It’s as simple as this: the all-new 170kW/320Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre John Cooper Works (JCW) Mini is the most powerful Mini to enter volume production.
Compared to its predecessor, the all-new Mini JCW has a larger engine, 10 perc0etn more power and a very handy 23 per-cent more torque.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption is down by 20 per-cent in the six-speed manual to 5.8l/100kms and down to 6.7l/100kms for the six-speed Setptronic auto.
So we’re talking a raucous exhaust note from the central-mounted twin tailpipes as you wrap the paddle-shifters through the gears for a zero to 100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.
Styling gets the full JCW treatment – on the latest Mini so its longer, wider and higher than the previous generation - with a sporty front end highlighted by the bonnet scoop, larger air intakes and a sophisticated spoiler.
Side view sees side sills and black wheel arch extensions to cover the massive 18-inch JCW two-tone light alloy wheels (which show the exclusive new Brembo brakes.
At the rear there’s a very stylish diffuser-like rear panel with a neat cut-out for the central-mounted twin tailpipes and a handsome tailgate spoiler.
Inside is a superb JCW version of the hallmark Mini interior with excellent red-highlighted instruments and a motorsport-like thick threes-poke sports steering wheel plus JCW sports seats just as the entrée.
Lots of technology too with BMW’s Professional Navigation displayed via an eight-inch colour touchscreen mounted in the centre of the usual Mini large circular housing as well as a JCW-unique head-up display which includes a race car-like gear shift light.
The Mini JCW is exclusively a three-door model and for café racer cred, this one takes some beating especially when you look at the prices – noticeably less than the previous generation.
The full range is:
| Mini JCW (manual) | $47,400 |
| Mini JCW (auto) | $49,950 |
