MINI Malaysia ignited the tarmac at Gamuda Cove with a high-octane celebration of its performance legacy during the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Track Day 2025. In an event designed to merge motorsport adrenaline with futuristic innovation, MINI unveiled the latest members of the New MINI Family — showcasing both petrol-powered and all-electric JCW models in a dynamic, dual-zone circuit experience.
Honouring the indelible mark left by John Cooper — the mastermind who transformed MINI from a nimble city car into a rally legend — the track day was more than a demonstration of engineering prowess. It was a statement of intent: to push the boundaries of performance, heritage, and electrification.
Participants had the rare opportunity to command the full JCW range in two specially designed zones. The MINI JCW Drive Zone, a 3.4-kilometre sprint course, tested the cars’ straight-line speed and cornering poise. The MINI JCW Track Zone, inspired by Italy’s Kartdromo Parma, challenged drivers with a technically demanding layout reflecting MINI’s famed go-kart handling.
On full display were five pillars of performance:
- The New MINI JCW: Staying true to its roots, it delivered race-bred agility and raw driving dynamics.
- The First-Ever All-Electric MINI JCW: With instant torque and electric exhilaration, it redefined what zero-emissions performance could feel like.
- The MINI JCW Aceman: MINI’s first JCW crossover, blending urban versatility with track-worthy grit.
- The MINI JCW Countryman: The boldest and largest of the lineup, combining all-wheel-drive assurance with commanding presence.
- The All-Electric MINI JCW Countryman ALL4: A new benchmark for electrified sport-utility agility and muscle.
Let me share some of my experience during the event. My first drive was the MINI JCW Drive Zone, which consisted of a short 15-minute drive around Gamuda Cove. The first car I got into was the MINI JCW Countryman, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine that sends power to all four wheels. On the road, the car felt decently powerful, although the route didn’t allow for high speeds. I only managed to shift up to third gear in manual mode. The acceleration was strong, and it got up to speed at a decent pace.
While the acceleration isn’t as quick as the electric MINI models, the JCW Countryman has something that makes it especially fun to drive—pops and bangs from the exhaust. This adds extra drama to the driving experience. As a performance-oriented vehicle, the suspension is impressively well-tuned. Over uneven roads, it absorbed bumps with a surprising sense of plushness, yet the Countryman still cornered confidently with minimal body roll.
Next, I moved on to the MINI JCW Track Zone, where I was assigned the MINI JCW Aceman. I was quite hopeful that it would be a fun car to drive—and it delivered. On the tight and twisty track, the JCW Aceman handled itself really well. The steering was sharp, though I felt it lacked a bit of feedback, which is typical for modern vehicles. The body control was excellent, and the all-wheel drive system provided plenty of grip to keep the car planted.
After driving both vehicles, my heart still leans toward the ICE Countryman. It delivered a more engaging experience, largely thanks to the added drama from the exhaust note.
The celebration went beyond speed. Guests were invited to test drive a spectrum of MINI’s latest innovations, including the All-Electric MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper 5-Door, New MINI Convertible, and more. Enthusiasts experienced the thrill of driving and the flair of MINI’s expressive lifestyle through In-Car Karaoke, DJ mixing sessions with MINI sound elements, and a cutting-edge AI Photo Booth that let guests become digital racing legends.
Exclusive lifestyle merchandise and JCW accessories were showcased, further amplifying MINI’s ethos of personalisation and individuality.
MINI Malaysia sweetened the deal with generous limited-time offers valid until 30th June 2025. Customers purchasing the MINI Aceman SE or MINI Countryman SE can enjoy:
- A free 4-year extended warranty
- A 10-year free service package
- A complimentary MINI Wallbox
- Corporate rebates up to 8%
- Financing rates as low as 0.88%, with cash rebates up to RM 15,000
Those opting for the Locally Assembled MINI Countryman S ALL4 are eligible for a RM 2,500 rebate, while all financing customers can benefit from the MINI Protection+ plan — offering everything from accident and theft coverage to flood protection and rim damage benefits.
As a nod to personal expression, MINI introduced Blazing Blue as the Colour of the Month — an exclusive hue blending intensity with serenity. Customers selecting a MINI in Blazing Blue will receive a limited-edition gift, adding a tangible edge of uniqueness to their purchase.
Existing owners of the F56 MINI Cooper SE are being recognised under the MINI Loyalty Program, with an RM 8,888 rebate on the purchase of the New MINI Aceman SE. This initiative reinforces MINI’s commitment to rewarding long-time MINIacs who continue to embrace electrified mobility.