From the start of January, Australia has its own model of the Mini Cooper. Mini launched the special Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition, which is available exclusively in Australia, for a $2,500 premium.
This special model in based on the Mini Challenge car and is available in three versions: Hardtop, Clubman and Cabrio.
Under the hood we can find the same turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine as the regular JCW, which develops 155kW and 260 Nm. You can also have an additional boost of 20Nm thanks to the Overboost function. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.5 seconds.
Inside and outside we can find the differences: JCW-branded aerodynamics package with front, rear and side aprons; JCW carbon-fibre spoiler; aluminum cross brace; Alcantara and carbon steering wheel; JCW carbon-fibre gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud; carbon-fibre handbrake lever and unique Challenge Edition badging. All these styling and handling tweaks is said to be worth over $7,000.
