MINI JCW Cabrio arrives

As the MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio finally arrives in Australia, MINI has confirmed that the Mayfair and Camdem special editions will also be available late this year.

Just in time for summer, MINI has launched the high performance version of its convertible car, the John Cooper Works Cabrio -- or JCW Cabrio for the Ministas out there. Priced from $56,900 (not including government or delivery charges), the go-fast MINI JCW Cabrio gets a beefed up engine, an upgraded chassis and a subtle new look.

Simply put, the JCW models are the most powerful in the MINI range. The JCW team tunes the 1.6-litre BMW-developed engine to output 155kW and 260Nm, which with the six-speed manual gearbox gives the car a competitive 6.9sec 0-100km/h sprint time.

The engine, which generates its power via a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, has an overboost function that can momentarily hike torque to 280Nm to improve acceleration. A freer-flowing, larger rear muffler and exhaust system also help the car achieve its 155kW peak.

Fuel efficiency is still relatively good (it is 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine after all), rated at 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle -- "well ahead of its rivals" claims MINI. 

The chassis upgrades comprise 17-inch cross spoke 'Challenge' light alloy wheels and upgraded brakes, plus sports suspension that firms up the ride. It also ships with Dynamic Stability Control with an integrated Electronic Diff Lock Control.

Other standard features include sports seats with leather inserts, tinted windows, bonnet stripes, piano black décor trim, automatic climate control, the unique 'Always Open' timer, xenon headlights and a Harmon Kardon HiFi speaker system.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi

And just for fun here's MINI's own video of the JCW Cabrio taking on the famous Col de Torini -- with rally legends Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk onboard.