Tropicana Magazine Nov-Dec 2018 #121: Festive Frivolities

THE DRIVE
THE NEW MINI 5 DOOR
other sub-transmission, and is helped by the
purely mechanical function of the torque
converter. Additionally, the newly designed
electronic selector lever ensures that the gear
always returns to its original position after
changing between driving mode D, neutral
position N, and reverse mode.
In a class of its own is the new MINI
John Cooper Works. Powered by a 2.0-litre
4-Cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine,
which generates 231hp and 320Nm of
torque, this baby can sprint from 0 to 100
km/h in 6.1 seconds. Reaching a top speed of
246km/h, it has an efficiency of 6.0l/100km
of fuel and a combined CO2 emission of 137
g/km.
The 8-Speed Steptronic Sports Automatic
transmission enables the MINI John Cooper
Works model to be sportier, more efficient
and comfortable due to the smaller engine
speed steps. Gears can be shifted manually
through the steering wheel paddles, as should
be the case in a tuned car, and its Standard
Adaptive Suspension enables a more
controlled and precise handling.
None of the impressive performance
figures detract MINI from its mission of
being green. Notably, the engine sports a
cover of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic
(CFRP), which makes it 13% lighter, with an
overall reduction of up to eight kilogrammes in
total weight. This impressive streamlining has
contributed to improving fuel consumption,
and coupled with its expanded gears and
bigger gearshift spacing, has also accounted
for its smaller CO2 emissions.
“Fasten your
seatbelts. MINI
hasn’t forgotten
the thrill of its
go-kart driving
capabilities.”
115 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | TM