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The third-generation Mini Cooper hatchback arrived in South Africa early in 201414. Now (December 2014) Mini has confirmed its John Cooper Works (JCW) variant will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2015.
The sporty Mini JCW is 3.8m long, 1.7m wide, 1.4m tall with a wheelbase of 2.4m and, Mini says, has :the mosts powerful engine yet fitted in a series production model” by the automaker.
That clout comes from a TwinPower two-litre, turbopetrol, four-cylinder engine capable of 170kW/320Nm and driving a six-speed manual or optional six-speed Steptronic sports transmission. Fuel consumption is listed as 6.7 litres/100km with emissions of 155g/km.
The hottest Mini hatch yet will howl to to 100 in 6.3sec in manual guise or 6.1 when equipped with an auto.
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Mini JCW
It’s equipped with new Brembo sports brake system, exclusive 17” JCW race-spoked light alloy rims, electromechanical power steering with Servotronic, dynamic stability control and dynamic traction control, electronic differential lock and performance control. Dynamic shock-absorbers are an option.
It gains sporty treatment at the front, including new diode lights, white indicators and a grille design with large cooling air inlets replacing the fog lights. It has chunky sills, JCW spoiler, sports exhausts and a unique paint job.
The sports seats have integrated head restraints, JCW badging on the sills, leather-clad sport steering-wheel with shift paddles, JCW gear lever (or selector lever), special instrumentation, steel pedals and footrest, unique roof liner and Mini’s “driving excitement package”.
LOADS OF ACCESSORIES
In terms of safety it has front, side and curtain airbags, belt tensioners and pressure limiters at the front, IsoFix mounting at the rear (optional for the front), tyre-pressure monitor and what Mini calls "a partially active engine compartment lid for optimised pedestrian protection”.
The Mini JCW can be kitted with an optional head-up display, red roof and mirror covers, 18” alloy rims, JCW bonnet stripes and a host of extras in the John Cooper Works Pro design line and Mini Original Accessories program.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE
In terms of technology and driving aids, it will have parking radar, reversing camera, active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warnings, auto high-beam and road-sign detection.
The Mini JCW can benefit from LED interior lighting, powered sun roof, auto anti-dazzle function for the external and ingernal mirrors and heatable seats.
The JCW will also have Mini Connected in-car infotainment with internet connectivity, intelligent emergency call and Mini TeleServices (available with a permanent SIM card).
The JCW will go on sale in South Africa in the second quarter of 2015. Local specs and prices closer to the launch dates.
