Hands-on with the new JCW Convertible and Clubman All4 at NYIAS
The New York Auto Show is here as are MINI’s latest debuts; the JCW Convertible and the Clubman All4. The JCW Convertible is a direct application of the JCW bits and pieces to the F57 chassis. We loved the new F57 after driving it around LA last month and we can expect to love the JCW version even more. Key features are the 228 hp 2.0L JCW engine, JCW seats, large JCW brakes, sport suspension and exclusive exterior and interior colors.
On the other end of the product spectrum is the Clubman All4. Having lived with a front wheel drive Clubman for over 4,000 miles I’m keenly interested in what this new all wheel drive version would be like to drive daily. I love our long term Clubman test car but one of the surprises is how the larger body of the car exposes a few of the inherent traction downsides front wheel drive can have that you don’t feel as readily in smaller MINIs. And I’m not even speaking of snow but simply on the dusty (salty) or wet roads Chicago roads. Would that extra traction make up for the increased weight? We can’t wait to find out.
<p>At a ceremony held at the NYIAS, the Mazda MX-5 has been declared the winner of the World Car Of The Year Award 2016. The World Car Of The Year jury consists of 73 motoring journalists from 23 countries. The MX-5 was also declared the 2016 World Car Design Of The Year.</p>
<p>Their display at this years’ NYIAS was just sad … location wise and size wise. I mean, Mitsubishi was the only other car company that was further than your legs can take you and even they had a space that was 3x MINI’s. BMW should just carve out 1/5th of their main floor space and plop MINI in it. I think it would serve both badges well …</p>
<p>It’s typical of auto shows to punish automakers who didn’t attend the previous year. The NAIAS even did this to Porsche a few years back moving their press conference to the earliest possible time slot on the first day. I would assume they’ll be back next to BMW in 2017.</p>
<p>At a ceremony held at the NYIAS, the Mazda MX-5 has been declared the winner of the World Car Of The Year Award 2016. The World Car Of The Year jury consists of 73 motoring journalists from 23 countries. The MX-5 was also declared the 2016 World Car Design Of The Year.</p>
<p>The MX-5 has never been on my radar as I’m not a big roadster guy but the new RF targa is absolutely gorgeous.</p>
<p>The MX-5 has never been on my radar as I’m not a big roadster guy but the new RF targa is absolutely gorgeous.</p>
<p>Agreed.</p>
<p>The MX-5 RF is the undisputed star of the 2016 NYIAS. Am I tempted to buy one? You bet I am.</p>
<p>Still no word on when carplay will be integrated?</p>
<p>Their display at this years’ NYIAS was just sad … location wise and size wise. I mean, Mitsubishi was the only other car company that was further than your legs can take you and even they had a space that was 3x MINI’s. BMW should just carve out 1/5th of their main floor space and plop MINI in it. I think it would serve both badges well …</p>
<p>It’s typical of auto shows to punish automakers who didn’t attend the previous year. The NAIAS even did this to Porsche a few years back moving their press conference to the earliest possible time slot on the first day. I would assume they’ll be back next to BMW in 2017.</p>
<p>MINI was never next to BMW at NYIAS. Same floor but on opposite ends. Daddy is not very proud of their kids ;)</p>
<p>Oh that’s right now I remember. I’ve seen it both ways. I think MINI would prefer to stand apart.</p>