WHEN you get behind the wheel of a MINI, there’s all the time the anticipation that the journey you’re about to take will trigger you to smile from begin to end. That pleasure is additional enhanced when it’s a John Cooper Works (JCW) version.
It’s a reputation which has signified the ‘go sooner’ model of a MINI, for a really very long time, and like a regular MINI, there’s an abundance of customisation choices, thanks to 3 new trim ranges (however extra on that later).
Union Jack painted roofs and door mirrors, bonnet stripes and completely different alloy wheels have been among the well-liked decisions to make your MINI your individual. Doing so means all the time imply leaving the dealership having spent way over you anticipated.
However the automotive maker desires to make it simpler for patrons, by creating these three trim ranges we spoke about, and within the case of the JCW Cooper S, they’re generally known as the Pure, Basic and Signature editions.
Regardless of the trim stage although, beneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, creating 170kW and 320Nm of torque, which is shipped to the entrance wheels. It will get there by way of an eight velocity ZF automated gearbox.
The package deal propels the JCW to 100km/h in simply 6.1 seconds. Whereas these figures won’t appear spectacular, they’re greater than sufficient to permit fast progress round city, and loads of zip on open roads too.
It’s not merely about energy both in a JCW. The phrase ‘go-kart’ is usually present in the identical sentence when discussing the enjoyable that may be had on the wheel of a MINI, and that’s very a lot the case with this automotive.
Belief us after we say you’ll end up grabbing the keys and discovering an excuse simply to go for a blast in your favorite twisty street. Security is taken care of too, with autonomous emergency braking, velocity signal recognition, and entrance and rear parking sensors.
There’s additionally a reverse digicam, lively park help, and 6 airbags. The one omission is a blind spot monitor. Visibility is roofed by LED headlights, with automated excessive beam.
On the all vital infotainment entrance, we discover an 8.8-inch widescreen show within the centre of the sprint, full with in-built satellite tv for pc navigation, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay. Android Auto isn’t obtainable in any kind, on the time of writing.
Wi-fi charging is one other welcome function, though yours actually wasn’t capable of match an iPhone 12 Professional Max into the holder beneath the centre armrest, and had to make use of the quaint cable, plugged right into a USB level to cost the smartphone.
Externally, there’s loads of inform story indicators that this can be a JCW, similar to twin exhaust pipes, a bonnet scoop, a black honeycomb entrance grille with purple insert, and a rear spoiler. It’s what units the look aside from a regular, and already sporty wanting, Cooper S.
Now again to these trim ranges. The Pure model is priced from $53,700 earlier than on-road prices, and is the least costly choice. Aimed toward those that are shopping for the JCW for it’s driving enjoyment, it’s with none of the devices within the different packages.
It’s not fully stripped out although, as we do discover options like keyless entry and adaptive suspension included. You additionally get some very comfy, determine hugging sports activities seats, trimmed in a mix of Dinamica and leather-based.
Piano black trim will be discovered on the outside and inside of the automotive, together with a fantastically trimmed leather-based JCW Sports activities steering wheel. There’s a alternative of two 17-inch wheel designs as properly.
The Pure has a smaller color alternative in comparison with the opposite two packages, and is proscribed to Pepper White, Chilli Purple, Starlight blue, Midnight Black, and Thunder Gray. The inside is simply obtainable in black.
The Basic spec ups the worth to $57,900 earlier than on street prices, bringing with it 18-inch alloys, a beautiful Harman/Kardon 10-speaker sound system, head up show, and full leather-based seat trim.
Color decisions are enhanced with the addition of Moonwalk Gray, White Silver, British Racing Inexperienced (a correct Mini color), Solaris Orange and Insurgent Inexperienced. You even have the choice to personalise the roof and exterior mirror colors.
There are 4 completely different decisions in whole, and three choices for bonnet stripes. Lastly, the Signature trim ups the ante but once more, with the addition of a panoramic sunroof, privateness glass, alarm system, adaptive LED headlights and a alternative of three inside finishes.
Priced from $61,300 earlier than choices and on street prices, it introduces black lounge seats, or should you desire one thing with a splash of color, Satellite tv for pc Gray or Malt Brown seats, each with contrasting door and dashboard trims. Actually luxurious.
All the gorgeous bits apart although, the 2021 MINI Cooper S JCW is in regards to the drive, particularly on some twisty roads. We headed to the Dandenong ranges, beginning on the Kokoda observe memorial stroll (identified regionally because the 1000 steps).
From right here, we headed off in our seek for someplace to check out that well-known MINI dealing with. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than we managed to seek out some nice bits of tarmac, with the added bonus of some stunning surroundings.
From the primary nook, you may instantly inform that this automotive has been designed to place a smile in your face. The engine is responsive, the gear adjustments are clean, and the steering is properly weighted.
Add in a chassis setup that’s sporty with out being uncomfortable, and also you’ve obtained the proper recipe for an amazing little sizzling hatch. You additionally discover in a short time that proudly owning a MINI makes you a member of a really pleasant membership.
We had a number of different MINI house owners wave to us as we handed in the wrong way, and the extra it occurred the extra satisfying it grew to become. So, it seems that you don’t simply purchase a automotive whenever you select a MINI; you purchase a lifestyle.
The one query that wants answering now could be which trim stage you need to select in your new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works, and what color it ought to be. It comes with a 3-year limitless kilometre guarantee too.
Our check car was supplied by MINI Australia. To seek out out extra in regards to the 2021 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works, contact your native MINI vendor.
