John Cooper Works does fast Minis. They take a standard Mini Cooper S and alter it to make it even more fun. This latest Mini John Cooper Works is also the most powerful Mini ever produced. We had a quick chance to thrash it around a gymkhana and drive it out on the road at the local launch in JHB.

What Makes a JCW?

A Mini John Cooper Works has to have more power, better handling characteristics and then look special when seen on the road compared to a standard Mini. The engine has been beefed up. It’s still a 2-Litre turbo, but now makes 170 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Mini even claims that with its Steptronic automatic gearbox that the JCW will hit 100kph in 6.1 seconds. It’s certainly feels rapid as you kick the pedal into action and there’s a barking exhaust note to back it up. Off throttle it pops and cracks eagerly albeit entirely artificial thanks to the sound engineer’s clever work.

In the handling stakes, the John Cooper Works has had a few tweaks to improve its hardcore reputation. It is fitted with a sports suspension kit, developed from Mini’s racing experts. There’s also specifically designed 17-inch wheels with six different types of alloy to choose from. There’s also the option to pump up to 18-inches if you want.

In the looks department the John Cooper Works has a few additions here and there, but seems not to be as outright, blatantly over the top as the previous generation was. There’s a rear spoiler and some aerodynamically designed side sills to go with a rear diffuser but nothing stand out. Maybe there will be some hot packs and option kits available on the Mini option list to make the JCW look more like the road-thug it is.

The Difference on the road

When it comes to driving the John Cooper Works out on the road it’s noticeably stiffer. We had the 18-inch wheel-equippedcars too, so the ride is even firmer. The chassis is amazingly responsive thanks to its low centre of gravity and small size, but it could do with a more natural steering feel. A car like this would benefit from genuine power steering rather than electric, but the system has good weight to it. It also gets heavier the more lock and speed you gain.

On the tight gymkhana circuit that was set up for us to play on, the Mini JCW really shone. Its size combined with the speed with which it can change direction makes it addictive once you get to grips with it. The engine is eager to get a move on with only the slightest hint of turbo lag at the very bottom of the rev range.

Mini John Cooper Works Pricing and Competitors

There’s an obvious premium associated with the Mini badge and the JCW sits right at the top of the Mini Hatch range. The six-speed manual version that arrives in October this year (2015) sits at R418000 and the Steptronic that is immediately available is priced at R440000. There are no direct rivals for the Mini JCW but at this price tag and with two doors you can look at a the upcoming Renault Clio Trophy.