At this price, the new 2015 MINI John Cooper Works hatch is not only more powerful than ever, it’s also more affordable than ever. Fuel economy has also improved for the automatic. It’s a complete win-win situation.
Powering the latest micro machine from MINI is a boosted and tweaked version of the company’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. So now it produces an almost unbelievable 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque. These figures are big enough to put some six-cylinder engines to shame.
Out on the tarmac the JCW can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual, or just 6.1 seconds when optioned with the six-speed automatic. Acceleration is helped by an electronic-locking differential which sorts out power distribution between the front wheels.
MINI says the automatic version is up to 20 per cent more efficient than the predecessor, recording an average consumption rate of 5.7L/100km. Manual enthusiasts can enjoy a reasonable 6.7L/100km average, as well as rev-matching technology which automatically adjusts engine speed during gear selection.
Standard features include Dynamic Damper Control suspension with adjustable settings, Torque-steer Compensation, Brembo brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, special sports seats, a reversing camera, head-up display, Professional grade navigation, and DAB+ digital radio including an 8.8-inch LCD screen.
The 2015 John Cooper Works hatch will officially go on sale in Australia in August. Prices start at $47,400 for the manual (down from $50,400), and from $49,950 for the automatic (excluding on-roads). MINI Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz had a few words to say about the new version, saying,
“The MINI JCW is loyal to its past racing heritage, but also looks to the future with innovative technology and dynamics. Its accessible pricing means it will appeal to a wide range of customers including passionate MINI fans and committed performance drivers.”
