Page 39 - Blue Valley News August/September 2021

MOTORING

MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS ALL4 CLUBMAN

By Alan Rosenmeyer

he original Mini crew teamed up with up to 225kW and 450Nm, delivered to the not the version to buy if you are shy about
John Cooper in the 1960s to achieve tarmac through all four wheels. In sympathy visiting your local fuel pumps.
Tfame and success in the Monte Carlo with the front wheel drive only drivetrain
Rally and other rallies of the time, as well as in the hatch, the power ONLY goes up to Although the Clubman is officially defined
many motor races. 170kW and 320Nm. The ultra-smooth and as a station wagon (remember those?) and
efficient BMW-sourced 8-speed automatic has unusual twin side-opening rear doors,
In modern times, John Cooper Works is now transmission handles the power in all cases. the space provided is anything but large.
a part of Mini and the hallowed JCW badge Boot space measures about 200l, or 900l
is reserved for the top performance variants The JCW models add extras like a body kit for if you drop the rear seats, less than most
in the range. Currently, you can get JCW in super aggression, larger 19-inch wheels with small hatchbacks today. However, if this is of
two-door hatch, Clubman and Countryman bold red JCW brake calipers and numerous concern to you then you’ve missed the point
flavours. Interestingly, the two larger cars get samples of the sought after JCW badge. In the of why this car, or any Mini model, exists in
ALL4 all-wheel drive, while the little hatch has interior, the cars are packed with options that today’s market.
to harness all the extra power through the would be too long to list here but very little is
front wheels alone. lacking in respect of both comfort and safety. The Mini, in any of the body styles, is a fashion
statement. The JCW version is a driver’s
JCW starts by taking the 2l 4-cylinder turbo It’s on the road where the almost excessive statement as well - massive power for the
engine and increasing the power from the amount of power creates the fun factor. body size, great handling and a dollop of the
141kW and 280Nm of the Cooper S models Engage SPORT mode by clicking the typical indefinable fun factor.
Mini piano key switch
and prepare to hold No version of the Mini is cheap and the
on tight. The steering test version carries a base list price of
tightens to give even R783 840. You also know that this can increase
quicker responses than depending on how deep you dip into the
the already renowned options. A 5-year/100 000km maintenance
handling of all Mini’s. BUT plan is included. BV
. . . it’s the Pops and Bangs
that accompany every up Click here for our video review: https://www.
and down shift that put youtube.com/watch?v=khEvcEn0ONA
the biggest smile on my
face. This car is a true Boy
Racer in the best tradition.

Our fuel consumption
for the test period was
7.3l/100km. This was
achieved with mostly
freeway cruising and only
a bit of time engaging
Sport mode. If you use
this mode more often,
expect consumption
figures to soar, but this is

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 4 2021 • 37