Car
January 27, 2015
Test Drive: The MINI John Cooper Works Crossover | MINI
MINI John Cooper Works Crossover｜MINI John Cooper Works Crossover
A New Special Model Joins the MINI Family
Test Drive: MINI John Cooper Works Crossover
The MINI Crossover, which previously lacked a John Cooper Works variant, is now available in a 5-door, SUV-styled version.A Model Bearing the John Cooper Works Name Has ArrivedNaturally, this is the sportiest MINI Crossover yet. However, Toshifumi Watanabe, who test drove it immediately, notes that it possesses a different character from previous John Cooper Works models. What is its ride like?
Text by WATANABE Toshifumi
The Reason for Its Grand Debut
The MINI brand has grown into a large family with six distinct variations. Each of these now features a sports model designated "John Cooper Works" (hereafter JCW).
John Cooper was a renowned British engineer who crafted cars for Formula 1 and Indy racing in the past. He is also known for leading the original MINI, which he tuned, to remarkable success in rally competitions.
Given that the familiar "MINI Cooper" grade name itself is derived from his name, you can understand his indispensable role in the MINI's history.
The MINI Cooper that won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally overall.
MINI John Cooper Works
The JCW series, named in his honor, features an engine with increased power compared to the base "Cooper S" model, along with a firmer suspension and upgraded brakes. This enhances the MINI's signature go-kart feel, making it capable of enjoyable circuit driving.
For this reason, among MINI's six body variations, the "MINI Crossover," designed for enhanced multi-purpose use, was the only one without a JCW option.
The recent, long-awaited introduction of the JCW variant for the Crossover is likely also tied to the development of new power and drivetrain technologies.
The engine is a 1.6-liter direct-injection twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing and Valvetronic.
While all MINI base models already feature Valvetronic, this is actually the first time a JCW model has adopted it.
MINI John Cooper Works Crossover
A New Special Model Joins the MINI Family
Test Drive: MINI John Cooper Works Crossover (2)
John Cooper Works Now Available with Automatic Transmission
While retaining fuel-saving technologies like the start-stop system and brake energy regeneration found in the base model, the power output is a formidable 218ps. Torque reaches a maximum of 300Nm in sport mode. With this engine, the MINI Crossover's substantial body achieves 0-100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h, proving its credentials as a hot hatch purely on numbers.
Meanwhile, the MINI Crossover JCW's CO2 emissions are 172g/km (EU measurement), which is respectable considering its class and performance.
Another significant development is the introduction of an automatic transmission for the JCW model for the first time, coinciding with the adoption of the new engine. This makes MINI's fastest brand accessible for easier driving.
According to BMW, this new engine is expected to be fitted to other JCW models by next spring, when the Crossover JCW is scheduled for release. All JCW models will then offer a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
MINI John Cooper Works Crossover
A New Special Model Joins the MINI Family
Test Drive: MINI John Cooper Works Crossover (3)
Refined Ride Comfort
Notably, the Crossover JCW is exclusively a 4WD model, inheriting the "ALL4" system from the base model, with no front-wheel-drive variant available. Its hydraulic electronically controlled differential operates similarly to the base model, typically distributing power 50:50 between the front and rear axles, and can send nearly 100% of the drive to either axle depending on slip.
The suspension, with front struts and a multi-link rear, is similar to the base model, but the setup for the suspension and brakes is unique. The ride height is 10mm lower than the base model. Despite this, the ground clearance remains 137mm, offering sufficient capability for gravel or snowy roads – a surprising trait for a JCW.
What truly impresses when driving the MINI JCW Crossover is the refinement of its ride comfort. Even at low speeds, there's no noticeable harshness, and it absorbs impacts from large bumps and joints with a pleasing suppleness. As speed increases, body movements are effectively controlled, offering a level of suppleness and flatness that arguably surpasses the base model.
Even at low speeds, there's no noticeable harshness, and it absorbs impacts from large bumps and joints with a pleasing suppleness. As speed increases, body movements are effectively controlled, offering a level of suppleness and flatness that arguably surpasses the base model.
The tires fitted are large and heavy, the kind you might expect on a sports model in a higher class. With such components, one might anticipate a choppy ride when the suspension is firmed up. However, it's remarkable how these undesirable characteristics have been effectively eliminated in this JCW model without compromise.
MINI John Cooper Works Crossover
A New Special Model Joins the MINI Family
Test Drive: MINI John Cooper Works Crossover (4)
A New Appeal for the JCW Brand
The chassis's character, which is clearly more comfort-oriented than other JCW models, is also evident in its cornering behavior.
While the body roll is noticeably greater compared to other JCW models, this reduces the lateral G-force experienced by occupants, enhancing the sense of refinement during cornering.
The slightly softened go-kart feel is compensated by the surprisingly active all-wheel-drive system, even on-road. The way it corners by actively applying drive to the rear wheels sets it apart from other JCW models that rely on front-wheel-drive characteristics for cornering.
While it may not match the sheer exhilaration of other models, it is sufficiently sporty and offers a level of refinement unmatched by other JCW models. This tuning, born from the Crossover's inherent need for versatility, suggests an ambition to expand the JCW brand beyond pure sportiness into a more specialized direction.
Its flexibility, making it suitable as a family's primary car, and its user-friendly nature provide compelling reasons for new customers to enter the JCW brand.
MINI John Cooper Works Crossover｜
MINI John Cooper Works Crossover
Body Dimensions｜Length 4,133 × Height 1,789 × Width 1,549mm
Wheelbase｜2,596mm
Tread Front/Rear｜1,527/1,554mm
Weight｜1,430kg (MT model: 1,405kg)
Engine｜1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo
Max. Output｜160kW (218ps) @ 6,000rpm
Max. Torque｜280Nm @ 1,900-5,000rpm (300Nm @ 2,100-4,500rpm with overboost)
0-100km/h Acceleration｜7.0 seconds
Top Speed｜225km/h (AT model: 223km/h)
Tire Size｜225/45 R18
Fuel Consumption｜7.4ℓ/100km
CO2 Emissions｜172g/km