The appetite for MINI vehicles in Malaysia has certainly grown after MINI Malaysia charted a 12 percent increase in sales for 2017 with 1,010 vehicles delivered. Having said that, MINI Malaysia understands that their cars are quirky lifestyle choices hence if you log on to their official website, you can find a plethora of options to customise your prized ride.
We recently got our hands on a heavily kitted out Cooper S 3 Door – actually heavily kitted is an understatement. Introducing the MINI Cooper S 3 Door Challenge Inspired Edition, the only one of its kind in Malaysia, packed with uprated performance and cosmetic enhancements worth over RM65,000 (yikes!).
QUICK FACTS
| Name | MINI Cooper S 3 Door Challenge Inspired |
| Engine | 1,998cc; inline-4 TwinPower Turbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Max Power | 207 hp @ 4,700 rpm |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,250 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 6.8 seconds; 230 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM295,377 |
So, what exactly is the Challenge Inspired Edition and how is it possible that a Cooper S is more expensive than the full-fledge JCW 3 Door? The Challenge Inspired is essentially the 3 Door version of the JCW Pro Edition that only comes in the 5 Door body style, this car also shows how crazy you can go with the official accessories on offer.
For starters, this panda-themed MINI gets the full range of exterior upgrades including the JCW Aero Kit, Carbon Air Intake, Carbon Wing Mirror Caps, Black Decals, MINI LED Door Projector and 18-inch JCW Cross Spoke (506) lightweight alloy wheels.
Additionally, you can pick and choose your desired design for each individual component to suit your taste such as Union Jack roof, Chequered Flag decals, illuminated door sills and many more. You can even get the Key Fob in a different design if you so wish.
Of course, there are also performance enhancing options to go with the go faster exterior. Under the hood, the 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line four gets the JCW Tuning Kit that bumps output to 207 hp and 300 Nm (+15 hp & 20 Nm). The uprated engine is paired with the JCW Valve Silencer System with carbon tailpipe trim that adds a dedicated Track Mode for ferocious pops and bangs – no I am not exaggerating it one bit. How much for that shouty exhaust? RM12,999.
With great power comes great stopping power, the Challenge Inspired Edition also comes with 17-inch JCW Sport Brakes, ventilated and cross-drilled, more effective than what the full-fledged JCW has. The last item on the list is the JCW Pro Suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm, giving it the perfect stance on the road.
The only option you can find in the cabin is the retrofitted Head-Up Display that displays the speed and Sports Display – instantaneous power (in kW) and torque (in Nm).
Here is the breakdown of parts of this one-of-one Cooper S in the country:
| Description | Retail Price (inclusive of GST) |
| 18″ JCW Cross Spoke 506 | RM13,388 |
| 17″ JCW Sport Brakes | RM9,288 |
| JCW Aero Kit | RM13,353 |
| JCW Pro Tuning Kit with Carbon Tailpipe | RM12,999 |
| MINI LED Door Projector | RM355 |
| Black Trim, Front and Rear | RM1,099 |
| JCW Pro Suspension | RM7,800 |
| Carbon Mirror | RM2,700 |
| Carbon Air Intake | RM1,399 |
| Head-Up Display | RM3,108 |
| Total | RM65,489 |
Total cost for dressing a standard Cooper S to the Challenge Inspired costs a staggering RM65,489. Considering that a standard Cooper S 3 Door retails for RM229,888, with the kit added you are looking at a total cost of RM295,377. Just a reminder, one of AutoBuzz.my Bests Cars of 2017, the full-fledged MINI John Cooper Works Hatch will only set you back at RM293,888. Is it worth it? Stay tuned for the full review coming soon.
IMAGE GALLERY
