- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
1.6T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
155kW, 260Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP – Quick drive review
Price: From $56,900 plus on-road and dealer costs
Vitals: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, 160kW, 260Nm (280Nm on overboost), 6-spd manual, FWD, 7.1 litres per 100km
What is it?
The most hardcore version of the Cooper S money can buy and the fastest Mini ever built.
What does it say about me?
That you value performance above everything else. The John Cooper Works sacrifices equipment for roadholding ability and straight-line speed.
Who else is buying it?
Only 55 were allocated to Australia, so you would be in fairly elite company. But at the price of a BMW 3-Series, it's certainly not aimed at the same demographic as the original. Buyers would include enthusiasts who want to do weekend hill climbs and gymkhanas and nostalgic former owners who have the cash to splurge on a toy. It's the perfect cure for a mid-life crisis.
Which colours does it come in?
Only one. A special JCW colour scheme of "Thunder" grey with a silver roof, red side-mirror caps, GP stripes and badging and painted wheels.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Sporty spice. Pocket dynamo and former style icon.
Why would I buy it?
Because it goes like a scalded cat and it corners better than some race cars. And it will probably hold its value pretty well because its a collector's edition.
Why wouldn't I buy it?
Because you like a bit of comfort – and a few creature comforts – for your circa $60,000 outlay. Around town, the ride is uncomfortable and there is plenty of tyre roar on rough surfaces too.
Will it let me down?
Not so much let you down as bounce you around.
Does it cost too much?
Can you put a price on performance? If your answer is yes, then this Mini costs too much.
Will I get a deal?
Unlikely, as there are only about five or six left out of the original allotment.
Is it safe?
Yes, it has all the requisite safety equipment and if you drive it safely, exceptional road-holding ability.
Will it get me noticed?
The colour isn't an eye-catcher, but the body kit, rear roof spoiler and chunky wheels turn heads in the traffic.
Any gadgets I can brag about?
Not many that you can show off to passengers. In fact, the GP edition goes without a lot of things you'd expect for the price, including parking sensors, cruise control, satellite navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming. You can, however, brag to your rev-head mates that it laps the Nurburgring in 8 minutes 26 seconds. If that's not enough, then tell them about the reinforced cylinder head and pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves and lightweight crankshaft. Or the carbon-fibre rear wing that improves down-force over the rear axle.
Will I get carjacked in it?
Ever seen the Italian job? It makes a pretty good getaway car.
How's the cabin ambience?
Ultra sporty and suitably upmarket, with chunky but small-diameter sports wheel, leather Recaro seats and red stitching on the leather-lined dash. It also gets Mini's trademark ambient lighting, which can change the mood from orange to purple at the click of a switch. There are no rear seats though. They've been replaced by a rear cross-brace to improve road holding.
What's the stereo like?
Not great, disappointingly. It doesn't get the optional Harman Kardon system available on the other models and it sounds quite flat.
Does it go?
Like a rat up a drainpipe. The 160kW turbocharged four-cylinder is one of the sweetest in the business, with a strong bottom-end and a free-revving nature that suits the car's sporty character.
Does it like corners?
Like few cars on the road, provided there aren't too many mid-corner bumps. The ultra-stiff suspension means it can skip about on corrugations, but on a smooth track it has more grip than a bricky's handshake.
What about bumps?
Crash, bang, wallop, I'm afraid. The GP is built for speed, not comfort.
What about service stations?
The label says 7 litres per 100 kilometres, but expect mid-nines if you drive it like you want to.
Would you buy one?
I loved driving it, but it's a bit of a one-trick pony. There are other hot hatches that might not be as accomplished on a track, but they're easier to live with day-to-day. And about $15,000 cheaper.
What else should I consider?
Volkswagen Polo GTI, Renault Clio RS, Citroen DS3.
The Spin
Looks set to be a collector's item.
The Translation
We only imported 55 of them and they cost a bundle.