MINI Cooper Convertible JCW pack - Dynamite comes in small packages

The Mini has long been revered as a super-sporty go-kart that handles as if it were on rails, and even in its latest incarnation still maintains these characteristics.

The John Cooper Works package added to the standard MINI Convertible has given it a dash of flair, and the end result is nothing short of a driver’s car that begs you to take it out with the top down.

Exterior

The John Cooper Works Exterior package of the MINI Convertible very clearly sets it apart from the standard version.

Up front there is a wide grille with lower front-end featuring a host of air dams to channel air into the engine. There is also a set of fog lamps incorporated into the air dams on each end.

Down the side a set of vanishing side skirts bring the profile lower to the ground, while a set of 17-inch wheels fill the wheel wells, giving the vehicle a menacing stance. Around the back a sporty bumper with a chrome exhaust tip finish of a squat rear-end.

The MINI was already a looker to begin with, but taking down the cloth top only enhances the visual appeal of the JCW package. The electric-folding soft-top roof slots away in about 18 seconds, giving you a full 360-degree view of the surrounds, while taking in the sights and sounds of a convertible drive.

Interior

The interior has also received the JCW Interior Package treatment, with leather and suede heated seats. Piano black and shadow grey interior panels really show off the active cabin lighting.

Auto climate control and a centre armrest are just a few of the options that can be found in the interior. A head-up display unit is another trick piece of kit, allowing the driver to see a host of functions right in their line of sight without having to take their eyes off the road.

The Convertible features MINI’s optional centrally-mounted MINI Connected XL infotainment system. This digital screen, combined with the intelligent controls, allows the user to expertly navigate through a multitude of functions that are available in the ICE package. Even with the roof down and driving at speed, the Harman/Kardon sound system pounds out music that all but quashes the rush of air.

Also included is the mode selection via ring mounted to the base of the drive selection lever. You have the choice of Green mode, which keeps an eye on your fuel consumption and driving habits, MID mode, which gives you the best of the Green mode but allows you to enjoy the drive, and then my personal favourite – SPORT mode. Sport tightens up the suspension, steering and throttle response and also gives the exhaust note a pronounced bark.

Engine and Transmission
 
The JCW pack version of the Cooper Convertible is fitted with the same 1.5l, three-cylinder, turbo-charged engine that is found in the standard version, mated to the optional Steptronic Automatic Transmission.

You can squeeze about 100kW out of the engine and transmission pairing, and in the light weight Cooper you will rocket to 100km/h in just 8.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is just 5.3l per 100km on the claimed combined cycle, but driving in a spirited way in Sport mode can adversely affect those readings.

Trust me when I say that you will find yourself driving in Sport mode more often than not, because the MINI simply wants to be driven and thrown around corners with rough abandon.

Verdict

The capabilities of the MINI do not need to be debated, as these cars have long ago cemented themselves as quick handling and nippy.

There are, however, a few proviso’s – rear visibility is almost non-existent with the roof up, and if your seating position is low, with the roof down, it is also problematic as the folding roof obscures the view in the rear mirror. Rear legroom is also non-existent, but let's be honest – this car was never meant to take rear passengers. When purchasing a convertible one automatically forgoes the full use of the boot, but in the MINI even that space is minimal at best, with barely enough space for two bags of groceries, but then that is what the back seats will be used for anyway.

Despite these things, the MINI should appeal to a single person or young couple who enjoy driving, and more importantly, being seen out and about town. For the sheer driving enjoyment that MINIs offer, and now with trendy stylish packages, the MINI will never fail to disappoint.

Model & Options
MINI Cooper Convertible manual	-  R 389 000
Steptronic Automatic Transmission	-  R 18 000
JCW Exterior + Interior + ICE Package	-  R 65 200
Equipment Options	-  R  21 800
	-  R 494 000

MINI offers a 5 year / 100 000 km maintenance plan is standard.