The new-generation Mini John Cooper Works three-door, just now hitting European roads and on track for an Australian arrival around July, is the company’s most powerful production car to date.
Mini’s new range-topper now sports a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 170kW of power between 5200 and 6000rpm and 320Nm of torque between 1250 to 4800rpm. These figures are up by 10 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.
With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the JCW leaps from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.3 seconds (0.2s faster than before) or, with the optional six-speed automatic with paddles, 6.1s (an impressive 0.6s faster than before.
At the same time, fuel consumption has been cut by up to 20 per cent (on the auto) to as little as 5.7 litres per 100km on the European combined cycle. The manual uses 6.7L/100km — some jump.
There’s redesigned all-round independent suspension, a new Brembo braking system, 17-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloy wheels, new electromechanical power steering with Servotronic, Electronic Diff Lock Control and optional adjustable dampers.
The aerodynamically tweaked body design has a model-specific front apron with larger cooling air inlets occupying the space usually allocated to the fog lights, distinctive side sill and rear apron designs, and a JCW rear spoiler.
Also fitted are LED headlights with white direction indicators, wheelarch surrounds with distinctive contours, revised radiator grille, side scuttles and tailgate with a JCW label, a sports exhaust system with special tailpipes and a new Rebel Green body paint finish.
Inside are JCW sports seats in Dinamica/fabric with integrated headrests, a JCW steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles (for the auto), JCW gear lever, a unique central instrument display surround, stainless steel pedals and driver footrest, an anthracite roof liner and MINI Driving Modes as standard.
Market-dependent features — Australian details remain under wraps — include Park Distance Control, parking assistant, a rear view camera, Driving Assistant (including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection), and a BMW Mini lighting package with LED interior lighting, the MINI Excitement package with interactive LED light ring on the central instruments.
You can also option a head-up display, electrically operated glass roof, interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, seat heating, satellite-navigation system or MINI navigation system Professional, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, and additional customisation options with roof and exterior mirror colours, bonnet stripes, seat upholsteries, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.
The previous Mini JCW costs a shade over $50,000 in Australia, but expect this one to be around $48K, allowing it to undercut the manual Audi S1 ($49,990).
It’s unclear precisely when we will see a Mini 5 Door-based JCW. Watch this space…
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