MINI Cooper S with JCW GP Kit – Going fast

The first MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit (already dubbed the MINI GP) will be delivered in July. Only 444 of the 2000 being built are destined for the UK. Almost three quarters have already been ordered by MINI enthusiasts six months ahead of launch, and before the car has even been seen in its final guise.

Further information will be available soon, but the most powerful and lightest MINI yet offers a power output of around 218hp and weighs approximately 40 kilos less than a standard MINI Cooper S.

The two-seater will have a brimful of standard equipment including JCW 18" alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning and Recaro sports seats. The options alone add up to £10,000 if specified on a standard MINI Cooper S, yet the car will be priced at approximately £22,000.

Royal Award

MINI has been honoured by one of the great City of London Livery Companies, which were formed originally as quality control organisations for the various English trades and crafts. The Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers received its Royal Charter in 1677 and knows a thing or two about transport. At its annual Award to Industry dinner, the Master of the Livery said that the MINI met all of the award criteria in that it, "…epitomised all that was best in technical engineering coupled with excellence in design and huge commercial success."


MINI on the podium

Plant Oxford, the only production home of MINI, has just stepped up a place in the UK league table of automotive manufacturers. In less than five years since the first MINI rolled off the Oxford production line, MINI is now the third largest motor manufacturer in the UK. 200,119 MINIs were produced in 2005 with roughly 70 per cent exported to over 70 countries. MINI comes after Toyota and Nissan, but is ahead of Vauxhall, Honda, Land Rover and Peugeot.

Cherished by MINI

MINI Cherished sales were up 21 per cent in 2005 to a record 19,729 cars. The Cherished programme (MINI’s approved used car scheme) ensures customers buy their MINI in tip-top condition and includes 12 months’ MOT, warranty and Europe-wide MINI Emergency Service. Interested individuals are able to search on a national basis on the website: www.minicherished.co.uk

As 96 per cent of new MINI buyers choose the tlc service pack, Cherished purchasers are likely to be able to continue the benefits. The £150 MINI tlc service pack is bought when the car is first registered and lasts for five years or 50,000 miles. It is later transferable to second and subsequent owners and has contributed to the continuing high residual values of MINIs. Glass’s Guide currently books a one-year/10k mileage MINI One with a Salt Pack with a retail residual value of 95 per cent. Many other small cars are below 60 per cent.

Andy Hearn, General Manager MINI UK, said: "The success of the Cherished scheme really is the icing on the cake for MINI. Since the car’s launch in 2001 the interest in MINI has truly been phenomenal, but that interest would be lost if the rational reasons didn’t stack up. MINI Cherished means that any used MINI bought from our dedicated MINI dealerships rewards the buyer with a car of new-car standard."