Mini John Cooper Works has officially announced an all-electric high-performance Mini from the brand is on its way.

The revelation was accompanied by a series of official teaser photos of the Mini JCW Electric prototype. While still dressed in camouflage, we can see it’s a cross between the conventionally powered JCW GP and the electrified Cooper SE, featuring cool extended wheel arches and a prominent rear spoiler from the regular hot hatch, combined with a closed-off grille and exhaust delete of the polar bear friendly model.

Not much detail has been released at this stage, except that the brand “is now preparing the next step in the development of electric John Cooper Works models”. The press release went on to say internal combustion engine (ICE) JCW cars will continue to have an “important role to play”, meaning the EV will not be replacing the regular models as some might fear.

The regular Cooper SE EV produces 137kW and 270Nm from its single motor that enables it to blitz 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 150km/h.

It’s safe to assume the JCW version will be more potent but whether it will pack a more powerful single motor or utilises a second motor for a possible all-wheel-drive system remains to be seen.

As for range, the Cooper SE’s 32.6kWh battery pack is only good for 177km. We certainly hope the JCW EV will lasts much longer.

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MINI has announced local pricing and arrival schedule for its highly-anticipated first-ever all-electric MINI hatchback.

Priced at $59,900 drive away, a limited number of launch special “First Edition” variants will arrive in Australian dealerships from August 2020.

The MINI Electric Hatch is based on the striking design of the three-door ICE-powered MINI Cooper S but with exterior accents unique to MINI’s first-ever EV.

Four colours are available at launch, paired with two wheel combinations to endow the car with a sporty yet futuristic look.

The MINI Electric Hatch is powered by a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 135kW of power that results in a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds.

Capable of a 233-kilometre drive range on a single charge, according to latest WLTP measurement standards, the MINI Electric Hatch is aimed at metropolitan dwellers and intra-city commuters, with it able to achieve an 80 percent charge in just 35 minutes when using a 50kW DC public charger.

Retaining MINI’s famed “go-kart” driving feel, the electric hatch features smart packaging which sees its powertrain components positioned low and near the centre of the car in a T-shape. Coupled with suspension tuning unique to the car for a low centre of gravity, the MINI Electric Hatch promises sharp and responsive handling.

The MINI Electric Hatch is built in the UK at MINI Plant Oxford, the birthplace and heart of MINI production.

Starting from today, interested fans can select from four exciting specifications of the MINI Electric Hatch and make an online deposit with the MINI dealer of their choice without ever leaving the comfort of their home.

“The arrival of the MINI Electric Hatch in Australia heralds a new chapter for the brand – a charge into the future of electromobility without compromising the marque’s core values of creativity, vibrancy and smart urbanity,” said Brett Waudby, General Manager of MINI Australia.

“It is wonderful to see such a positive response we are getting to the car. Our dealers across the nation are extremely excited to add this model to our customer offering, which is sure to be an absolute thrill to drive,” Mr. Waudby concluded. 

Key highlights of the MINI Electric Hatch include:

• Four colour choices
• 17-inch MINI Electric Power Spoke wheels paired to White Silver and Midnight Black
• 17-inch MINI Tentacle Spoke wheels paired to Chili Red and British Racing Green
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• MINI Electric Interior
• Leather Cross Punch Sports Seats with seat heating for driver and front passenger
• Head-Up Display
• Digital Dash Display
• Harman Kardon Hi-Fi Sound System

The MINI Electric Hatch includes the following technical data specifications:

• 32.6kWh Lithium Ion Battery
• 135kW / 270Nm
• 233km range
• 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds
• Front wheel drive

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The fastest ever production MINI will hit Australian shores this year with introduction of the new high performance MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman.   

Extensive changes to the John Cooper Works four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine help it produce a potent 225kW – an significant increase of 55kW over the previous model – and 450Nm of torque.

The power hike enables the JCW Clubman to dispatch the standard 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds.

The JCW Countryman SUV has also been updated with the new engine and now achieves the century sprint in just 5.1 seconds.

The MINI JCW Clubman, which will also be available in a motorsport-inspired ‘Pure’ guise, will arrive in Australia alongside the new JCW Countryman, updated Cooper S Clubman and revised petrol Clubman and Countryman models in Q4, 2019.

Powertrain updates

The 55kW power lift for the JCW engine is courtesy of a range of internal upgrades including a reinforced crankshaft drive, new pistons with modified compression, adapted connecting rods with bushless bracket, modified injection valves with increased flow rate and a newly developed exhaust turbocharger with integrated air-diverter valves.

Power is transferred via a re-calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission that promises rapid shifts while also featuring Launch Control for race-style starts.

The updated Cooper S Clubman also now features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the conventional eight-speed unit of the previous generation model.

In addition, Cooper S Countryman now includes the same transmission as the updated Cooper S Clubman, while the conventional six-speed transmission of the Cooper Countryman has been upgraded to a new seven-speed unit. 

Improved handling

Both the MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman are fitted with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard to fully harness the engine’s added power. A mechanical limited slip differential aids front end grip and prevents torque steer.

An enhanced JCW sports braking system, which comprises ventilated 18-inch front discs (360×30) and ventilated 17-inch rear axle brake discs (330×20), provides improved stopping power.

The braking system features new cooling channel geometry for added endurance durability and a re-tuned brake pedal feel for improved performance. The ride height has also been lowered by 10mm on the JCW models to optimise handling.

Unique sporting aesthetic

The front styling package of the new MINI JCW Clubman includes new bumpers and a revised grille and splitter that showcase dynamic intent and highlight model-specific character.

Revised LED headlights with full elliptical LED daytime running light and LED Union Jack tail lights illuminate the rear and highlight the new rear bumper in signature MINI style.

The new grille and head and tail light designs also apply to the updated Cooper S Clubman.

MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman specification highlights:

• Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
• 19-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Circuit spoke in two tone
• Sports suspension (JCW Countryman fitted with adaptive suspension)
• Leather Cross Punch upholstery in Carbon Black with sports seats
• Mirror package, extended
• Head-Up Display
• 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system
• Heated seat function, front
• Electric seat function
• Interior surface in Piano Black
• Roof rails in Black
• Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring

MINI JCW Clubman ‘Pure’ specification highlights:

• Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
• 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Grip spoke in black
• Adaptive suspension
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres
• John Cooper Works sports seats in Dinamica/Leather
• Mirror package, exterior
• Black Line grille, head and tail light surrounds
• Interior surface in Piano Black
• Roof rails in black
• Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring

MINI Cooper S Clubman updated specification highlights:

• Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
• Interior surface in Piano Black
• Roof rails in black
• Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring

Key specification and pricing (excluding on-roads):

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• First MINI and first small car in the premium segment to run on electrical power only.
• Electric motor with 135 kW/184 hp and 270 Nm.
• Model-specific lithium-ion battery enables range of 235 to 270 kilometres – without constraints in terms of luggage compartment volume.
• Can be charged at a household socket, wallbox or public charging stations, fast direct-current charging possible at up to 50 kW.
• Outstanding agility due to spontaneous power delivery, low centre of gravity, front-wheel drive and wheel slip limiting close to the actuator.
• Acceleration from zero to 60 km/h in 3.9 seconds and from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
• Characteristic design of the MINI 3 Door with model-specific accentuations.
• Model-specific display and control elements in the interior.
• Recuperation can be configured at two levels.
• Standard equipment features include LED headlamps, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, heating with heat pump technology, auxiliary heating, electric parking brake and Connected Navigation.

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Mini Australia has announced the Australian arrival of its first electrified vehicle to hit our shores – the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid. 

Officially dubbed the Countryman SE All4, pricing starts from $57,200, placing it right near the top of the Countryman range with only the performance-focused John Cooper Works variant sat $2,700 above it.

Powering the electrified Countryman is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 100kW and 200Nm that drives the front axle through a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 60kW/165Nm electric motor driving the rears.

Citing combined maximum outputs of 165kW and 385Nm, Mini claims the hybrid Countryman will be good for 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds – just 0.4 of a second off the mark of the JCW.

Powering the rear electric motor is a 7.6kWh battery pack mounted under the boot floor, which stores enough electricity to allow for 40km of pure electric driving, while also helping it achieve a low 2.1L/100km fuel consumption rating on the combined cycle.

Being positioned near the top of the Countryman range, the SE All4 scores a strong list of standard features to help justify the price, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, chrome exterior accents, and puddle lights that project the Mini logo onto the ground.

On the inside, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, six-speaker stereo, sports seats with Carbon Black leatherette upholstery, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, velour floor mats, and a Satellite Grey headliner are all standard, too.

The hybrid Countryman comes with autonomous emergency braking as is now standard across the whole Mini lineup, with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors also included.

2019 Mini Countryman pricing

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Mini Australia has announced that AEB will be made standard across its range, with all 3 Door Hatch, 5 Door Hatch, and Convertible models now receiving the previously-optional Driver Assistance Package as standard. 

The package, which also includes high-beam assist and speed sign recognition in addition to the previously mentioned AEB with forward collision warning, previously commanded a $1,200-2,500 premium depending on variant.

Only the Hatch and Convertible variants have added this pack as standard, however, with the Clubman and Countryman already offering AEB on all variants.

There have been other standard equipment increases elsewhere in the range, however, with the marque’s larger 8.8-inch Professional Navigation system – which is normally part of the $2,200-2,700 Multimedia Pro Package – having been made standard on all Cooper S variants, and across the entire Countryman range.

Furthermore, the Cooper S and JCW Hatch variants have added keyless entry as standard for 2019, while all Convertible models now gain passive entry.

However, there have been price increases across the range of between $300-800 to account for the extra equipment which we have noted in the pricing table below – increases that seem fair given the thousands’ worth of extra equipment added.

It’s worth noting that pricing for the Clubman remains unaffected for 2019, given AEB was already standard on all wagon variants.

2019 Mini range pricing

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Updated styling and LED lighting

Model	Engine	Power / Torque	0-100km/h (sec)	Fuel Use (L/100km)	CO2 (g/km)
Cooper 3 door Hatch	1.5L 3cyl turbo-petrol	100kW / 220Nm	7.9 (m) 7.8 (a)	5.5 (m) 5.3 (a)	125 (m) 122 (a)
Cooper S 3 door Hatch	2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol	141kW / 280Nm	6.8 (m) 6.7 (a)	6.3 (m) 5.5 (a)	144 (m) 125 (a)
JCW 3 door Hatch	2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol	170kW / 320Nm	6.3 (m) 6.1 (a)	6.9 (m) 6.0 (a)	157 (m) 137 (a)
Cooper 5 door Hatch	1.5L 3cyl turbo-petrol	100kW / 220Nm	8.2 (m) 8.1 (a)	5.5 (m) 5.4 (a)	126 (m) 123 (a)
Cooper S 5 door Hatch	2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol	141kW / 280Nm	6.9 (m) 6.8 (a)	6.4 (m) 5.6 (a)	147 (m) 128 (a)
Cooper Convertible	1.5L 3cyl turbo-petrol	100kW / 220Nm	8.8 (m) 8.7 (a)	5.6 (m) 5.6 (a)	128 (m) 129 (a)
Cooper S Convertible	2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol	141kW / 280Nm	7.2 (m) 7.1 (a)	6.5 (m) 5.7 (a)	149 (m) 130 (a)
JCW Convertible	2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol	170kW / 320Nm	6.6 (m) 6.5 (a)	7.0 (m) 6.3 (a)	159 (m) 144 (a)

Updated 2018 MINI range pricing (excluding on-roads):

3 door Hatch

MINI Cooper $29,900

MINI Cooper S $39,900

MINI JCW $49,900

5 door Hatch

MINI Cooper $31,150

MINI Cooper S $41,150

Convertible

MINI Cooper $40,900

MINI Cooper S $47,900

MINI JCW $57,900

Clubman

MINI Cooper $37,900

MINI Cooper S $45,900

MINI JCW All4 $56,900

Countryman

MINI Cooper $41,900

MINI Cooper D $45,900

MINI Cooper S $48,900

MINI Cooper SD All4 $53,900

MINI JCW All4 $59,900

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MINI has revealed pricing and specification details for the Cooper S Clubman Masterpiece Edition, a special edition model limited to only 30 units in Australia.

Priced from $55,210 plus on-road costs, the Clubman Masterpiece Edition features unique touches to the 5-door wagon including exclusive paint work, new rolling stock and special interior trim.

“The Cooper S Clubman Masterpiece Edition brings an ultra-exclusive MINI experience,” says Tony Sesto, MINI Australia General Manager.

“As well as a strong uplift in look and feel – thanks largely to considered inclusions taken from the MINI Yours personalisation programme – the Masterpiece Edition offers true exclusivity with its unique exterior and ‘one of 30’ collectability status. It’s an ideal halo for the MINI Cooper S family.”

Building further on the Cooper S Clubman’s extensive personalisation options, the Clubman Masterpiece Edition offers a hand-picked selection from the vast MINI Yours personalisation catalogue to create a stand-out limited-edition offering in this segment.

The White Silver metallic paint finish is unique to the Clubman Masterpiece Edition, and is further highlighted by exclusive ‘Masterpiece Edition’ badges to the C-pillars.

This stylish exterior is augmented by distinctive 18-inch light alloy road wheels in a Masterpiece-specific design, finished in dark spectre grey.

Contrasting exterior sections in black include roof rails, roof, mirror caps and bonnet stripes, while the side scuttles are finished in ‘Black Jack’ – a reference to the MINI’s British heritage.

Inside, the Clubman Masterpiece Edition’s Piano Black illuminated MINI Yours interior styling package contrasts with Chrome line interior trims, while the MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel, Anthracite headliner and ‘Essentials’ diamond-pattern deep floor mats bring additional sophistication.

These premium touchpoints sit alongside key standard equipment offerings, including a glass panoramic sunroof, MINI Navigation with 8.8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay preparation, wireless phone charging and Head up Display.

Wrapping up the limited edition details is an engine-bay designation plaque which displays the car’s build number.

The Masterpiece Edition carries over the Cooper S Clubman’s 2.0-litre petrol engine that develops 141kW and 280Nm.

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The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is the biggest, heaviest, priciest and most potent MINI money can buy today. It’s quite literally the opposite of mini. But there’s a reason for its existence.

After capturing the boom of the SUV market with the Countryman, JCW, MINI’s performance division, is now digging deep into enthusiasts’ hearts with this go fast version. Unless your pocket is deep enough for Mercedes AMGs, Audi RS’, BMW Ms and Porsches, the JCW Countryman is arguably the best method to quell your domesticated status often linked to driving an SUV.

Priced from $57,900 plus on-road costs in Australia, the JCW Countryman tops the five-tier range with standard-equipped all-wheel drive, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, adaptive sports-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes.

Of course, there’s the usual array of JCW exclusive aero bits and highlights including the more aggressive front bumper with larger side air intakes, red accented front grille surround, rear diffuser with red highlights and 19-inch JCW Course Spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

Further hinting at its performance credentials is the piano black finish to the roof rails and side sill mouldings, while unique JCW side scuttles and chrome finished dual exhaust pipes add further differentiation.

Sporty touches continue inside the JCW Countryman, with front passengers welcomed into Dinamica/Leather-trimmed JCW branded sports seats as the driver grips a nice and thick three-spoke sports leather steering wheel. There are also Anthracite roof headliner and JCW-specific door sills, gear shift lever, instrumentation, and stainless steel sports pedals.

Other JCW specific features include a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon HiFi system, MINI Navigation System Professional and head-up display with engine revs, gear indicator and shift point display.

Like any MINI, the range-topping Countryman allows endless personalisation with a myriad of customisation options including different exterior colour combinations, graphics, interior trim and alloy wheel designs.

Despite the performance badge, the JCW Countryman is still first and foremost an SUV, and a very good one at that. The interior is spacious for a compact crossover, with generous head and legroom for all occupants. Three adults can sit across the rear bench with no issues, or for those with young families a car seat for the kids can go in the back seat without having to move the front pews forward.

At the back there are 450 litres of cargo space plus a very usable sub-compartment under the flat boot floor for keeping bits and pieces. The cover for the sub-boot can also be flipped outward and turned into a bench seat with the cushion underside providing comfort.

Even more clever, the 40/20/40 split folding rear seats can slide forward to trade rear seat legroom with more boot space, fold them flat and you get a voluminous 1390 litres of cargo room. The 3-way split folding rear seats further add versatility by allowing the middle seat back to tumble to make space for long items such as a surfboard while still having 2 passengers in the outboard seats.

Interior presentation is suitably retro and premium with quality soft touch surfaces adorning the dashboard and upper door trims. At night the interior mood lighting in the door handles and along the door pockets with changeable colours further lifts cabin ambience.

Its infotainment system remains one of the best in the business with quick processing and a concise interface through an ultra high clarity 8.8-inch widescreeen.

Compared to the more business-themed interior of its rivals, the Countryman’s cabin is more youthful and funky, but not any lower quality. In fact, it’s built to an extremely high standard that has all the credentials of a BMW product (MINI is owned by BMW).

The Teutonic connection is even more evident under the bonnet as it gets a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre turbo four pot that develops 170kW at 6,000 rpm accompanied with 350Nm of torque on tap from 1,450 to 4,500 rpm. Significantly more powerful than the 2.0L turbo in the one-grade down S Countryman, the JCW mill gets unique pistons, a larger charge-air cooler and an extra radiator – the reason for the larger air intakes in the lower front bumper and deletion of the foglight units.

While no sports car pace and urgency, the turbo four delivers strong and linear performance across the rev range with bags of mid-range punch making overtaking and hill climbing a breeze. Zero to 100km/h is dispatched in a respectable 6.5 seconds when paired with the automatic, but it sounds quicker than it goes thanks to the properly sporty and meaty exhaust note with that familiar deep and solid BMW soundtrack spicing up the aural experience further.

The eight-speed auto box is also impressive in the way it dishes out smooth and quick gear changes. It’s not as snappy as a dual clutch but close. While you can use the wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual operation, so good is the shifting algorithm when left to its own devices there’s actually no need to use the paddles.

Just as well sorted are the suspension and chassis which endow the compact crossover with neutral, confidence inspiring handling that feels more hot hatch than SUV. Despite its higher ride height, it stays flat through corners with very little understeer thanks to the wonderfully locked down front end. All-wheel drive grip further adds assurance through wet conditions. Having said that, there’s no escaping its weight though (some 1.5 tonne) as it just isn’t as zippy and chuckable as smaller MINIs.

Less competent are the steering which feels numb and artificially heavy, and the brakes which are spongy and inconsistent in feel, making smooth braking a delicate process.

You can take the JCW Countryman off road as the all-wheel drive system manages traction extremely well on sandy, rocky or slippery surfaces, delivering amazing grip with almost no slippage.

Back on the black top, the MINI impresses with a stable but firm ride. On less smooth country B roads, with the drive mode in the softest setting, the ride still leans on the busy side for an SUV but it’s not uncomfortable. Road noise on coarse roads is also higher than desired due to the run flat tyres.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.8L/100km for the manual and 7.4L/100km for the automatic though in the real world with mixed driving our tester (auto) returns a reading of 9.8L/100km. Not exactly thrifty but still respectable for a performance SUV.

Verdict

Design and Comfort: 8.0/10

Performance and Handling: 8.0/10

Economy: 7.5/10

Quality: 8.5/10

Features and Equipment: 8.0/10

Performance and practicality don’t often mix well, but in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman they come together with remarkable balance. No doubt it’s more biggie than mini, but by being such it offers good cabin space for a small family, while still packs enough poke and athleticism to keep the enthusiast in the household happy.

Pros:

• Practical and spacious
• High quality interior
• Standout design
• Solid performance

Cons:

• Wooden brakes
• Not quite mini
• Busy ride

2018 MINI JCW Countryman Pricing and Specification

Competitors:

Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI AWD, Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Sport, BMW X1 xDrive25i, Jaguar E-Pace, Volvo XC40

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The Mini Electric Concept will be showcased at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (14th to 24th September) as a preview of the all-electric Mini production model due in 2019.

“The MINI Electric Concept offers a thrilling preview of the all-electric production vehicle. MINI and electrification make a perfect match,” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

From the front, the Mini Electric Concept is instantly distinguishable as the radiator grille is closed due to the minimal cooling requirements of an electric motor. And from the rear, the light assemblies each form one half of the Union Jack as a LED dot matrix.

Based on the 3-door Mini, the Mini Electric Concept maintains the essence of being compact, agile and ideal for everyday driving. Being fully emission-free, the drive-train is powered purely by an electronic motor and draws its power from a lithium-ion battery. Although no specifications have been announced as of yet, 19-inch wheels is revealed and we can only expect a heavier kerb weight than its petrol counterpart.

“With its characteristic go-kart feeling and powerful electric motor, the MINI Electric Concept is great fun to drive while also being completely suitable for everyday use – and producing zero emissions to boot. That’s how we at MINI envisage electric mobility in tomorrow’s world,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad.

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