Latest news with #MiniJohnCooperWorks
The Independent
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Mini John Cooper Works Electric review: Worth the premium?
The John Cooper name and his famous signature has adorned Minis for over six decades, but this is the first time that we've seen a properly fettled electric Mini John Cooper Works model. As with the rest of the new Mini Cooper range, there are petrol and electric versions, but it's the EV we're focusing on in a world where electric hot hatchbacks seem to be taking off. An electric Peugeot 208 GTi is coming soon and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has received huge acclaim, while Tesla Performance models do what the name suggests – they go very quickly indeed. Mini hasn't focused entirely on performance with the John Cooper Works Electric. A 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds is fast by old-school hot hatch measures, but nothing special when it comes to EVs. In fact, the standard Mini Cooper Electric SE will do the same sprint in 6.7 seconds. And therein lies the problem that John Cooper Works is facing – it just doesn't offer that much more for the extra £5,550 (minimum) outlay. There are a few fun bits, like the boost button on the steering wheel that ups the power to an impressive 255bhp, but the sense of performance for the JCW Electric over a Cooper SE just isn't enough. Tweaks to the suspension have made the car even more grippy, but have also made the ride rock hard. And while the optimised aerodynamics look great, you have the alternative option of adding the John Cooper Works pack to the Cooper SE for a Mini that's not quite as aggressive looking but still very much looks the part. If the job of the John Cooper Works Electric is to remind you how good the standard Minis are, then job done. You can swerve the JCW Electric and still be smiling loads in any other Mini. How we tested We spent a few hours enjoying the Mini John Cooper Works Electric around Cotswold lanes, testing the performance and handling, but also how easy it would be to live with. All our reviews include real-world assessments looking at everything from the tech to the space and practicality. Mini John Cooper Works Electric: £35,455, Independent rating: 6/10 Mini John Cooper Works Electric specs Price range: £35,455 Battery size: 54.2kWh Maximum claimed range: 251 miles Miles per kWh: 4.4 Maximum charging rate: 95kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive Mini has stuck with the 52kWh battery for the John Cooper Works Electric, which means a maximum claimed range of 250 miles – amazingly three miles more than a Cooper SE with the same battery, but less power. Fast charging is at the same speed as the Cooper SE at an unremarkable 95kW, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge would take around half an hour. You'll need to flick the boost button on the steering wheel to get the fastest 0-62mph time, which at 5.9 seconds is far from remarkable these days. With grippy tyres on standard 18in wheels and beefed-up suspension, the traditional go-kart feeling is ever-present, more so than on the Cooper SE. That's a blessing and a curse, upping the fun factor but dragging down ride quality. Put simply, it's too firm to be comfortable. There's no extra excitement from the noise the John Cooper Works Electric makes either. The standard synthesised noises – there are 39 so-called 'earscapes' in the car – are the same as before. They're great fun, especially in go-kart mode, which is entered via a rocker switch on the dash and a 'woo-hoo' sound effect. But there are no extra whooshes, pops or bangs to be heard in the JCW over the standard Coopers. The styling is beefed-up, though, with new spoilers at the front, sides and rear, with plenty of gloss black and John Cooper Works logos, plus splashes of red dotted around including on the brake callipers. Interior, practicality and boot space The cabin has had a John Cooper Works makeover, too, with the black and red theme going across the knitted surface on the dashboard and on the synthetic leather seats. At night you'll notice the ambient lighting on the headlining, too. Otherwise, it's standard Mini fare, which means excellent BMW build quality and more space than you might imagine. The Cooper is strictly three-doors these days, the five-door Aceman is there with the same batteries and motors for a very similar driving experience. It also gets a new John Cooper Works Aceman model. Access to the rear seats is okay through the long front doors, and the small 210 litre boot falls into the 'just big enough to be useful' category. Mini has thought hard about little practicalities. There's a long tray with useful dividers that sits between the front seats, plus usefully large door bins in the front doors. Technology, stereo and infotainment The star of the latest Mini range's tech is the 9.45in circular OLED screen that sits – as it always has in a Mini – in the centre of the dash. It's a lovely screen that's as responsive as it is crisp, and the interface is usable with 'hey Mini' voice control, too. Beneath the screen are rockers and buttons to control starting the car, selecting one of seven driver modes (Vivid, Core, Green, Timeless, Balance, Go Kart and Personal) and for gear selection. Everything else is on the touchscreen, although there are also steering-wheel mounted controls and a programmable fast button. There are a couple of pricey option packs, although they do pile on the kit nicely, that you'll have to plunder to get some of the best tech. That includes the head-up display and the digital key, which converts your smartphone into a car key. Standard are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – although they only display in a square in the screen, not across the whole circle – and there's wireless phone charging, too. A Harman Kardon audio system provides decent sounds, while clever and usable self-parking sits alongside a host of other driver assistance features. Prices and running costs The good news is that the Mini John Cooper Works Electric is efficient to keep running with a decent claim of 4.4 miles per kWh. The bad news is that unless you really want the most focused electric Mini to drive, we wouldn't pay the £5,550 extra over the already fun-to-drive Cooper SE. As with any Mini, the list price is only the starting price – in this case £35,455. Add in some of the options packs, stripes and different trims and you'll soon end up at the £40,000 mark. The Mini's quality and fun make it worth considering, but we'd stick with a lesser Mini that's just as much fun and save a bit of cash. Mini John Cooper Works Electric rivals FAQs What should I consider before buying one? Consider if the modest performance gain and firmer ride over the standard Mini Cooper SE justify the significant extra cost, and be mindful that the most desirable tech comes in pricey option packs. How long does it take to charge? Fast charging matches the Cooper SE's 95kW, taking about half an hour to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent. How much does it cost - is it worth it? The starting price for a Mini is £35,455. Including options packs, stripes, and different trims can increase the cost to approximately £40,000. There's a standard three-year warranty, plus eight years' cover for the battery Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: Mini John Cooper Works Electric The biggest problem with the John Cooper Works Electric is that every other Mini is just as fun to drive. The extra cash the JCW Electric costs gets you a bit more performance and a bit more focus, but the performance and driving benefits just aren't enough, while the ride is even stiffer than before. I'd stick with a standard electric Cooper SE with a few JCW extras added on.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
BMW grabs 40% share of South Africa's luxury car market in Q1
Statistics from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) reveal BMW achieved a 40.6% share of the luxury segment during Q1 2025, outperforming traditional competitors. This success is amplified by Mini achieving a 6.2% market share, and BMW Motorrad attaining a 43.9% overall market share. Mini's product lineup was aided by the recent introduction of the new Mini Aceman and the Mini John Cooper Works. Enhanced production capacity to meet global demand BMW said part of its success in 2025 Q1 is due to the enthusiastic market reception of the new BMW X3. A key driver of this success is the enthusiastic market reception of the new BMW X3. Fuelled by global demand and its pivotal role in the BMW Group's electrification strategy, production of the fourth-generation BMW X3 began in October 2024 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. Before its market introduction, the new BMW X3 achieved a high volume of pre-orders, indicating strong customer resonance. The production of the new BMW X3 has been supported by the reimplementation of the third shift at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. This three-shift operation is projected to produce an average of 110 units per shift. This long-term commitment to electrification is evidenced by the BMW Group's global delivery of over two million electrified vehicles by 2024, including over one million battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, commented: 'We are grateful for the continued trust and enthusiasm our South African customers and global partners have shown in the BMW Group, supported by our retailer network's firm commitment. 'Our strong Q1 results, marked by clear segment leadership for BMW and positive momentum across Mini and BMW Motorrad, reflect the compelling appeal of our diverse product range and the passion of our team. 'We are inspired by these achievements and remain focused on delivering quality and contributing to a thriving automotive future in South Africa and beyond.'
Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Fast Lane: Mini unveils race livery, Lotus Emira Turbo SE and updated Nissan Qashqai in Singapore
Racing time: The Bulldog Racing team will be competing at the Nurburgring endurance race in a modified Mini John Cooper Works. PHOTO: MINI Mini's 24 Hours Race livery Mini has unveiled the livery of its contender at the Nurburgring 24 Hours race in June, a 24-hour annual touring car and GT endurance racing event. The black-and-white racer is based on the Mini John Cooper Works 2-litre hot hatchback and will be campaigned by the Bulldog Racing team. Featured prominently on the flank is the logo of lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina. The team will also be dressed in the brand's new collection at the race. Mini hinted that there will be more to this partnership down the road. This may include co-branded merchandising. The striking car will be competing in the SP-3T class, which Bulldog Racing won in 2024, also in a Mini John Cooper Works. Lotus Emira Turbo SE now available Zippy: Lotus Emira SE's 2-litre engine makes 399hp and goes from 0-100kmh in four seconds. PHOTO: LOTUS The Lotus Emira is now exclusively available in Singapore in the Turbo SE trim, replacing the 2-litre First Edition. The Mercedes-AMG-supplied 2-litre turbocharged engine has been tuned to make 399hp, an upgrade of 39hp over the 2-litre First Edition. This brings the 0-100kmh time to four seconds, which is 0.4 seconds quicker than before. The Turbo SE name is a reference to previous Lotus models like the Esprit from 1989, where SE referred to Special Equipment . The Emira Turbo SE is priced at $548,800 before certificate of entitlement and options. Updated Nissan Qashqai SUV lands Face it: The updated Nissan Qashqai has an aggressive stance, thanks to a glossy black grille and tweaked headlight design. PHOTO: NISSAN The facelifted Qashqai is now at the Nissan showroom. The large glossy black grille and tweaked headlight design make the car look more aggressive . The digital driver instrument display is said to be improved too. Mechanically, the compact sport utility vehicle is mostly unchanged, with a 1.3-litre turbocharged, four -cylinder engine connected to a continuously variable transmission. Power and torque output are identical to the version tested in 2022, but the claimed fuel consumption is poorer at 6.2 litres/100km, compared with 5.5 litres/100km for the pre-facelifted car. Two variants are available. Other than having more comfort features and larger wheels than those found on the Premium, the Prestige also has a more sophisticated multi-link suspension rather than torsion beam on the rear axle. The Qashqai Premium costs $235,300 with COE before rebates, while the Prestige costs $10,000 more. Bentley adds 671hp plug-in hybrid Plugging in: Bentley's Continental and Flying Spur models are now bolstered with a 671hp plug-in hybrid variant. PHOTO: BENTLEY The refresh of the Bentley Continental, Continental GTC and Flying Spur models continues with the introduction of the 'high performance hybrid' variant for the three cars. Instead of 760hp and 1,000Nm of torque, the V8, 4-litre, turbocharged plug-in hybrid is tuned to make 671hp and 930Nm. This set-up is sufficient to propel the two-door Continental GT from 0-100kmh in 3.7 seconds – 0.5 seconds behind the Continental GT Speed, which features the 760hp set-up. Expected to be available in Singapore in the last quarter of 2025, the lower output should translate to a $350,000 reduction in price, compared with the Speed. Before COE and options, the Flying Spur Speed four-door saloon stands at $1.46 million, the two-door Continental GT Speed is priced at $1.54 million and the GTC Speed goes for $1.69 million. Those unwilling to wait can check out the previous-generation GT and GTC in the Azure trim level that the Bentley dealer has in stock. Mercedes unveils VIP shuttle Upper crust: The concept shows off Mercedes' new electric vehicle architecture for vans. PHOTO: MERCEDES-BENZ The Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept is an ultra-luxurious multi-purpose vehicle that was announced ahead of the Shanghai motor show that opened on April 23. Calling it 'the vision of Mercedes-Benz vans', the focus of the concept is on the interior, where the designers have tried to create a lounge-like ambience with a 65-inch retractable cinema screen, 42 loudspeakers and seven projectors in the headliner and floor. Underpinning the luxurious concept car is Mercedes' scalable electric vehicle architecture for its vans. Expect a range of vehicles, from basic people movers to VIP shuttles, to be based on this platform from 2026. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Tragedy as man killed in crash as police arrest 'dangerous driver'
A driver has tragically died following a horror crash in Lancashire. Emergency services were called out to reports of a collision on Ballam Road in Lytham, near Blackpool, at 10pm on Wednesday night (April 23). Lancashire Police says a red Mini John Cooper Works car left the road and hit a tree. The driver, a man in his 20s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. READ MORE: Mum, 23, given 18 months to live after 'out of the blue' incident at pub meal READ MORE: Exact time to see rare 'smiley face' planet alignment as Venus, Saturn and the Moon meet in UK skies Police arrested a 19-year-old man who was behind the wheel of another car involved in the incident, a black Seat Ibiza. He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody for questioning today (Thursday). Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for information. Sergeant Kas Hussain, of Lancashire Police's Road Policing Unit, said: 'This is a tragic collision in which a man has very sadly lost his life, and my thoughts today are with his loved ones. 'We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this collision and I would appeal to anyone who either saw what happened or who has any footage such as CCTV, dashcam, Ring doorbell or mobile phone footage to get in touch. 'I would also be interested in speaking to anyone who saw the vehicles in the moments before the collision.' Anyone with information or footage is asked to call Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log 1582 of April 23. Alternatively email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@ --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
