Page 27 - Fourways Gardens August 2021

Motoring

mini John CooPer WorKs

all4 CluBman

B y a lan r o SE nm E y E r

he original Mini crew teamed up The JCW models add extras like a body kit soar, but this is not the version to buy if you
with John Cooper in the 1960s to for super aggression, larger 19-inch wheels are shy about visiting your local fuel pumps.
achieve fame and success in the with bold red JCW brake calipers and
T Monte Carlo Rally and other rallies numerous samples of the sought after JCW Although the Clubman is officially defined
of the time, as well as many motor races. badge. In the interior, the cars are packed as a station wagon (remember those?) and
with options that would be too long to list has unusual twin side-opening rear doors,
In modern times, John Cooper Works is now here but very little is lacking in respect of the space provided is anything but large.
a part of Mini and the hallowed JCW badge both comfort and safety. Boot space measures about 200l, or 900l
is reserved for the top performance variants if you drop the rear seats, less than most
in the range. Currently, you can get JCW in It's on the road where the almost excessive small hatchbacks today. However, if this is
two-door hatch, Clubman and Countryman amount of power creates the fun factor. of concern to you then you've missed the
flavours. Interestingly, the two larger cars Engage SPORT mode by clicking the typical point of why this car, or any Mini model,
get ALL4 all-wheel drive, while the little Mini piano key switch and prepare to hold exists in today's market.
hatch has to harness all the extra power on tight. The steering tightens to give
through the front wheels alone. even quicker responses than the already The Mini, in any of the body styles, is a
renowned handling of all Mini's. BUT . . . it's fashion statement. The JCW version is a
JCW starts by taking the 2l 4-cylinder turbo the Pops and Bangs that accompany every driver’s statement as well - massive power
engine and increasing the power from the up and down shift that put the biggest for the body size, great handling and a
141kW and 280Nm of the Cooper S models smile on my face. This car is a true Boy Racer dollop of the indefinable fun factor.
up to 225kW and 450Nm, delivered to the in the best tradition.
tarmac through all four wheels. In sympathy No version of the Mini is cheap and the test
with the front wheel drive only drivetrain Our fuel consumption for the test period version carries a base list price of R783 840.
in the hatch, the power ONLY goes up to was 7.3l/100km. This was achieved with You also know that this can increase
170kW and 320Nm. The ultra-smooth and mostly freeway cruising and only a bit of time depending on how deep you dip into the
efficient BMW-sourced 8-speed automatic engaging Sport mode. If you use this mode options. A 5-year/100 000km maintenance
transmission handles the power in all cases. more often, expect consumption figures to plan is included.

Here’s the link to our video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khEvcEn0ONA

Fourways Gardens • 25 • August 2021