Racy Mini John Cooper Works launched

I guess this too would have been the case back in 1961 when the Cooper name first started appearing on the rear of production Minis. But let’s just get something out of the way: it is by no means cheap transport for the masses as it was first envisaged. A Mini JCW is now very much a premium car, coming in at over R400 000 before you spend a single cent on any of the many extras available. But you are getting a very different car from the old that now offers plenty luxury, class-leading safety and tech that John Cooper would never have ever imagined.

You also have the most powerful engine ever fitted in a serial production model of a Mini up front in the form of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder power plant that now produces an increased 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque to stir things up a little. You get a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but these models will only hit dealers from the end of September, and a six-speed automatic Steptronic sports transmission is available.

We only drove the automatic at launch and, to be honest, it was quite pleasant, maybe too pleasant for what is quite a hardcore car. But it did offer a manual shifting option, which means you can technically have the best of both worlds. An easy shifting city car during the week and then a weekend track toy when needed – or you can just opt for the manual and don’t think about compromise.

Mini John Cooper Works. Picture: Supplied

Talking of compromise, it is in the ride and handling department that the Mini JCW offers none and will draw a line in the sand when it comes to attracting new customers to the car. Previous Mini JCW owners know what to expect but potential new owners foreign to the brand are either going to love the exceptionally firm and rigid ride, or hate it. Either way, you get a car that goes fast in the twisties and wins on the track.

You also get a car that offers enhanced and racy styling in the form of large cooling air inlets in front, distinctive side sills and rear apron design and a JCW rear spoiler. LED headlamps with white indicators, black wheel arch surrounds, side scuttles and tailgate with John Cooper Works label and a sports exhaust system with special tailpipes wrap up the exterior package.

Inside the exclusive JCW treatment continues: exclusive JCW sports seats in dinamica/fabric with integrated headrests; as well as JCW entry sills; JCW steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles all do duty.