I’m happy to admit that I was (and still am) a huge fan of the previous generation (R56) Mini Cooper John Cooper Works. Associate editor Sudhir Matai spent a year with one as part of CAR’s long-term test fleet and, as it happened, I found myself behind the wheel of the JCW, one of the hottest hatches of all time, quite often. I was especially fond of how, despite being comfortable enough to drive daily, the JCW excelled as weekend toy.
Seven years after being wowed by that car, I once again find myself behind the wheel of a Cooper JCW. Mini’s flown motoring press from all corners of Mzansi to sample the new John Cooper Works in and around Johannesburg. But I wasn’t particularly excited, because after inspecting the exterior and cabin of the JCW models on display I was quite surprised to find that only automatic models were made available for the media launch fleet.
All the cues are still there
Fortunately the Mini JCW still looks the part. While the Cooper S models will be sufficient for most in terms of looks, the JCW models add touches of visual aggression that will cater to the enthusiasts among us. Immediately noticeable are the extra intakes in the front apron for cooling of the brakes and ancillaries, as well as the particularly large central bonnet scoop. Honeycomb mesh also covers all recesses, while the JCW logo can be found on the far right end of the front grille.
Along the profile are model-specific side sills and wheelarch contours, as well as 17-inch alloys (the test units were all fitted with the optional 18-inch rims. The mirror caps and roof can be ordered in contrasting white or black, or in Chilli red (exclusive to the JCW). At the rear, there’s a diffuser-style panel that houses the twin tailpipes and a roof spoiler that (together with the rear apron flaps and front ducts) help the JCW produce extra downforce. The new Rebel green exterior finish is also exclusive.
Inside it’s all very familiar, except that newly developed and thickly bolstered sports seats now boast an integrated head restraint, and there are more buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. Now also available as options on JCW models, are a split panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control and a head-up display. In keeping with the racing theme, there are metallic pedals and red stitching on the inside of the steering wheel rim and gear selector boot.
As can be expected, all the materials used throughout the cabin have a considerably premium feel, and contribute to a perception of high quality despite the gimmicky decals around the centre facia infotainment display. Despite being larger than its predecessor, the JCW was just about able to accommodate me comfortably on the rear bench, but I suspect average sized adults will get uncomfortable on extended journeys.
On the road
With a push of the start/stop ignition toggle, the four-cylinder turbopetrol comes alive with little fuss. As the media fleet left the confines of the Montecasino complex, I was surprised by just how muted the exhaust note, and supple the sports-optimised suspension was. Heading out in the direction of Hartbeespoort, the Mini merged with the Gauteng traffic effortlessly. The six-speed automatic performed everything I asked from it with aplomb, from overtaking slower moving vehicles to cruising at the national limit.
The electromechanical power steering managed to provide sufficient feedback and felt direct enough to push the JCW harder on the bumpy B-roads of the region in the Mid driving mode, but the real fun is to be had in sport mode, which stiffens the damping, sharpens the transmission’s shift characteristics as well as throttle responses.
The extra grunt on tap sure makes a difference. The peak outputs of 170 kW and 320 N.m of torque now come courtesy of a 2,0-litre turbopetrol motor equipped with variable valve control. Peak torque is developed as low as 1 240 r/min all the way up to 4 800 r/min. Most overtaking scenarios were dealt with by just flexing my right foot.
Go-kart like handling
Back at Montecasino, a gymkhana course (laid out with cones) allowed me to explore the dynamic capabilities of the JCW in greater detail. Despite its increase in size, the fastest Mini yet managed to handle the course’s quick lane-change simulations, hairpin, and dual slaloms with ease. What we had working particularly hard were the JCW’s Brembo- developed brakes and electronic differential lock control. The former proved to be resistant to fading as we put two JCWs through countless laps of hard braking, while the latter helped the Mini to put the power down more efficiently on the paved surface.
Summary
The JCW was, and now still is, my favourite Mini. It’s not quite as hardcore as before, but that’ll sit well with those consumers who want to be able to drive in comfort during the week and play on a mountain pass (or at the track_on weekends…
