Zwartkops Raceway played host to the SA launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works. The venue allowed for the cars to be belted around the tight kart circuit and also a chance to hit the roads in the surrounding areas. And the road was where the JCW really surprised.

Rapid development in the area has led to heavy damage, with either a middel mannetjie or pothole a certainty at any time. With the drivetrain and chassis components derived from the MINI John Cooper Works Challenge racing car the route seemed like a recipe for a bumpy, torque-steering and tram-lining ride. To my surprise it wasn't all that bad.

The JCW proved seriously sporting but surprisingly comfortable on the rough stuff — this left me pondering its track ability. I needn't have worried, however, as the JCW lived up to its long history of producing giant-killing track machines. There was very little body roll, turn in was sharp, the back felt predictably light, feedback excellent and most importantly it was a blast. With some fancy Brembo kit the stopping power is good but it takes a while to get used to the sharpness.

Thanks to twin-scroll technology the power delivery is reasonably smooth and an electronic Differential Lock Control electronic aids corner exit traction — only when you fully disable DTC.

The bottom line is that the new JCW is a top performance hatch (will be available in Clubman form March 2009) and is rightly scooping accolades around the world. The new JCW makes you want to get in and drive it hard but it is also safe, full of specification and, with a claimed fuel use average of 6.9 litres per 100km, relatively green.

Maximum power is quoted at 155kW, peak torque is 260Nm, increasing briefly in Overboost to 280Nm and the 100km/h mark is claimed to come up in 6.5 seconds. Pedal flat should see a top speed of 238km/h. The increase in performance over the regular Mini Cooper S comes largely from the better air management. A modified turbocharger, air filter and air mass meter make sure the air gets in quickly while a new exhaust system and catalyst have been modified to best expel the exhaust gasses. The note coming out the tail pipe is also spectacular. Whether inside or out, the pop and crackle from the rear encourages.

Sports suspension is standard but you can up the game with an even sportier set-up that features even firmer dampers and stronger anti-roll bars both front and rear. For an even more sporting feel the Mini John Cooper Works may be fitted with the John Cooper Works suspension, lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres, making the dampers and anti-roll bars even firmer. 17-inch alloy wheels, which are dressed in Runflats, cover some trick looking red callipers and if the need arises two 18-inch options are available.

Locally the new JCW only comes in three colours (Chili Red, Astro Black and Dark Silver) but there's the option to choose the roof in either body colour or in White and Black.

Chequered cloth seats are standard but a combination of cloth and leather are available as an option. You can pick Carbon Black, Rooster Red, or Pacific Blue, as well as Cream White. Leather sports seats may be fitted as an option and if you can handle the hassle of clambering in and out you should tick the Recaro option.

In many minds the new generation MINI is a poser car that cares more about an image than carrying on its exciting performance driving bloodline. The JCW, which is now built on at the production facility in Oxford and not in kit form, will blow all these sceptics out the water. It is a fun to drive giant-killer and I reckon it'll hook any enthusiast that gets behind the wheel.

All the fun costs R299 500.