MINI introduces John Cooper Works hatch

The hottest ticket in town at next month’s Detroit Auto Show will be the new MINI John Cooper Works.

Packing the most powerful engine ever for a production MINI – a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo unit delivering 170kW (231 hp) and 320 Nm – the JCW also draws on the brand’s motorsport expertise with a package of suspension, brake, aerodynamic and interior modifications to deliver race-car sensations without losing sight of MINI’s premium position.

Compared with the previous MINI JCW, the new model delivers 10 per cent more power and 23 per cent more torque. This brings the 0-100km/h time down by 0.2 seconds to 6.3 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox, and by 0.6 seconds to 6.1 seconds with the optional six-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

Equally impressive is the greatly improved driving flexibility, courtesy of the increased torque – acceleration from 80-120 km/h is now 10 per cent quicker at 5.6 seconds, accompanied by an emotive rasp from twin tailpipes of the sports exhaust.

In true MINI style, the driving fun does not involve any fuel consumption penalty. Combined consumption with the manual gearbox is 6.7L/100km, with CO₂ emissions of 155 g/km. With the optional Steptronic sports transmission fuel economy improves by 20 per cent to 5.7L/100km, with CO₂ emissions of 133 g/km.

The suspension and the Servotronic electromechanical power steering have been tuned to allow drivers to exploit the new JCW’s extra power and torque in complete safety, and there are newly developed four-piston Brembo brakes within 17-inch John Cooper Works Spoke light-alloy wheels. John Cooper Works 18-inch alloys are optional. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control allow drivers of all abilities to get maximum enjoyment from the car, and Dynamic Damper Control is an option.

The aerodynamic changes have been designed with a purpose rather than for purely aesthetic reasons. A new front apron with large engine air intakes, distinctive side sills, a model-specific rear apron and a John Cooper Works spoiler differentiate the JCW from the standard 3-Door MINI Hatch. The JCW also has LED headlamps with white indicators, wheel-arch surrounds and a unique radiator grille, side scuttles and tailgate with JCW badging. A new colour option, Rebel Green, is exclusive to the JCW.

JCW highlights of the sporty interior include exclusive bucket seats with integrated headrests in Dinamica/fabric, the sills, a multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles (in conjunction with Steptronic transmission), gear selector, instrument displays, stainless steel pedals and footrest, Driving Excitement package and key.

Bespoke JCW personalisation options includes a model-specific MINI Head-Up display (with rev lights and gear indicator), Chili Red roof and door mirror covers, bonnet stripes and exterior and interior John Cooper Works Pro design accessories. These are in addition to the vast selection of high-end options available for the entire MINI range.

Tech spec:

• 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine with direct injection, fully variable valve control and variable camshaft control
• Capacity: 1,998 cc
• Output: 170kW @ 5,200-6,000 rpm, max torque: 320 Nm @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
• Acceleration (0–100km/h) 6.1 seconds (auto); 6.3 seconds (man)
• Top speed: 245km/h
• Average fuel consumption: 5.7L/100km (auto); 6.7L/100km (man)
• CO₂ emissions: 133 g/km (auto); 155 g/km (man)

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 3,874 millimetres
Width: 1,727 millimetres
Height: 1,414 millimetres
Wheelbase: 2,495 millimetres