Page 41 - Silver Lakes September 2021

MOTORING

MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS

ALL4 CLUBMAN

By Alan Rosenmeyer

n the 1960s, the original Mini crew and numerous samples of the sought after if you drop the rear seats, less than most
teamed up with John Cooper to achieve JCW badge. In the interior, the cars are small hatchbacks today. However, if this is
Ifame and success in the Monte Carlo packed with options that would be too of concern to you then you’ve missed the
Rally and other rallies of the time, as well long to list here but very little is lacking in point of why this car, or any Mini model,
as many motor races. respect of both comfort and safety. exists in today’s market.

In modern times, John Cooper Works is It’s on the road where the almost excessive The Mini, in any of the body styles, is a
now a part of Mini and the hallowed JCW amount of power creates the fun factor. fashion statement. The JCW version is a
badge is reserved for the top performance Engage SPORT mode by clicking the driver’s statement as well - massive power
variants in the range. Currently, you can typical Mini piano key switch and prepare for the body size, great handling and a
get JCW in two-door hatch, Clubman and to hold on tight. The steering tightens dollop of the indefinable fun factor.
Countryman flavours. Interestingly, the to give even quicker responses than the
two larger cars get ALL4 all-wheel drive, already renowned handling of all Mini’s. No version of the Mini is cheap and the
while the little hatch has to harness all BUT . . . it’s the pops and bangs that test version carries a base list price of
the extra power through the front wheels accompany every up and down shift that R783 840. You also know that this can
alone. put the biggest smile on my face. This car is increase depending on how deep you
a true Boy Racer in the best tradition. dip into the options. A 5-year/100 000km
JCW starts by taking the 2l 4-cylinder turbo maintenance plan is included.
engine and increasing the power from the Our fuel consumption for the test period
141kW and 280Nm of the Cooper S models was 7.3l/100km. This was achieved with Click here for our video review: https://www.
up to 225kW and 450Nm, delivered to mostly freeway cruising and only a bit of youtube.com/watch?v=khEvcEn0ONA
the tarmac through all four wheels. In time engaging Sport mode. If you use this
sympathy with the front wheel drive mode more often, expect consumption
only drivetrain in the hatch, the power figures to soar, but this is not the version
ONLY goes up to 170kW and 320Nm. The to buy if you are shy about visiting your
ultra-smooth and efficient BMW-sourced local fuel pumps.
8-speed automatic transmission handles
the power in all cases. Although the Clubman is officially defined
as a station wagon (remember those?) and
The JCW models add extras like a body has unusual twin side-opening rear doors,
kit for super aggression, larger 19-inch the space provided is anything but large.
wheels with bold red JCW brake calipers Boot space measures about 200l, or 900l

INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2021 39