MINI confirms local JCW specs

MINI Australia has confirmed an extensive range of standard equipment for its new MINI JCW hot hatch, which arrives in two weeks priced at $47,400 (manual) and $49,950 (automatic).

The John Cooper Works-fettled version of MINI's third-generation hatch boasts a long list of extras over the R56 model it replaces, including a reversing camera, Head-Up Display (HUD), Dynamic Damper Control (DDC), 18-inch light alloy wheels, LED headlights and Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch split screen monitor.

In addition, there's JCW Sports Seats, MINI Excitement package, MINI Driving Modes, Park Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, Professional Navigation, DAB+ digital radio tuner, Extended Bluetooth with music streaming, MINI Visual Boost functionality via Wired Package and enhanced JCW-specific HUD content including gear indicator, rev display and shift lights as standard.

As we've reported, MINI's newest flagship comes with the most powerful engine ever fitted to a MINI production model — a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine generating 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 6.3 seconds.

MINI Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz said the MINI JCW will add excitement to BMW's premium small-car brand, which has enjoyed 64.1 per cent sales growth in Australia to May this year thanks to the latest MINI hatch and all-new MINI 5-Door.

“The new MINI John Cooper Works is an incredibly exciting addition to our range, and continues the renewal of our model portfolio, following the launch of the new 3-Door and 5-Door hatches last year,” Bruesewitz said.

“While the boost in performance and output alone is enough for the new John Cooper Works to stand alone from its peers, an increased list of standard specification will provide further value, and another reason to experience the extreme driving fun this car offers.

“MINI has enjoyed an encouraging start to 2015, with the success of our new models introducing the brand to new audiences. The arrival of the new MINI John Cooper Works will allow us to build on this momentum and start on the best possible footing as we approach the second half of the year.”

All current MINI vehicles come with Condition Based Service (CBS) maintenance scheduling, which identifies the condition of a vehicle based on actual use, minimising costs.

In addition, MINI service and selected maintenance costs can now be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with MINI TLC, which comprises MINI TLC Basic and MINI TLC Plus and is priced from $980.