SHOCK and AWE: The Mini Electric and JCW GP have landed!

By thoriq, 26 August 2020

Mini Malaysia today brought forth two new additions into the line up, one built to shock, and the other to leave you in awe.

Yep, both the Mini Electric and John Cooper Works GP (JCW GP) iterations are now officially available in Malaysia, priced from RM218,380.78 and RM377,470.90 respectively – with the current tax exemption still in affect, of course.

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Costing over RM20k less than the 3-Door Cooper S it underpins, the electrified Mini hatch is easily set apart by its distinct alloy wheels design, neon yellow-hued exterior accents and ‘e’ badging, not to mention it’s near-silent buzz when running.

Loyal TGM readers will know by now this electrified hot hatch trades the base car’s 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo for an electric motor and 28.9kWh battery setup instead to power its front wheels. There’s 135kW – or 182 in BHP – and 270Nm of twist in play here, which ensures 0-100kph done in a very respectable 7.3 seconds.

On a full charge, Mini says this zero-emissions hatch has a maximum driving range between 234km (WLTP) and 270km (NEDC). However, this is highly dependent on how one drives it. Reckon the Green and Green+ drive modes present, plus it’s ability for single-pedal driving ala the Nissan Leaf, ought to help here.

If you’re in a rush, the battery can be charged from 0 per cent to 80 per cent in just 36 minutes using a DC charging station. The same charge takes two-and-a-half hours instead using the Mini Wallbox Plus or similar-spec public charger, or a full 12 hours when using the contingency charging cable that comes with the car.

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Apart from the electrified powertrain and distinct Electric-specific trims, the Mini Electric packs a similar kit list as its petrol-powered twin. Highlights include plush leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heads-up display, Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi amongst many.

Don’t like to be shocked? Then be prepared to be left in awe by the JCW GP launched alongside the aforementioned electric hatch.

Firstly though, we’ll break the bad news. Just 10 units from its limited 3,000-unit global production run have been allocated locally, and all are reportedly spoken for already – those lucky blokes…

Nevertheless, the fact that these handful have found homes in Malaysia is a thrill, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them in action for trackdays and Sunday morning drives through the twisties in the hands of these fortunate enthusiasts very soon.

Again, loyal TGM followers ought to already know that this is Mini’s most hardcore, stripped down, and most focused offering to date. Much of this comes from its 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo heart lifted from the BMW M135i, which makes 302bhp and 450Nm.

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Before you ask, drive goes to the front wheels via an 8-speed box – also derived from the M135i. Despite lacking said BMW hatch’s all-wheel-drive suite, this track-focused special will still do nought to 100kph in a rapid 5.2 seconds whilst enroute towards its 264kph ‘unrestricted’ V-Max.

As well as the 40mm wider track, the GP rides 10mm lower than a ‘regular’ Mini JCW on comprehensively overhauled suspension. Changes include specially-tuned springs, new swivel bearings for more camber, stiffer bushings and bearings and a strut brace.

Matching that are a set of 18-inch alloy wheels that weigh less than 9kg each, whilst hiding behind them are some very serious-looking braking hardware. Notably, the DSC also gets a special ‘GP’ mode that disables traction and stability control interventions until the very last second.

On board, the rear bench gets traded out for an aluminium strut brace, making this a strict two-seater. The digital dials come from the Mini Electric, with some trimmings produced through 3D-printing process. Notable too are the paddle-shifters, which are made of aluminium for a more satisfying use compared to plastic ones.

In other words, if you still don’t fancy things like the Civic Type-R, Megane RS 280 Cup, or even outgoing Golf GTI, this is the most hard-core FWD hatch that towers over all of them. Check out more images of both new Minis in the galleries prepared below.

Mini Electric review: 182bhp EV hot hatch tested
Mini Electric review: 182bhp EV hot hatch tested
EV Battle: Honda e vs Mini Electric
EV Battle: Honda e vs Mini Electric
The new Mini GP looks as wild as we hoped it would
The new Mini GP looks as wild as we hoped it would
Twin test: Mini JCW GP vs Renault Megane RS Trophy-R
Twin test: Mini JCW GP vs Renault Megane RS Trophy-R