To commemorate the enduring legacy of its iconic guide transmissions in the face of electrification, MINI has introduced a special edition of its latest hatchback, dubbed the 1to6 Edition. Limited to only 999 units globally, the MINI John Cooper Works 1:6 Edition makes a statement with its sleek Midnight Black finish, complemented by piano-black accents across the exterior. A decal stripe adorns the entrance hood, complemented by 18-inch Circuit Spoke rims; badges bearing numbers one to six are strategically placed on the C-pillar, aspect fenders, dashboard, steering wheel, sunroof, and door sill. A 6-speed shift sample image sits proudly atop the trunk lid. The inside also features a “One in 999” image prominently displayed on the left side of the page.
And that’s about it. While the 1to6 version does not offer significant efficiency upgrades compared to the standard JCW, it’s worth noting that there aren’t any performance enhancements either that can’t be achieved through normal specification choices, aside from the unique badging. While that’s not a major drawback considering the JCW’s engaging nature, we’re unlikely to rush to the dealership anytime soon to put our name on the waiting list.
While the MINI JCW 3-Door has consistently been one of our top-performing hot hatches, it’s faced stiff competition from newcomers such as the Toyota GR Corolla and Subaru BRZ. The JCW’s retro-modern design, refined interior, and array of customisable options combine to deliver a driving experience that transcends mere efficiency, instead evoking strong emotions.
The driving experience commences as soon as you enter the MINI. Slip into the ergonomically designed seats and acknowledge the exceptional driving position. A generous footwell depth and a telescoping steering column that moves a considerable distance to accommodate the driver are essential features. This feature makes a significant difference for taller individuals, such as ourselves, who derive enjoyment from sitting farther away from the pedals and require a steering wheel positioned closer to their torso, thereby precluding the necessity of hunching forward uncomfortably. We’ll virtually step inside the MINI, mimicking the high-performance experience of a GT automotive – minus the thrill of actual Formula 1 racing. Additionally, the driving force gauges align perfectly with the steering wheel’s position, ensuring they’re always in a convenient viewing location just beneath the rim.
The pedals and equipment shifter are conveniently located at a comfortable distance. Pedals boast an excessive travel, making for a less-than-ideal driving experience; the clutch’s chunky level requires a more deliberate touch from your left foot, prompting reliance on the engine’s subtle growl and gentle creeping forward to gauge progress. This manual transmission requires a higher level of driver engagement than its Japanese counterparts, demanding precise coordination between gear shifts and RPM levels to ensure seamless transitions. Mastering the smooth transition from first gear to second without jerking requires close attention.
While the guide effectively implements automated rev-matching in Sport Mode, this feature may still frustrate traditional drivers who prefer to manually shift using heel-and-toe techniques. Here is the rewritten text:
In high-traffic areas, we found it beneficial to allow ourselves a brief respite from the usual three-pedal routine and give our feet a welcome rest. While there is no specific option to disable the auto rev-matching feature in Sport mode, selecting either the Regular or Eco driving settings will automatically turn it off.
The prominent gear lever appears almost custom-fitted, its design noticeably distinct from the vehicle’s standard features. The gear-shifting experience on this vehicle’s manual transmission is notably more laborious and time-consuming compared to its counterparts in the Toyota GR86 and Honda Civic Si, much like navigating through treacherous waters. Despite a potentially ambiguous experience within the gates due to a prolonged journey, it still feels meaningful when navigated successfully through the familiar H-pattern.
Your left hand will rest comfortably on the substantial steering wheel. The interior design is understatedly simple, featuring minimal buttons and distractions – a far cry from the sensory overload of the Mercedes’ control panel. While the leather-based wrap and grips may appear substantial, they surprisingly feel more streamlined than their predecessors. While it’s true that wrestlers with shorter limbs might face difficulties in their sport, Despite our preferences, we would like them to reconsider removing the central armrest or relocating it further away from the handbrake. When raised, the armrest obstructs the natural position of our elbows while shifting gears, making it difficult to retract it sufficiently afterwards? While seemingly insignificant, this ergonomic anomaly warrants attention.
When unshackled from constraints, providing John Cooper Works (JCW) with its full budget yields an intensely fulfilling experience. Despite producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine’s performance is unexpectedly brisk, with a 0-100 km/h time of just 6.1 seconds. While the JCW 3-Door doesn’t achieve the same performance, the Countryman JCW, equipped with all-wheel drive, generates a more impressive 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft as an alternative. While the compact front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture shows promise, it remains uncertain whether it can effectively handle such demanding performance metrics without improved traction and a more assertive suspension setup featuring sticky tires and an enhanced damper configuration.
With meticulous attention to detail, MINI has expertly calibrated the dampers, traction management, and differential to imbue the JCW with a reassuring sense of neutrality and equilibrium in cornering maneuvers. As you carve through lengthy, sweeping turns at 60 km/h, the JCW’s lateral grip proves truly remarkable, initially yielding a hint of understeer before expertly settling into a reassuring mid-corner rhythm governed solely by the throttle and steering inputs. While it’s more aggressive than the Honda Civic Si beneath the hood, edgier than the Volkswagen Golf R in terms of design, yet not as engaging as its rear-wheel-drive counterparts like the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ that offer an unadulterated driving experience with direct steering and a more exuberant rear end.
The JCW’s suspension proves surprisingly effective, handling daily commutes with ease, despite its stiffer springs compared to the MINI Cooper S; a testament to its all-around usability. While the MINI doesn’t rival the Golf R’s precision or the Civic Si’s compliance, it does excel in absorbing bumps and irregularities more effectively than the GR86 or BRZ. The exhaust note in the JCW has undergone significant refinement over time, its boisterous tone giving way to a more subdued, grown-up sound; the once-loud pops and bangs on throttle overrun replaced by a smooth, refined hum reminiscent of a BMW inline-four engine. The engine purrs smoothly, lacking the rough-around-the-edges character that once defined MINI’s exhaust note, but roll down your windows and you’ll still detect the distinctive whistle of the turbochargers and wastegates.
The prospect of a sleek new shifter evokes unbridled enthusiasm, but the latest 1to6 iteration takes this excitement to the next level with its striking all-black aesthetic and innovative triple-pedal design. As humanity faces the threat of extinction, our appreciation for the Jaguar Classic Workshop (JCW) has grown, allowing us to savor its driving experience until the very last moment.
What’s beneath the surface of this high-performance MINI?
Midnight Black
$
$
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
228 hp @ 5,200 rpm
236 lb-ft @ 1,250 rpm
6-speed guide
Entrance engine, FWD
: 9.2
