2020 Mini JCW Clubman - Can we talk about this?

[MrH]

https://jalopnik.com/with-306-hp-the-2020-mini-jcw-clubman-becomes-a-legit-1836862629

What the hell?  Where did this come from?

JCW cars were always really cool, but underpowered and too expensive.  Now it's making 306 hp, in the awesome Clubman body style, and it's AWD?  Sure, they got rid of the manual (granted, Mini manual transmissions were trash), but this is still awesome.

They depreciate like mad too.  1-2 years used, and this $45k MSRP will be down to <$30k, and will be a hell of a deal (if you can find one, and if it isn't specced by an idiot).


Thoughts?

[Submariner]

Too big and bloated.

[SJ_GTI]

As they say, it seems like a package similar to a Golf R. If you want an automatic and like the styling of the Mini is seems like a reasonable choice in the segment.

[FoMoJo]

No stick?  Hot hatch needs a stick.

I can understand mega-powered track monsters foregoing standard transmissions, but a hot hatch?

[Xer0]

This thing is pretty much the X2 M35 or whatever they are calling it now that's a smidge lower and shorter.  Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather the X2 

[Eye of the Tiger]

Legit junk.

[MrH]

You guys are crazy.  This is an auto Golf R competitor with actual pizzazz!  I'm all about it.

[12,000 RPM]

An out of warranty MINI is something you don't want

I'd rather just get an X2 M35i

[BimmerM3]

Is an out of warranty X2 really any better? The X2 M also starts like $7k higher.

[Soup DeVille]

Nice car, but why are they still calling them Minis?

[cawimmer430]

No stick?  Hot hatch needs a stick.

I can understand mega-powered track monsters foregoing standard transmissions, but a hot hatch?

Most of the current Volkswagen Golf GTI and GTDs which I see parked around town are DSG. The 2019 Renault Megane RS is now also available with a DCT transmission. It seems many buyers in this class are opting for these automated transmissions.

Then there's the GTI competitor from Mercedes: the A250 - 7-DCT only.

I'm too lazy to check right now if the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N offer a DCT, but it would not surprise me if they do.

[FoMoJo]

Most of the current Volkswagen Golf GTI and GTDs which I see parked around town are DSG. The 2019 Renault Megane RS is now also available with a DCT transmission. It seems many buyers in this class are opting for these automated transmissions.

Then there's the GTI competitor from Mercedes: the A250 - 7-DCT only.

I'm too lazy to check right now if the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N offer a DCT, but it would not surprise me if they do.

Both the ST and RS (2019) are available with 6 spd stick.  New 400 hp Euro RS might have DCT though.

[cawimmer430]

Both the ST and RS (2019) are available with 6 spd stick.  New 400 hp Euro RS might have DCT though.

Saw this today! The new Renault Megane RS Cup! FRIGGING HOT! 

[MexicoCityM3]

I like it. I will need something reasonably practical to haul the kids around.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I like it. I will need something reasonably practical to haul the kids around.

Why not a Mini-van?

[veeman]

I like it. I will need something reasonably practical to haul the kids around.

Isn't your M5 fine to haul the kiddos?

[Eye of the Tiger]

Isn't your M5 fine to haul the kiddos?

Probably too slow for kids.

[MexicoCityM3]

Isn't your M5 fine to haul the kiddos?

Probably too slow for kids.

Yes and no. The M5 is too unreliable on long trips. I think it's going to unfortunately be the first casualty of my divorce.

[Laconian]

Yes and no. The M5 is too unreliable on long trips. I think it's going to unfortunately be the first casualty of my divorce.

Which parts are failure-prone?

[shp4man]

These retro cars are interesting, but the way they eventually die or evolve into modern cars is actually fascinating. The Fiat 500, the Mini-Cooper, the New Beetle, the PT Cruiser, the GM SSR and whatever that other POS panel van thing was.
Here's my fave, because it's just cosmetic:



It's a Squarebody! Well, sort of. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

These retro cars are interesting, but the way they eventually die or evolve into modern cars is actually fascinating. The Fiat 500, the Mini-Cooper, the New Beetle, the PT Cruiser, the GM SSR and whatever that other POS panel van thing was.
Here's my fave, because it's just cosmetic:



It's a Squarebody! Well, sort of. 

HHR: Heritage High Roof

[Soup DeVille]

HHR: Heritage High Roof

The absolute worst piece of shit offered for sale in North America in the 21st century.

[MexicoCityM3]

Which parts are failure-prone?

All of them.

[Eye of the Tiger]

The absolute worst piece of shit offered for sale in North America in the 21st century.

I think it would be a good dog car. It would be good for them to chew up the seats, drool on everything, and shed fur everywhere.