Mini lobs limited-run JCW Millbrook Edition
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 8th Jan 2019
MINI Australia has temporarily bolstered its three-door Hatch range with the addition of the flagship JCW Millbrook Edition, which is limited to 20 units and priced from $57,275 before on-road costs.
Commanding a $4425 premium over the JCW variant with an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, the Millbrook Edition distinguishes itself with several cosmetic upgrades inspired by Mini’s rallying exploits in the 1960s.
The Millbrook Edition is exclusively finished in Ice Blue metallic paintwork from the brand’s Heritage collection, which is contrasted with black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tyres that offer extra agility over the regular JCW’s run-flat rubber.
Additional driving lights with Mini-branded covers flank the Millbrook Edition’s grille, while black finishes are applied to its roof, side-mirror covers, bonnet stripes with red pinstripes, and exterior trim (LED headlight and tail-light surrounds).
While heated front seats, a power-operated sunroof and rear privacy glass are optional on the regular JCW as part of the $2300 Climate package, they are standard on the Millbrook Edition.
Inside, Lounge leather upholstery ($1700) and Piano Black interior trim ($250) are two other JCW options that are included in the Millbrook Edition.
Standard equipment that carries over from the regular JCW to the Millbrook Edition extends to adaptive suspension, launch control, front and rear parking sensors, steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay support, Wi-Fi hotspot, DAB+ digital radio, a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, and an Anthracite roofliner.
There are no upgrades to the front-wheel-drive JCW’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, meaning the Millbrook Edition produces 170kW of power at 6200rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1450 to 4800rpm.
According to Mini Australia general manager Brett Waudby, the Millbrook Edition is the latest example of the brand’s ability to extensively customise its models.
“We love demonstrating the wide range of personalisation options available to Mini owners,” he said. “It’s fantastic to express this via special-edition vehicles, such as the Blackheath and Kensington Minis we have recently showcased.
“Millbrook, with its specific appearance and JCW performance, is a fitting special-edition offer for the recently updated Mini Hatch range, and with only 20 destined for the Australian market, it will become a collector’s item.”
Sales of the Mini Hatch (which includes both three- and five-door body styles) took a hit last year, with 1857 examples sold – a 13.0 per cent decrease over the 2135 deliveries made in 2017.
Nonetheless, the Hatch was still the best-selling light car in the $25,000-plus segment, outpacing the Audi A1 (1247 units), Mini Clubman (430), Peugeot 208 (195), Citroen C3 (122) and Renault Zoe (48).
