Mini John Cooper Works 2015: Australian price and specs

The fastest-ever production Mini, the Mini John Cooper Works, will launch in Australia in July. Both transmissions will list for less than $50,000, with a significant boost in both speed and standard features over older John Cooper Works models.

The 2015 JCW makes use of a two-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, making 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque. That’s sufficient to rocket the little Mini to 100 in 6.3 seconds. In terms of sheer speed, that puts the Mini in the upper end of the warm-hatch range, though the ultra-low centre of gravity and Mini dynamics will make handling delightfully entertaining.

Both a six-speed manual ($47,400), and a six-speed automatic ($49,950) will be on offer.

Both transmissions share identical lists of standard equipment: that kicks off with 18-inch light alloy wheels, adjustable Dynamic Damper Control, John Cooper Works sports seats, and fixed calliper sports disc brakes developed in collaboration with Brembo.

Inside, John Cooper Works models benefit from Mini’s BMW-sourced Professional Navigation with an 8.8-inch central display and a touchpad controller that works just like BMW’s iDrive.

There’s also the usual LED decoration in the form of headlights and daytime running lights, plus DAB+ digital radio, adjustable drive modes, a reversing camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display.

Servicing the John Cooper Works will be done based on how much the car is actually utilised, and at what intensity. Mini’s Condition Based Servicing will alert you to when the car needs to go into the shop. There’s also now an option to pre-pay for Mini services through the Mini TLC programme: $980 will buy five years, or 70,000km, or scheduled servicing up front.

Mini John Cooper Works 2015: Australian price

• Mini John Cooper Works manual: $47,400
• Mini John Cooper Works automatic: $49,950