When you think Mini the association is trendy design and parking convenience. But the British brand has always provided a spirited driving experience, favouring agility and driver feedback. Continuing this tradition, is the latest addition to Mini South Africa’s product portfolio.
It is called the JCW GP and sets new standards for performance, exclusivity, and price. Those familiar with the brand will know that these JCW GP versions are a great deal more potent and expensive
than any other Mini.
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The outrageous styling isn’t mere industrial design indulgence. That huge rear wing and the bulging wheel arches serve a very real purpose, generating more downforce at speed and allowing the JCW
GP to roll larger wheels, which in turn accommodate huge 355mm brakes on the front axle.
Mini is only building 3000 of its new JCW GP cars for global customers and South Africa will only receive 38 of those.
If you value exclusivity and want a hot hatchback, that will always be an instant conversation starter when you arrive at a venue, the JCW GP is it.
But if you desire a hot hatchback with some semblance of everyday practicality, it is perhaps not the most appropriate choice. Mini’s engineers have sacrificed the JCW GP’s rear seats for a strut brace,
which increases the car’s overall rigidity and makes it more responsive to driver inputs at speed.
This Mini is all about generating the most involving driver experience imaginable. It is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine, boosting 225kW and 450Nm.
Those are impressive numbers for such a compact car and with an eight-speed automatic gearbox transferring power to the front-wheels, this Mini will deliver a very spirited drive.
New Mini JCW GP price in South Africa
Rated at a top speed of 265kph and capable of wonderfully agile cornering, this is by far the fastest Mini yet.
And it also carries a price to match. Mini South Africa is marketing the JCW GP at R809 488, making it by far the brand’s most expensive car to go on sale in the local market.
Feature image: Mini South Africa
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