Mini adds JCW to Convertible range

MINI has confirmed that the topless version of its hottest John Cooper Works variant that broke cover in January this year has arrived in Australian showrooms, priced from $54,900 before on-road costs.

Like the existing two-variant Convertible range that launched in April, the new open-top model has an electrically folding fabric soft-top, reinforced chassis bracing and Mini's Always Open timer, but adds the JCW range of performance-enhancing kit that is typical to the hatchback.

Its price tag makes the new Convertible version one of the most expensive options in the ever-growing range of three-door Hatch, 5-door, Clubman, Countryman and Paceman models – $9500 more than the next most expensive Convertible and $4950 more than the JCW Hatch.

Operating the top takes 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30km/h, but a partially opened sliding roof function offers a more sunroof-like experience, and all open-top motoring time is logged for bragging rights in the Always Open timer.

The drop-top JCW is headlined by a fettled version of the Cooper S’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, which has been squeezed to pump out 170kW and 320Nm – enough to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds – 0.4 seconds slower than the JCW Hatch, which does it in 6.1s as an auto or 6.3s in manual form.

With the introduction of the 2016 Convertible, Mini offered the automatic transmission as standard fare and the deal has been extended to the JCW with a six-speed sports auto with paddle shifters. A six-speed manual is available to order at no extra cost.

Occupants with their hats tied on can trip on to a top speed of 240km/h or carve up the twistier bits thanks to 18-inch JCW Cup wheels, a sports-tuned chassis with electronic differential lock and Dynamic Damper Control fitted as standard.

Other JCW equipment includes the fatter bodykit, a louder exhaust with big-bore centre-exit twin pipes, hexagonal pattern grille and LED headlights.

On the inside, the JCW gets sports seats upholstered in a combination of black cloth and the BMW Group/Mini Dinamica synthetic hide.

Despite its high-performance appeal, Mini is talking up the JCW Convertible's efficiency with a fuel economy figure of 6.2 litres per 100km and 143g of CO2 produced per kilometre.

In addition to the JCW mods, the range-topping Convertible also has red LED interior lighting, the highest-spec Harman Kardon hi-fi, digital radio, top-spec navigation, reversing camera, parking assistance and rain-sensing wipers.

All comfort and entertainment features are accessed through the 8.8-inch dash-mounted screen with Mini Touch Controller.