The BMW-Mini Thread

Mini & Deus Ex Machina Unveil Duo of One-Off JCW Models

Celebrating the British marque’s storied racing history, Mini has teamed up with lifestyle brand Deux Ex Machina to unveil a duo of one-off JCW models.

Mini, in collaboration with Deus Ex Machina, has unveiled two bespoke JCW models. The duo of one-off JCW models are based on the internal combustion (ICE) and all-electric derivatives, respectively. As a reminder, the former model, which we’ve put through its paces on our test strip (see our road test figures here) employs a 170 kW/380 N.m 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol, while the latter, emissions-free variant’s single electric-motor arrangement produces 190 kW and 350 N.m of torque.

The ICE version is appropriately named ‘The Machina’. This model features red, white and black paintwork for the exterior, a unique front grille, a quartet of additional bonnet-mounted spotlights, extended wheel arches, a revised rear diffuser and a Can-Am-style spoiler.

Named ‘The Skeg’, the all-electric model’s bodywork is dressed in a vivid yellow hue with silver finishes. It also features an illuminated front grille, wider wheel arches and, round back, a roof-mounted spoiler. The semi-transparent fibreglass panels fitted to The Skeg shaves 15% off the original car’s weight.

 
Mini reveals two wildly different JCW concepts

In a surprising collaboration with the lifestyle and custom motorcycle brand Deus Ex Machina, Mini has unleashed two one-off concepts based on its high-performance John Cooper Works models. Named Machina and Skeg, these cars are a visual feast of aggressive styling, but they represent two very different philosophies.

Leading the charge for the future of electric cars is the Skeg, a concept based on the all-electric Mini JCW. This car sheds the typical seriousness of performance vehicles for a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe. Its silver, black, and yellow livery is interrupted by panels of raw, semi-transparent fiberglass, a material choice that pays homage to classic surfboard construction.

The bodywork is extreme, featuring massive translucent fender extensions that, besides looking dramatic, manage to shave off 15 percent of the original component's weight. The front grille, no longer needed for engine cooling, is a closed, illuminated panel with seven playful circular cutouts at its base. The look is completed with racing wheels, a bright yellow rear diffuser, and a massive roof-mounted "Flex Tip Surf Spoiler."


 
Mini JCW (2025) Review

Fast Facts
Model: Mini Cooper John Cooper Works
Price: R745 574 (before options)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 170 kW/380 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
0-100 kph: 6.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 6.8 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage Capacity: 210-530-725 litres

How much does the Mini JCW cost in South Africa?

The Mini JCW costs R745 574 before options (price correct in September 2025) and is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and 2-year/unlimited km warranty.

Verdict

This generation of the Mini JCW continues from where the last version left off, but like the buyers that the British brand hopes it will attract, it has grown up and matured. Sure, when bolting merrily between bends and cornering as briskly as its pilot dares, the F66 Mini JCW will inspire spontaneous joy, but its general demeanour is more measured. For first-time JCW buyers, it will do exactly what they ask of it.

Should you buy one? Even if the Mini JCW doesn’t quite deliver the visceral thrills we hoped that it would, it’s still the nonconformist’s choice. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and is genuinely fun to drive at any speed, so why wouldn’t we recommend it? Everyone should own a fun hatch at least once in their life!


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Living With It – 2025 Mini Cooper C Hatch 3-Door [Update]

Early-morning photography outings have highlighted some of the three-door Mini hatch’s otherwise unrealised talents.

Time spent: 03/06 months
Distance covered: 1 974 km
Average fuel consumption: 8.04 L/100 km
We like:Easy-to-clean upholstery; heated steering wheel
We don’t like: Small luggage/utility compartment; occasionally firm ride

It’s hard to believe, but since its arrival at CAR’s offices, the Mini has frequently served as the tracking vehicle from which photographer Peet Mocke has captured many of the beautiful driving shots, including those of the sought-after BMW 333i (our Classic Drive with images of the latter here).

Admittedly, Peet and I were skeptical about using CAR’s littlest long-termer for this application – our biggest reservation being its interior dimensions. You see, in order to capture front shots of a moving vehicle, Peet has to seat (or shall we say, contort) his 1.9-metre-tall frame into the boot of the tracking car to find a comfortable position, even when the rear seatbacks are folded flat.

 
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