Mini Cooper: Latest John Cooper Works Revealed

The latest hardtop Mini Cooper should regain popularity as the best performance hatchback in the U.S. market.  The Volkswagen GTi has always been the best practical performer, with style, fuel economy, and fun on the side.  The Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST add more driving thrill, with a looser rear end for higher performance driving, but it was done at a compromise to the plastics of the interior.

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The Mini Cooper John Cooper Works, has no compromises.

It is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a turbo.  This raises the power to 228bhp with 236lb.-ft. of torque, with 18 more horsepower than the 2015 GTi.  This allows the hatchback to reach 0-60 times of 5.9 seconds with the automatic transmission, with 6.1 seconds with the manual.

More features were added to the latest Mini as well.

The automatic transmission version offers automatic engine start/stop function but also shift point display, brake energy regeneration, needs-based control of the fuel pump, coolant pump and other ancillary units, electromechanical power steering and a map-controlled oil pump. In addition, intelligent lightweight construction and optimized aerodynamic properties help ensure significantly increased driving fun.

The standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also comprises the functions Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential – and Performance Control, which supports agile turning when taking bends at speed. Self-steering tendencies that can be caused by differing torque levels on the drive wheels are also prevented by means of the so-called Torque Steer Compensation function provided by the electromechanical power steering.

All this comes at UK-level pricing for sporty hatchbacks.  Expect the latest Mini John Cooper Works Edition to be well over $30,000 depending on varying options.  However, if you want the ability to daily drive a hatchback with every bit of fun of performance driving during the weekends, this car is perfect.

[2014. Mini. Pure Driving Fun, More Extreme Than Ever: The New Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop. [Press Release] via http://www.newspressusa.com/public/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=43935&pr_ref=4552]