| World debut | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | MINI John Cooper Works |
Small but powerful summed up the MINI stand at the
Geneva motor show as the company unveiled its new John Cooper Works model. Packing 208bhp from its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, the JCW is the most powerful production MINI yet.
It covers 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds as a hatchback, or 6.8 seconds if you opt for the Clubman version, while top speed is 148mph for both. The JCW comes with the suspension and brakes of the MINI Challenge racer to cope with the power. There's also a new traction control system to keep things in check.
The Hatch gives a respectable 40.9mpg combined economy and 165g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. The Clubman returns 39.8mpg and 169g/km.
All JCW models have 17-inch alloy wheels in a unique style as standard and there's the option of a body kit to make the car look even sportier. Inside, all feature air conditioning, sports steering wheel, anthracite headlining and an upgraded stereo.
The MINI John Cooper Works Hatch will cost from around £20,500 when it goes on sale in the UK this July. The Clubman will set you back from £21,700 and is on sale at the same time.
Alisdair Suttie - 5 Mar 2008