A relatively late addition into this year’s Shootout, how could we refuse a generous offer by BMW South Africa to ship one of the icons of internal combustion propulsion to Cape Town in time for our departure? Say hello to our comprehensive covering of the Mini John Cooper Works during our annual outing.
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Mini John Cooper Works Fast Facts
- Price: R691 438
- Engine: 1 998, 4-cyl, turbopetrol
- Power: 170 kW
- Torque: 320 N.m
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic, FWD
- 0 – 100 km/h (claimed): 6,1 seconds
- 0 – 100 km/h (tested): 6,36 seconds
- Fastest lap time: 1:17,2
Whereas Mini’s flagship JCW range was recently expanded to include a Countryman derivative, it’s still the three-door version that we’re drawn to most when associating the go-kart-like handling dynamics that this original diminutive pocket rocket is famous for.
With an all-new (and all but certainly electric) version on the horizon that will perfectly suit this predominantly urban hatch, for the time being the hottest Minis sold in South Africa are fitted with a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder motor mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While 170 kW and 320 N.m of torque may seem outgunned in this company, lest we forget that the latest Mini still “only” weighs a little more than 1 300 kg. Along with BMW-sourced underpinnings and short overhangs with its wheels pushed out as far as possible, it continues to deliver seat-of-the-pants handling.
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Refreshed in 2022 to introduce a new grille design and distinct-looking new LED headlamps, the Mini has received the latest-generation BMW-sourced operating systems melded into its still-zany interior design elements, while toggle switches and the familiar large round central display continue to pay homage to its past. A digital instrument cluster and nicely proportioned steering wheel complete the package.
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From the starting blocks, the newest Mini John Cooper Works despatched the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6,36 seconds.
The Hype
The Cooper family name has been associated with this famous British brand since the 1960s. Subsequently, John Cooper Works was founded in 2002 and is today owned by BMW. For reasons of safety, technology and innovation, modern Minis may not be as elementary in their execution as their founding fathers, but thousands of owners around the world still appreciate the quirky character associated with this brand. As do we.
Thoughts from the Cockpit
What does our guest driver, reigning GR Cup Champion and sim racer, Setshaba Mashigo, think about each of the Shootout cars after some hot laps around Aldo Scribante?
“The Mini was so much fun on the track. While it was the least powerful car, the fact that I went out so relatively early in the JCW meant that with a still-cool track surface, the car was really playful, which is actually very similar to how this quirky model reacts on the sim. As a racer, I really like the wheel-at-each-corner, seat-of-the-pants dynamics of the Mini.”