Often the New York Auto Show is seen as one of the signs of spring and Mini is ensuring view with the debut of its John Cooper Works convertible as well as the new Clubman ALL4 during the event.
The new JCW variant of the convertible is a four-seater offering plenty of go to match the show. Offered in its characteristic forest green exterior with black interior trimmed with red accents, this iteration boasts the first engine from the BMW Group.
The droptop rocket’s 2.0-liter twin-turbo four cylinder puts out 228 horsepower pushing it from zero-to-60 mph in 6.3 seconds for the automatic and 6.4 seconds for the manual. It also features a sports exhaust to give it throaty roar as well as racing-oriented suspension to make it a high performance vehicle.
“The new Convertible has all of the legendary driving performance you expect in a MINI yet with interior materials and finishes which set a new benchmark for the segment,” said Patrick McKenna, department head, Product Planning, Mini USA.
“Now with the addition of the John Cooper Works variant we have once again set the bar high for the rest of the premium convertible market by offering a high performance open-top driving experience.”
The company released the pricing on the entire convertible line-up today, including the John Cooper Works model. The base model starts at just under $26,000. The Cooper S pushes that to $29,600 and the JCW starts at $35,600. Those prices do not include the $850 destination and handling fee.
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For Mini mavens looking for a little more room and lots of handling, the Clubman ALL4 answers the bell. With all-wheel drive, the ALL4 system can shift power from the front to the rear wheels in just a quarter of a second. Plus, this year’s model is a little lighter and more compact than the predecessors, the ALL4 provides the “go-kart handling” the brand has bragged about for more than a decade.
That handling is accented by two engine choices: a 1.5-liter, 134-hp three-cylinder and a 2.0-liter, 189-hp four cylinder with options for a six-speed manual or an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The four cylinder with the standard six-speed manual, the ALL4 accelerates in 6.7 seconds from standing to 60 mph, while with the optional 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission the standard sprint takes just 6.6 seconds. The top speed is 140 mph in each case. The three-cylinder model is a bit slower, traveling the distance in 9.2 seconds.
The Clubman is more than just about the handling, this is the shooting brake of the line-up so comfort, safety and technology are important aspects of the new model and it has plenty of all three for 2017.
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The Mini can be had with the Driving Assistant system, which comprises not just camera-based active cruise control as well as collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function but also high beam assistant and speed limit sign detection. Additional options include the Parking Assistant and rear view camera.
Additionally, the Mini Connected in-car infotainment program features a 6.5-inche display that integrates the driver’s smartphone into the system. That screen grows to 8.8 inches if the Mini Professional nav system is ordered. The Connected program online search function makes it easier to find addresses.
The Sports Instruments and Force Meter applications can show information on the instrument display such as the level of current engine power and torque in use and longitudinal and transverse acceleration.
The new function Streetwise provides the driver with tips for an optimum route even before the journey gets underway. The Technology Package includes an 8.8-inch display with navigation and enables use of the Journey Mate app including innovative functions for trip preparation and support as well as Real Time Traffic Radar with highly precise, up-to-date traffic information, according to the company.
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The new ALL4 hits U.S. dealers in April with prices starting at $25,900 and the $29,450 for the Cooper S version. The prices do not include the destination and handling fee of $850.
