Page 42 - Waterfall Issue 9 2021

Waterfall Motoring

MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS

ALL4 CLuBMAn

By Alan Rosenmeyer
i n the 1960s, the original Mini

crew teamed up with John
Cooper to achieve fame and
success in the Monte Carlo
Rally and other rallies of the time,
as well as many motor races.

In modern times, John Cooper
Works is now a part of Mini and the
hallowed JCW badge is reserved for
the top performance variants in the
range. Currently, you can get JCW
in two-door hatch, Clubman and
Countryman flavours. Interestingly,
the two larger cars get ALL4 all-
wheel drive, while the little hatch
has to harness all the extra power
through the front wheels alone.

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

Here’s the link to our video review: bit.ly/clubjcw

40 Waterfall Issue 9 2021