The latest addition to join the local Mini stable, the John Cooper Works Convertible, is the last model expected to reach South Africa for a while, but nevertheless completes the line-up with all three models now available in JCW specification.
Launched in South Africa this week, the Mini JCW Convertible joins its three-door hatchback and Clubman siblings with a unique combination of racing credentials derived from the rich motorsports heritage that comes with the Mini name and that chic appeal that only a convertible possesses.
Although the aerodynamic kit available for the JCW Minis is an optional extra in other markets, BMW SA has been kind enough to provide this nicety as standard – which does well to add a sporty emphasis the classic roadster-inspired profile, with a single-piece roll hoop almost completely out of sight. Design features typical of the brand, like short front and rear overhangs, deep fenders and a high waistline mean that the JCW is a fully-fledged member of the family.
BMW claims that when the fabric roof of the Mini JCW Convertible is closed, it adds considerable sporting flair thanks to the low roofline and is held in place by aluminium and steel bars to minimise high-speed changes in shape. Activated by a toggle switch in the windscreen frame the soft roof opens and closes in 15 seconds up to a speed of 30 km/h. A unique “sunroof” sliding function moves the front section of the roof back by 400 mm and can be left in this position up to 120 km/h.
As is the case with the rest of the JCW range, power is provided by a turbocharged 1,6-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 155 kW at 6 000 r/min and 260 N.m of torque from 1 850 r/min to 5 600 r/min. An overboost function allows 280 N.m of torque between 2 000 r/min and 5 300 r/min for increased oomph. A six-speed manual transmission drives all the grunt through the front wheels for a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint of 6,9 seconds.
McPherson spring struts at the front and the centrally guided rear axle quite, plus EPS Electric Power Steering and 17-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45 R17 run-flat tyres add to the dynamic “go-kart” handling characteristics unique to the Mini. A sports button located next to the gearshift lever allows for higher steering forces and enhanced steering precision.
Safety specification includes an extremely stiff passenger cell, dual front and head/thorax airbags, as well as three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, with belt force limiters and optimised belt latch tensioners up front. Together with the windscreen frame specifically reinforced for the needs of open-air motoring, the new one-piece roll-bar that shoots up electromechanically within 150 milli¬seconds ensures maximum occupant protection in the event of a rollover.
Mini John Cooper Works Convertible R378 850