Mini announce last manual transmission model
As Mini joins many other car brands in moving to electrification - offering its last new internal combustion model in 2025 and going fully electric by 2030 - the change in motive power means manual transmissions will become obsolete. To sign off on this phase in Mini’s long history, a special model will be released – the Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition.
“With the Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition, we are celebrating Mini's legendary motorsport history and maximising the brand-typical driving experience,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini.
Making its debut at the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race in May, the JCW 1to6 Edition will be limited to 999 units, and while “global” release of this total has been stated, none will be coming to Australia.
No mention is made of whether the 1to6 Edition will be offered in convertible, four-door Clubman or Countryman spec like the existing JCW offerings, but all the release images depict a three-door hatch, so presumably this will be the only body style available.
As the model name indicates, the JCW 1to6 Edition will be available with a six-speed manual transmission. This is hooked up to the standard JCW-spec ‘TwinPower’ turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 170kW and 320Nm, with a top speed of 246km/h and capable of dispatching the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
Brakes, suspension and other mechanical features are also unchanged from the Mini JCW 2.0 turbo four.
The 1to6 Edition does gain several exclusive cosmetic features, starting with a grey central stripe, made up of a repeated graphic of the six-speed transmission’s shift pattern. This runs across the bonnet, roof and tail, as well as the sunroof, where ‘One of 999’ wording is reversed out.
A ‘1to6’ badge adorns the front guard vents and C-pillars, with a stylised shift pattern badge on the tailgate, too.
All units of the JCW 1to6 Edition will be finished in Midnight Black metallic paint, with Piano Black exterior trim, dark tint rear glass and 18-inch ‘Circuit Spoke’ alloys in gloss black.
Inside, unique features include the ‘1to6’ graphic on the sillplates, floormats and bottom spoke of the steering wheel. The same design is subtly embossed into the passenger side dash trim and the key fob also features this graphic.
Additionally, the ‘One of 999’ identification from the sunroof is embossed into the outer driver’s side edge of the dash.
Other specific interior details include red ambient lighting, a red accent on the central infotainment screen bezel and red contrast stitching for the seats and shifter boot. The shift pattern is picked out in red on the gear knob and stainless steel pedals are standard.
The high standard spec level for the special edition includes power folding exterior mirrors, a reversing camera with parking assistance front and rear, heated front seats and Mini-specific Comfort Access and Driving Assistance technologies.
The central, 8.8-inch touchscreen display incorporates the Mini Navigation System, while other standard features include digital instrumentation, wireless charging, Harman Kardon surround sound system, Apple CarPlay connectivity and a head-up display.
Of the 999 units of the Mini JCW 1to6 Edition to be built, only 150 are allocated for the UK, with the rest expected go to LHD markets in Europe and North America.
UK pricing of £39,600 is a premium of more than £6,000 over the regular Mini JCW manual, which lists for £32,755 over there and started at $65,300 drive away in Australia (with an 8-speed auto) at time of writing.
UK and European orders for the Mini JCW 1to6 Edition opened in May ahead of delivery from September, 2023. As mentioned, the Mini JCW 1to6 Edition will not be offered in Australia.
