FREEWHEELING September, 2011
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Sexy new MINI is given the full Works treatment
FreewheelingScotland.com — Driving the way forward
MINI JCW C
TO BE HONEST, I wasn’t totally convinced. I’d seen the pictures and on first viewing them couldn’t decide if MINI had got it totally wrong or whether their new Coupé was destined to be another winner for the marque. But I shouldn’t have been so apprehensive, for the line of gleaming metal lined up in the car park at Innsbruck airport said it all . . . this sexy wee gem really is the works. With its chunky, low stance, short overhangs, sloping roof and highly-raked windscreen, this latest addition to the expanding
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COUPE
MINI JCW COUPE
MINI range is certainly a cracker, guaranteed to be on the “must-have” list of many of the style conscious or on the “I wish” list of those whose family commitments dictate they need something more practical than a twoseater sports car. The four-model range, comprising Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SD diesel and the flagship John Cooper Works hits our streets next month priced from £16,640. And while I was more than impressed with the oilburning SD, of the two models I had a
chance to put through their pa John Cooper Works version th one to send flutters to the hea petrolheads out there.
Kitted out with BMW’s award 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharg engine tuned to deliver 211bh 192lb/ft of torque, the ultra-fris
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aces, it was the hat will be the arts of all
d-winning ged petrol hp while pulliing sky JCW edition
MINI JCW COUPE is pure heaven. Combined fuel economy is just a tad off 40mpg while emissions work out at 165g/km. Top speed is an impressive 149mph while the regulation standing to 62mph takes only 6.4seconds. But it is the fun factor which makes this MINI flying machine the one to savour. The Coupé retains the kart-like handling characteristics found in every model throughout the extended MINI family. Aided by a speed-dependent electromechanical power steering system which makes for easy parking and slow-speed manoeuvring while giving a tighter feel while at speed, the Coupé handles beautifully in every situation. This was highlighted during the car’s launch which took in some extremely sharp hairpin bends in the high passes of the Austrian Tyrol. With its fabulous handling, the new MINI excelled, thanks in part to its razor-sharp six-speed gearbox, which made light work of gear changes, and the use of the sport button which altered the response characteristics of the steering and accelerator to offer an exceptional sporty ride that certainly gets the pulse racing. Another aid to the car’s handling is an integrated spoiler which reduces lift at the
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MINI JCW COUPE rear axle. It activates automatically when the car reaches 50mph, then drops again when the car slows to below 37mph. However, the flick of a switch will keep the spoiler in position no matter what the car’s speed. Inside, it is MINI at its best. The usual brand traits are there, such as large round speedo set bang in the middle of the dash while a panel of flick switches sit positioned aircraftlike above the driver’s head. To the rear, there is a 280-litre boot which actually offers more space than its Clubman sibling. It has capacity for two large cases or four hand luggage sized bags along with a couple of brief cases. A drop-down hatch even allows longer articles such as snowboards, skis and golf bags to be accommodated. To gain even more space, the hard parcel shelf can be removed and stored behind the seats, allowing even bulkier articles to be transported. Safety features on the John Cooper Works include upgraded anti-lock brakes, cornering brake control, electronic brake force distribution, four airbags and run-flat tyres, while standard equipment includes air
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MINI JCW COUPE conditioning, park distance control, digital radio/CD sound system, height-adjustable heated sports seats and three-spoke Alcantara steering wheel. Other option packs are also available, including MINI’s popular Chili package and an eight-year/80,000 mile servicing plan which can be had for just £275. There’s little doubt sports car fans will adore this car, while it should also appeal to current MINI owners looking for something that’s just that little bit different. For being different is just what the MINI Coupé is really all about.
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MINI MINI JOHN JOHN COOPER COOPER WORKS WORKS COUPÉ: COUPÉ: Price: Price: £23,795. £23,795. Mechanical: Mechanical: 1598cc, 1598cc, 211hp 211hp four-cylinder four-cylinder petrol petrol engine, engine, driving driving front front wheels wheels through through six-speed six-speed manual manual gearbox. gearbox. Max Max speed: speed: 149mph. 149mph. 0-62mph: 0-62mph: 6.4 6.4 seconds. seconds. Combined Combined mpg:39.8. mpg:39.8. CO2 CO2 emissions: emissions: 165g/km. 165g/km. Warranty: Warranty: Three Three years/unlimited years/unlimited miles. miles.
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