01/06/2025

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | JUNE 1, 2025

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Corner hunting beast! New Mini JCW packs punch with stability, traction control on steroids BY WAHID OOI

THE Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) has its origins in the 1960s, when racing legend John Cooper transformed the original Mini Cooper into a rally champion. The lightweight, agile Mini Cooper S dominated motorsport, famously winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times. This racing pedigree laid the foundation for the modern JCW brand, blending per formance with the Mini’s iconic compact design. When BMW revived the Mini brand in 2001, the John Cooper Works name returned as a high-performance variant. Initially offered as an aftermarket upgrade by John Cooper’s son Michael, JCW soon became an official part of the

inder engine producing 231hp and 380Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, this mini beast accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250kph. It may not seem fast on paper, but trust us, it packs a punch. They call it a “corner hunter” – not a speed hunter – because tight turns are where this car shines bright est. How? Well, according to Mini, the JCW variant has a +15% caster angle with stronger self-centring, highly pre-tensioned stabiliser bars with improved handling and dynamics, enhanced Servotronic Electric Power Steering (EPS) which is nicely weighted with enhanced precision. Also contributing to this is the JCW sport brakes with 17-inch front and 16-inch rear disc brakes, which give the car more than enough stopping power. The actuator’s contiguous wheel slip limitation (ARB) also has a 10 times faster reaction compared to the standard DSC. It also has an integrated brake system that has seamless transition between regen erative braking and friction braking. Too technical? In layman’s terms, this is an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), stabil ity and traction control on steroids. CORNER HUNTER Now we were amazed by this presenta

2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 231hp and 380Nm of torque.

Mini lineup after BMW acquired the brand. The first factory-built JCW model arrived in 2006, featuring a 210hp supercharged engine. Over the years, JCW evolved with turbocharging, more power, and sharper han dling, cementing its reputa

tion as Mini’s performance flagship. Recently, Mini Malaysia gave us a chance to feel what it is like to drive this go-kart machine. We got behind the wheel of the new petrol-powered Mini JCW and took it to a small track that was designed to put this car to the test. PETROL-POWER This variant features a 2.0-litre four-cyl

Ample boot space.