Euro 6-compliant Mini Cooper JCW comes with mild aesthetic updates

KUALA LUMPUR: Mini cars do look cute and chubby. However, with the addition of the JCW (John Cooper Works), these become some of the most potent cars in the segment. Yet, in order to comply with the strict Euro 6 emission norms, the company has updated the convertible and hardtop versions of the Mini Cooper JCW.

This updated model has slight tweaks on the aesthetic side. The 17-inch light alloy wheels are new. Moreover, the vehicle now gets a new black color option and the front grille, tail lights and headlamps are done in high-gloss surrounds.

On the inside, the model gets the sporty JCW bucket seats a puddle lamp for the driver with MINI logo projection, wireless charging, etc. Overall, it appears to be a notch over the outgoing model.

However, despite having been updated for the latest emission compliance, the Mini Cooper JCW has not lost its sporty touch on the engine or grunting exhaust. It is still powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that can make 231 PS of power and a peak torque of 319 Nm. The produced power is sent down to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual options.

The engine is good enough to power the car to reach the 100 kmph from a standstill in 6.6 seconds for the automatic gearbox, while the manual unit can do it in 6.3 seconds only. The engine now has a particulate filter that helps it comply with the norms. This filter takes off the harmful particles without changing the exhaust sound. The system will be made a standard addition in the petrol models from the company in the future as well.

The updated MINI Cooper JCW will be available for sale in Europe by March 2019. Since Malaysia has the hatch and convertible, the update is most likely due here as well. The power production is more or less identical here and the same can be continued for the update.