SYDNEY: The latest MINI John Cooper produces 227bhp and 236lbft of torque from its 2-litre TwinPower turbo four-cylinder engine. This produces a 6.3-second 0-62mph time with the manual gearbox, a fifth of a second faster than the outgoing version, while adding the optional six-speed Steptronic sports auto gearbox cuts another fifth of a second to 6.1 sec.
In-gear acceleration is improved further, the 5.6-second 50 to 75mph time in manual form some 10 per cent better than the outgoing model. Top speed is 153mph.
The greatest gains, however, come in efficiency, up by some 20 percent.
Combined cycle fuel economy of the manual car is 42.2mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 155g/km, while the Steptronic gearbox improves these figures to 49.6mpg and 133g/km.
The JCW model is based on the latest three-door MINI Hatch, with major changes to the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics to cope with the extra power.
A sports suspension system is fitted with a significant amount of high-strength steel and aluminium to save weight.
The Brembo sports braking system boasts 330mm front discs and four-piston calipers, the latter painted red, and these sit behind 17-inch light alloy wheels as standard, with 18-inch versions an option.
1505_MINI_John_Cooper_works_02,jpgExterior-wise the JCW can be distinguished by its larger front air intakes, of which there are one more than the standard car to improve cooling. Extra ducting is fitted to the front apron along with aerodynamic side sills and a rear diffuser.
The interior is also treated to a bespoke finish, and is dominated by a pair of specially-designed bucket seats.
The new MINI John Cooper Works will cost from £23,050 with the six-speed manual transmission the Steptronic boosts the price to £24,380.
