“So you wanna play?” she throws a rhetoric question back at me. Her response to my pressing the DTC button for three seconds and thereby switching off the entire traction control system.
“That’s why we’re here” I roar gleefully. A short but telling conversation that took place a the Zwartkops Raceway just south west of Pretoria. I could tell you the clouds covered the sky in grey or that it didn’t rain. I could even tell you there was no breeze, but who’d care? Would you? No. You want to know how the spanking went down, and how much rubber lay wasted on the tarmac.
First of all this was not some kinky get-together with a leather-clad temptress, although she did have full leather seats. No, this was a gathering of three MINI supermodels named John Cooper Works hatch, John Cooper Works Clubman and the newest family member John Cooper Works Convertible. Three different ways to go around Zwartkops.
My previous encounter with the John Cooper Works hatch took place on the karting circuit almost exactly a year ago but this time MINI unfolded the main stage. Most of it anyway; the pit straight was off limits, presumably for our own protection as sometimes-reckless motoring media. Who can blame us? Any date involving this trio is bound to offer boundless smiles and giggles.
One thing I love about Zwartkops is that it’s short and punchy, quick corners, sharp turns and not much in the way of hiding places should a mishap take place. That’s why I tapped on that DTC button cautiously at first, mindful of all these characteristics. But as the day wore on I grew in confidence, not because of my own (highly questionable) driving skills but because the cars did their jobs exceptionally well. Particularly impressive was the Convertible newcomer which is not as rigidly built as the other two because of the nature of its roof. I thought it would be compromised on the track and it was not. Not at all.
Power is sourced from the same 1.6-litre turbo found in the normal John Cooper Works. It produces 155kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 260Nm between 1850rpm and 5600rpm. An overboost function of 20Nm is available during certain instances like brisk overtaking. MINI claims a 0 – 100km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 235km/h. IN4RIDE will have its chance to test these claims but for those 15 laps or so it felt quicker. Mated with it is a 6-speed manual gearbox that facilitates changes without fuss.
The electro-hydraulic roof mechanism opens and closes the soft-top in 15 seconds. It can also be operated fully at up to 30km/h. What’s nice too is that should you wish to open it just like a sunroof then you can. Two steel rollbars behind the headrests will shield the occupants from a roll-over accident.
The daring aerodynamic body kit is standard and other sporty features include fog lights, carbon fibre mirror caps, a sports suspension, red cross-drilled brake discs and side scuttles. Air conditioning, a radio/ CD/ MP3 player, on-board computer, three-spoke leather steering wheel, park distance control and others come standard.
As with other MINIs in the range the John Cooper Works Convertible is extremely customisable with 12 exterior paint colours and various interior leather options, Bluetooth connection, xenon headlights, armrests, a Sport button, satellite navigation and a 6-CD changer among others.
Joy and happiness are guaranteed daily words should you be prepared to finance one of these babies.
MINI John Cooper Works Pricing
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (R378 850)
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (R339 950)
MINI John Cooper Works Hatch (R321 850)
