Since Volkswagen determined that its Beetle production would cease imminently, the Chrysler PT Cruiser having been terminated more than a decade ago, it leaves just the Fiat 500 (without which the Italian company would be lost) to rival the BMW Mini in the style stakes. Gradually, since the turn of the Millennium, the Oxford and Dutch and Austrian-built compact has enjoyed many new market introductions to keep its image alive.
Of all the various models, the John Cooper Works versions have upheld a tradition of blending the conventions of relative normality, with the heart and soul of John Cooper’s racing heritage. From March 2019, the punchy combination of performance, handling and retro-styling benefits from a greater standard equipment offering in the UK, while meeting stricter Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards.
Fuel consumption, at 40.9mpg (6-speed manual; 46.3mpg, 8-speed automatic), and CO2 exhaust ratings (157g/km man; 140g/km auto) are improved in the hatchback version, while the convertible also shows similar improvements for its 2.0-litre, 231bhp power unit. Fitted with the manual gearbox, the Mini John Cooper Works hatchback accelerates from 0-60mph in just 6.0s dead, the convertible trailing it by 0.3s, as a result of poorer aerodynamics and a heavier, strengthened body structure.
As the top models (other than the extremely focused and forthcoming GP1 version, which will be available in strictly limited numbers) the JCW variants manage to look quite different to lesser models in Mini’s line-up. The standard specification includes beefed-up Sport suspension, riding on 17.0-inch JCW alloy wheels, a red-callipered sports braking system and the slightly fussy aerodynamics kit. The cars can also be ordered with Piano Black exterior and interior trim, Dinamica leather JCW bucket seats and spoked alloy wheels in black as part of the stock specification.
As with each Mini sold in the UK, JCW models also benefit from standard-fit front and rear LED lights, automatic headlights and rain sensors, the Excitement Pack, which includes ambient interior lighting, exterior Mini Logo projection (from the door mirror housings) and additional detailing.
Both models sold from March 2019 will be equipped with petrol particulate filters intended to reduce particulate matter emissions across the MINI range. The petrol particulate filter is integrated within the standard sports exhaust system, to ensure that both models enjoy a characteristic sound inside and outside the vehicle, while meeting the exacting demands of the future EU emissions legislation. BMW has sought very hard to make vital fuel economy gains, while lowering CO2 emissions of these cars. There is not quite the same level of crackle-and-pop of JCW models from the past but it still exists, which makes every drive a most engaging exercise.
While their on-sale date is in the early days of spring, in typical BMW form, you can order the cars almost immediately and our specialists can keep you informed on prices.
