2.0-litre, 231bhp MINI John Cooper Works – and just 133g/km
2015-05-29 17:29:16
MINI has released details of its new John Cooper Works edition. Despite the MINI JCW being the most powerful road-going production MINI every produced, with 231bhp coming from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it is able to return 49.6mpg whilst emitting just 133g/km of CO2.
A regular Cooper S produces just 189bhp, so the uplift is impressive. It will cost from £23,050, putting it below the larger but more ubiquitous Volkswagen Golf GTi in price terms, but more expensive than a Ford Fiesta ST.
The hot hatch was originally unveiled at the Detroit motor show in 2014 and stays largely true to the concept car. Externally, it features a chunky body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels that are reminiscent of the stripped-out, limited-edition MINI GP model, and full LED head lamps. A red accent line is included in the grille.
Thanks to that impressive uplift in power, when mated to the new six-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, the MINI JCW can demolish the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.1-seconds, with the six-speed manual version trailing by one-fifth of a second at 6.3-seconds. This is enough to beat the Fiesta ST and recently launched Vauxhall Corsa VXR. That acceleration is possible thanks to the 236lb ft of torque available from between 1,250 and 4,800rpm. Accelerating from 50-75mph – an ideal measure or overtaking ability – has been improved by 10% over the previous model, reducing the time to 5.6 seconds. Top speed is rated at 153mph.
The £1,330 automatic gearbox is also the most efficient option too, returning 49.6mpg whilst emitting just 133g/km. Very respectable. The manual ‘boxed version can only manage 42.2mpg whilst emissions climb considerably to 155g/km.
The John Cooper Works edition has exclusive use of a high-performance exhaust system which has been created to help make the new MINI JCW sound like a sports car when accelerating. Of more substance is its ability to boost power to help it keep up with rivals like the Renaultsport Mégane and Golf GTi.
Like the regular MINI, the JCW offers a huge range of customisation options to help ensure that owners can tailor their cars to their personal preferences and help it stand out from the crowd. A Chili Red roof colour is available, for example, as is a Harmon Kardon sound system.
The MINI John Cooper Works is all about driving appeal and road holding and handling are amongst the top priorities. As a result, the suspension is much firmer whilst stopping power is provided courtesy of the Brembo brakes.
This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
Associate Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
