-identical to the 5 Series, while some tech from the 7 Series also features.
If BMW has the family buyer in its crosshairs, they may be onto something as the 6 Series GT offers copious amounts of space. With 610 litres of boot space, the car makes sense for those who have long-distance adventures in mind. The interior design is almost exactly identical to that of the new BMW 5 series, which is a car that's difficult to fault. BMW’s new iDrive infotainment setup has become one of the best systems to use over time and the Navigation System Professional is user-friendly too. With the optional Harmon/Kardon sound system specified, the car gives the right amount of punch to your playlist – a must have in my opinion.
The Drive
Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine, BMW’s new B58 motor is what powers all vehicles with the “40i” designation. This engine produces 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque and in the 640i GT, it feels stately and refined. This is a car that’s not meant to excite, but rather ensure that you have enough power for grand touring while also providing for everyday needs.
Good ride quality and ample performance make the 6 Series GT a comfortable option. The diesel-powered 630d is particularly efficient too.
The 8-speed automatic transmission remains one of the best setups out there, with seamless changes, no matter the mode – of which you can choose between Eco, Comfort and Sport. Comfort is clearly the goal here as the 6 Series GT borrows damping options from the ultra-luxurious 7 Series, namely the adaptive suspension mode which assesses your driving style and adapts to it.
Overall, ride quality is superb. Despite the size of 6 Series GT, it doesn’t feel cumbersome at all. Besides the sonorous advantages of the 640i, there is a 630d option available – which may be the one to go for. A diesel in this application has two advantages — torque and fuel economy. Where you lose over a second in the sprint to 100 kph, you gain 170 Nm, which is more important for those countless overtakes that will take place on a longer drive.
The 630d also averages 5.6 L/100km compared to the 640i’s 8.5 L/100km, which makes the diesel-powered 6 Series GT a more practical choice.
What the 640i does have over its diesel sibling, however, is xDrive all-wheel drive. The question is, do you need it? With 137mm of ground clearance, this is not a car suited for going offroad. I suppose for our European friends who have icy roads to worry about, this drivetrain setup seems logical, but for us South Africans, it's less of a priority, unless you want the added grip reassurance in all driving conditions.
In Conclusion
The new 6 Series GT is more of a niche product, but its combination of comfort and practicality should find favour with some buyers.
BMW’s musical chairs has confused us for many years, as our understanding of the new numbering system is that the odd numbers were for the sedans and the even numbers for the coupes. Their justification could be that the 6 Series GT is a coupe due to its pillar-less doors and coupe-like styling, similar to that of a 4 Series Gran Coupe or Mercedes CLS.
Either way, the new 6 Series GT is a better-looking version of the 5 Series GT while offering similar technology found in the new 5 and 7 Series. Like many of the models wearing the BMW badge, the 6 Series GT will suit some buyers to the tee, but it won't appeal to everyone. As for the upcoming 8 Series, it has some big shoes to fill…
3 Reasons Why Renault Clio RS Trophy is #CarsAwards Finalist
What makes the Renault Clio RS220 Trophy a strong contender in the Fun Car category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
Renault has been top of the hot hatches for some time when it comes to driver engagement and handling from a front-wheel-drive hatch. The Clio received an update in 2017 and the RS220 Trophy is the most potent offering in the range. Will the Clio RS220 Trophy snatch the Fun Car trophy in the 2017/18 #CarsAwards?
3 Reasons Why Renault Clio RS220 Trophy is a #CarsAwards Finalist
1. Engaging powertrain
The Clio RS220 Trophy is powered by a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with peak outputs of 147 kW and 260 Nm of torque. Acceleration is lightning quick thanks to a built-in launch control system and a revised dual-clutch transmission. The exhaust has plenty of life as it rumbles at idle and crackles after every gear shift. The Akropovic upgrade for the Trophy model is a sweet addition for those that like a barky exhaust note.
2. Sharp handler
Thanks to a superb chassis, the grip levels that the Clio can provide are astounding and you’ll be surprised every time you throw it into a bend at just how much traction is available. The Trophy’s suspension is firm and agile and particularly balanced under braking. The Clio RS is a showcase of how to make a front-wheel-drive car go fast around bends.
3. A car for the senses
The Clio’s striking styling appeals to the senses and details such as the chequered flag LED fog lights and 18-inch wheels ensure that the RS220 has a purposeful stance. Inside the Trophy gets body-hugging Recaro sports seats, red seatbelts and a plethora of RS badges to remind you that this is no ordinary Clio. It also comes equipped with a track data readout system that measures everything from G-forces to lap times and acceleration and braking application, which you can be downloaded and analysed at your convenience.
Take a look at our video insert of the Renault Clio RS 220 trophy below!
Have Your Say: Complete our survey and WIN!
Do you own a Clio RS220 Trophy? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your experience by completing our Ownership Satisfaction Survey. Your input counts for 50% of the final result!
Which cars are the Clio RS220 Trophy's rivals in #CarsAwards?
Mini Clubman JCW All4 Sports-Auto (2017) Quick Review
Is the John Cooper Works (JCW) version of the Clubman a highly desirable and superhot version of the most nonconformist Mini on offer today, or does it represent an overwrought interpretation of a car that should simply be fun-to-drive and practical… instead of flashy and belligerent? As ever, it depends on what you are looking for.
We like: Accessible performance, pugnacious attitude, individuality without sacrificing practicality
We don’t like: Not really a hot hatch, all-wheel-drive largely ornamental, awkwardly priced
Alternatives:
Hot Hatch Pedigree: Yes, the John Cooper Works division has done tremendous things to establish Mini as a performance marque, but the superbly balanced Volkswagen Golf GTI, now in 7.5 iteration, remains the benchmark hot hatch. With sufficient performance and driver engagement, allied with excellent build quality and refinement, the GTI appears a relative bargain in this company.
For AWD thrills: For many aficionados, the Quattro-equipped Audi S3 Sportback is virtually everything that you would ever need as far as a wieldy and powerful, yet luxurious and practical all-wheel-driven premium hatchback is concerned. Yes, it carries a significant price premium over the Clubman JCW, and can’t match the Oxonian’s charm and pluck, but it’s a hard-to-fault package.
A family car with added punch: The Tiguan 2.0TSI 4Motion Highline R-Line is a recent addition to the Wolfsburg-based firm’s highly-rated family car range. It may not make as bold a statement of other cars in this list, but with comparable outputs to the Clubman JCW, it’s practical, classy (and we suspect much easier to sell on) than the other cars in this line-up. Think about it, it makes sense.
Few manufacturers can execute a dual-tone colour scheme as well as Mini. Note how the black body cladding matches the window trim and roof.
What is it?
The John Cooper Works version of the Clubman sees the longest Mini (with a wheelbase comparable in length to rival compact hatchbacks) gain a new flagship with a raft of sporty addenda inside and out, an uprated motor to complement its complement its trademark cabinet aft doors, plus an all-wheel drivetrain, which can divert up to 50 per cent of the torque to the rear axle of the usually front-wheel driven car.
In other words, the Clubman, which already offers reasonable rear legroom and a 360-litre luggage bay, which can increase to 1 250 litres with the optional rear seatback folded flat, gains performance courtesy of a fettled 2.0-litre turbopetrol that produces 170 kW and 350 Nm of torque and is mated (in the case of the test unit) with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A sports suspension (with electronic damper control optional) and 18-inch alloys help to keep the Mini pinned to the road.
The Good
A sense of occasion
Call it a flashy yuppie’s toy if you will, but the Clubman JCW is a consummate head-turner. Although its front end is comparatively understated, black 19-inch wheels (optional, 18” items are standard), flared wheel arches and ornate skirts and aprons are complemented by a dual-tone exterior finish and contrast striping down the spine and sides of the vehicle. The pronounced shoulder line, extended side glass area and blacked-out pillars give the Mini a low-slung, road-hugging profile.
Inside, the All4 strikes a tasteful balance between sportiness and practicality. Piano black and weave-pattern insets, along with smatterings of strategically-placed JCW detailing, contrast leather stitching and dual-tone velour upholstery underline the “luxuriously athletic” pretensions of this derivative.
Funky LED mood interior lighting (customisable, of course) adds a sense of theatre to a sportily clad and -designed cabin.
Accessible and refined performance
When a car is endowed with a sporty, lowered suspension and shod with large wheels and low-profile rubber, it is not unreasonable to expect that the Clubman JCW’s ride quality would suffer to benefit of its ride and handling. What’s more, a potent 4-pot turbomotor calibrated to an 8-speed automatic transmission for optimal responses to driver inputs suggests that the test unit might be a little nervy and tightly wound in everyday driving conditions, but the reality is quite different.
Perhaps by virtue of its elongated wheelbase, which tends to iron out bigger road imperfections more regularly than in shorter cars, plus a crisp, direct-but-not-darty steering setup, the Clubman JCW is a palpably easy/non-intimidating car to drive quickly. The fact that 4-wheel traction is dynamically applied (whenever driving conditions demand it) instils confidence, of course, and each and every tester praised the rorty percussive exhaust note of the car when in Sport mode. For general driving conditions, the Mid mode felt suitably responsive.
The luggage bay is certainly more spacious than in any other contemporary Mini, apart from the Countryman. 40/20/40 seats are optional.
Sops to practicality
Even though the Clubman JCW exists mostly for the sheer indulgence of its driver, it can fulfil a compact family car role with reasonable aplomb. The rear cabinet doors open expansively to reveal a capacious luggage area aided by a low loading sill, a hidden compartment under the boot floor and a high-mounted luggage cover cartridge. One aspect that requires a bit of familiarisation is that the design of the aft doors requires the right side to be opened first, and closed last.
Meanwhile, the rear bench is styled to look like the seats are individual units and, apart from the fact that they are aesthetically appealing, they afford reasonable leg and headroom, which means that a pair of adults of average height can be accommodated with reasonable ease. Testers also remarked that the panoramic sunroof lent a light airiness to the otherwise dark, sombre Mini cabin.
Rear occupants sit in relative comfort, with reasonable legroom on offer as well as additional ventilation outlets.
The not-so-good
Not a hardcore hot hatchback
The disadvantage of offering its driver a cache of easily accessible performance (that hardly ever encroaches on the absolute limits of adhesion) is that this John Cooper Works simply denotes the flagship of the Clubman range, not that his car is raw and edgy by design. Even though the claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.3 seconds is quick enough and overtaking acceleration is more than sufficient, the Mini just fails to offer that element of seat-of-the-pants excitement and a hint of prickliness or unpredictability to the handling that would provide an enthralling challenge for years of ownership.
Why have all-wheel drive?
Mini used to compete in the World Rally Championship, which should make the Clubman JCW’s all-wheel drivetrain more significant, but unless you’re planning to spend much time traversing roads affected by sleet, snow and ice, 4-wheel traction has no more use in the South African climate than added safety in low grip (rainy or gravel) driving conditions. Still, it is a nice-to-have feature.
Whereas the front apron execution is not over the top, the R10 000 19-inch wheels leave no doubt as to the Mini's sportiness.
Expensive asking price
With an asking price of just under R600k, the Clubman JCW comes equipped with Dinamica/cloth sports front seats, LED headlamps, PDC front and rear with park assist, comfort access, anti-dazzle interior mirror, automatic air-con, Mini Connect and Visual Boost for the infotainment system.
Although that list suggests the Clubman JCW is not a stripped out offering in the least, it needs to be noted that to bring the derivative up to a desirable level, visually speaking, would push the asking price significantly past R600k, which puts further daylight between the Mini and the Golf GTI and bring the former closer to contenders like the Audi S3 Sportback and Golf R, for example.
Price and after-sales backup
The Mini Clubman JCW All4 sports-auto retails for R584 516, which includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The Clubman JCW is keen to tackle a winding ribbon of blacktop on a whim, but think of it as a hotter Cooper S rather than a headline product.
Verdict
If you’re looking for the most compelling performance that you can get out of a family-friendly 5-door Mini then the Clubman JCW has to be your default choice. As a result of its packaging and less than scrawny kerb weight, the All4 tested here is sure-footed and spirited, but stops short of being fast. That might matter little to those who love the sheer pugnaciousness of the Clubman JCW, which could never be mistaken for anything but a rorty, large-wheeled cabinet-doored Mini.
However, the car’s appeal is limited to very small pocket of brand enthusiasts; those who’d love to show off their cars’ novelty doors (all 6 of them) and replay the crackles and burbles of the sports exhaust system to everyone and anyone who’d care to see/hear them. In terms of outright pace and ultimate practicality, this JCW is soundly beaten by some of its rivals on both counts. It is, however, one of the most instantly desirable cars in the new vehicle market… It’s virtually impossible to not have an opinion about this Mini model!
Interested in a hatchback version of the JCW? Check out Francisco Nwamba's video review:
