For individuals who discover the Mini Cooper C or Cooper S missing, the brand new John Cooper Works is now accessible because the model’s sportiest choice. Whereas the facility improve appears modest at first look, the compact JCW continues to be an absolute enjoyable machine.
Anybody on the lookout for actual efficiency on the motorway will nonetheless must keep away from Mini’s electrical fashions. These aren’t simply restricted by charging pace however, extra critically, by their high pace. Regardless of 190 kW / 258 PS, the electrical John Cooper Works is restricted to 200 km/h – a disappointing cap for a scorching hatch of this calibre. It’s a unique story for the combustion engine variations. Although the facility improve to 231 PS from the 204 PS of the spirited Cooper S isn’t dramatic, the John Cooper Works Hatch stays a thrill at excessive speeds, reaching as much as 250 km/h on demand.
But it surely’s not simply on the quick lane the place this little automobile brings pleasure. Its two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, compact wheelbase, taut suspension and signature JCW styling components make it clear that it is a correct sports activities automobile. Mini followers will respect the JCW badging, facet skirts and sporty wheel setup, which affirm the efficiency intentions of this new high mannequin. The engine word from the centrally mounted single tailpipe is aggressive and keen, recalling the model’s rallying pedigree – although solely long-time motorsport followers may nonetheless recall the times of Rauno Aaltonen. The dual exhaust setup of earlier JCW fashions appeared extra fashionable and aggressive by comparability.
Inside, as with the Cooper C and Cooper S, followers might miss the premium sports activities seats in leather-based or with extendable thigh help. The brand new seats, completed in a synthetic-leather and textile combine, are much less luxurious than earlier than, although they do supply strong lateral help and long-distance consolation even for tall occupants. Optionally available electrical adjustment and therapeutic massage features can be found, serving to to distract from some low-cost plastic surfaces and the outdated pop-up head-up show.
Regardless of its inside shortcomings, the John Cooper Works Hatch – ranging from €40,650 – delivers driving pleasure few others can match in its phase. With 170 kW / 231 PS and a size of simply 3.88 metres, the Mini JCW appears to be like the half with its pink mirror caps and bonnet stripes, and doesn’t depend on appears to be like alone. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is well-matched to the punchy four-cylinder, delivering snappy shifts with refined turbo whooshes and exhaust crackles. The steering is extremely exact, and torque steer turns into acquainted rapidly. This automobile is supposed to be pushed exhausting – not simply on scenic roads, however on the restrict if desired. A low centre of gravity and trendy 18-inch wheels with slender 215/40 R 18 tyres give it assured grip in hotter climate.
Sure, the brand new JCW provides the identical spirited enjoyable as its predecessors, now with noticeably higher experience consolation for longer journeys. Street imperfections nonetheless attain the cabin, however far much less harshly than earlier than. Realistically, area stays restricted to 2 adults and a modest quantity of baggage, with 210 litres of boot area (as much as 725 litres with the seats folded). The rear seats can accommodate one or two folks for brief journeys, although that’s unlikely in apply. Optionally available packages have been simplified with L and XL configurations. The €2,160 XL package deal is sort of important, together with navigation, electrical therapeutic massage seats and parking help. Additionally properly price it’s the €800 panoramic sunroof, which fills the cabin with gentle and recent air. And might we hope for a future 300 PS GP version? Most definitely.
