MINI's John Cooper Works range of baby performers are now available with an automatic transmission.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate MINI on their beautiful quintuplet babies. They have decided to enter the Singapore rat-race and to achieve what all parents are aspired to do for their kids. To get them a certificate, a Certificate of Entitlement to be exact.  Allow me to introduce to you the new kids on the block: MINI John Cooper Works Hatch, MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, MINI John Cooper Works Coupe and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster - now available with a step-and-go auto gearbox.

Thank god the Mayans got their doomsday predictions wrong. We'll now get a taste of some JCW action before we die. Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia says that “The latest MINI John Cooper Works model continues to make driver’s heart beats faster with its even quicker responses and stoke their admiration with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions”. I look forward to agreeing with him on this.

This is the kind of performance that you can expect - 211 bhp @ 6,000 KW rpm with torque of 280 Nm @ 5,100 rpm with the over boost activation. You will hit 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, and onto a top speed of 238 km/h. Do keep in mind, it weighs only 1,215kg, so the power to weight ratio is just short of amazing.

To keep these cars drivable, all John Cooper Works models come with a standard specification list that includes a Sport setting which allows the driver to tweak the car’s throttle responses and steering characteristics, particularly powerful brakes, the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) for the driven axle, plus 17-inch light-alloy wheels and grippy runflat tyres.

Inside, this car is full of character. From the three-spoke sports leather steering wheel with the multifunction options, to the distinctive centrally positioned speedometer and the leather wrapped gear lever and handbrake grip. It gives you that sporty yet luxurious feel while driving.

JCWs are cars with character, they come with a proud history and are packed with huge performance. Now with an auto transmission (all you Class 3’A’ drivers, MINI didn’t forget you), all you need to do is to find a buyer for your kidney and bid for the COE.