MINI launches third-generation JCW

MINI Australia has just introduced its most powerful Cooper S with the introduction of the third-generation John Cooper Works model. It will be available in Steptronic automatic or six-speed manual for a price premium of around $10,000 above the 'regular' Cooper S.

With its 2.0-litre TwinPower direct-injected turbo-petrol engine punching out a hefty 170kW at 6000rpm and boasting 320Nm from as low as 1250rpm, the latest JCW MINI shaves zero to 100km/h acceleration from 6.7sec to 6.1.

This represents an improvement of 0.6sec of a second over the Cooper S auto and comes largely via a 29kW lift in power (the regular Cooper S produces 141kW), as well as a 40Nm jump in torque (Cooper S 280Nm). The JCW powerplant is further accentuated by a specific exhaust system that punches out a more distinctive note.

While the six-speed Steptronic auto version quotes faster acceleration times, the six-speed manual has benefitted from some work too, via a gear sensor that enables "active engine speed adaptation" to smooth out the gearshifts.

The extra punch comes without significant penalty. According to MINI, the manual JCW averages 6.7L/100km (on the NEDC cycle), while the auto averages 5.7. The Cooper S, according to available figures, returns 5.9 in manual form, and 5.5 as an automatic.

CO2 figures are 155g/km for the manual and 133g/km for the auto.

The JCW MINI, to continue the track-focused tradition, also gets a sports suspension tune with standard electronic dynamic damper control that adapts to varying conditions. As an option, a fixed sports suspension with harder springs and uprated shock absorbers is offered.

The JCW Cooper S also gets a Torque Steer compensation function that minimises self-steering under hard acceleration, while the Dynamic Stability Control system comprises Dynamic traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock.

MINI also worked with brake manufacturer Brembo to develop specific fixed-calliper brakes that are claimed to work a treat on the track.

All this is supported on 18-inch John Cooper Works Cup wheels, in "Chili Red" or "Rebel Green".

Inside, the JCW Cooper S gets "Dinamica" and cloth-trimmed sports seats, a reversing camera, head-up display with gear indicator, rpm indicator and shift lights, park assist with front and rear park distance control, DAB+ (digital) tuner and Professional navigation with an 8.8-inch colour screen.

In keeping with the excite-and-delight character of the MINI, the JCW gets a colourful instrument display that features MINI Driving Modes "which can influence the characteristic curves of the accelerator, steering and engine acoustics in Mid, Sport and Green modes".

To step up to the extra power and track-friendly dynamics of the JCW Cooper S, you’ll pay a premium of more than $10,000 over a regular version.

The JCW Cooper S is tagged at $47,400 for the manual-transmission version, and $49,950 for the Steptronic auto, both before on-road costs. It is available in MINI showrooms now.