The latest updates to Google’s Waze app are aimed at providing users with better real-time insights about road conditions, including speed bumps and sharp curves, to ensure smoother and ticket-free commutes.
One of the key changes is the introduction of speed bump and sharp curve alerts, initially available on iPhones and expected to roll out to Android devices in the coming weeks. Users may have already received notifications about these new features upon launching the app.
These updates come with a redesigned reporting menu, featuring a new hazard icon that prompts users to contribute real-time data more effortlessly. This streamlined process aims to make reporting road conditions more intuitive and efficient.
Within the reporting menu, users can now easily report various road conditions such as traffic, crashes, police activity (including speed traps), bad weather, blocked lanes, road closures, and more. They can also report gas prices or request roadside assistance from fellow travellers.
Updated versions of the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) 3-Door and John Cooper Works Countryman are now available in Malaysia. Both high-performance models have the same cosmetic changes in the latest MINI range introduced earlier. The new prices (excluding insurance) are RM311,259.49 for the JCW 3-Door and RM383,463.07 for the JCW Countryman.
New frontal appearance
The new cars gain design accents with a reduced surface design at the front incorporating a new radiator grille. Now larger, it has the form of a single unbroken hexagon which extends low to the road. Within the hexagon, the safety bar assimilates seamlessly with the body colour, bringing attention to the red crossbar that runs across the front.
Befitting its motorsport association, the JCW 3-Door also features enlarged cooling openings for more airflow to cool the drive and brake systems, especially when used hard. The rear apron has a distinctive diffuser to optimise airflow in the rear area as it departs from the underside of the car. A redesign allows the two tailpipes of the sports exhaust system to be framed perfectly.
Black treatment around bodywork
Piano Black is used on exterior trim, with the door handles, the MINI logo, and model badges receiving a high-gloss black treatment. New Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for the high beam lights also come standard for both new models. The headlights are now enclosed in a new black inner housing – a design that is seen also in the taillights.
JCW-developed powertrains
The powertrains for both cars have been developed with the racing expertise of John Cooper, the company founded in 2002 by the son of John Cooper, the racing car maker and tuner responsible for the original Mini Cooper. The BMW Group bought over the company in 2008 and continues to draw on the heritage behind the JCW name.
For the JCW 3-Door, the 2-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine is used, this having an output of 231 bhp/320 Nm. With an 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 246 km/h.
The JCW Countryman, with its bigger body, has the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI. This is also a 2-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine but tuned to generate up to 306 bhp/450 Nm. All that power goes through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission and the intelligently controlled ALL4 system to reach all four wheels.
The claimed acceleration is 5.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and if you are willing to break speed limits, you can take it all the way up to a maximum speed of 250 km/h. If you drive it sensibly, you should be able to get up to 13.2 kms a litre.
Brembo brakes
Developed in cooperation with specialist manufacturer Brembo, the brake system of the JCW 3-Door is employs 4-piston calipers with internally ventilated discs and red calipers bearing the John Cooper Works logo.
Additional handling enhancement is provided by the new improved Adaptive Suspension. This has frequency selective dampening technology, ensuring an optimised balance between sportiness and ride comfort.
Agility is a hallmark feature of MINI, along with high steering precision and handling. This is possible thanks to the high-rigidity chassis, suspension and damping features refined with racing expertise.
New displays
There are also updates within the cars, the JCW 3-Door having a new steering wheel with horizontal spokes and a new design, buttons integrated on an even surface with Piano Black finish, along with the JCW logo on the lower spoke. Lined with the New MINI Yours Aluminium Interior Surface, the cockpit presents a horizontal appearance stretched through enlarged decor parts with new designs.
A notable change is the redesigned centre instrument panel with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display in black panel design. This runs on a new operating system with a modernised graphic display. As a result, the selection and control of vehicle functions, audio, navigation, communication and apps are now more intuitive. For the first time, the Live Widget feature is also available via swiping motion on the touchscreen. Also utilising black panel technology is the new 5.0-inch Digital Instrument Cluster display
Interior Colour Worlds
Another addition is ‘Interior Colour Worlds’ – Lounge and Sports – a feature tied to the display surfaces to set the mood of the drive. In Lounge mode, the display surfaces appear in relaxing shades of blue and turquoise, whereas switching to Sports mode alters the screen backgrounds to glow in red and anthracite.
An interesting feature is that the Colour Worlds of the displays can be synchronised with the MINI Driving Modes that come standard in MINI John Cooper Works models. This allows for colour changes to occur in tandem with the accelerator pedal, steering characteristics and, optionally, the damper and gearshift characteristics. The result of this is an overall driving experience that is heightened by vivid visual sensations.
The JCW Countryman’s interior has also been modernised in a similar manner as the 3-Door with new displays and a new steering wheel design. Other premium equipment (also for the 3-Dor) includes Dinamica Leather John Cooper Works Sport Seats, Head-Up Display, Comfort Access system, MINI Driving Modes, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Panoramic Sunroof. Exclusively for the Countryman is the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Surface in Piano Black.
Advanced assistance systems and Connectivity
The two cars now have the Driving Assistant as standard, consisting of the digital high-beam assistant, speed limit information, person warning with light city braking function and approach control warning with light city braking function. There is also a Parking Assistant (a first for the 3-Door) coupled with the Lane Departure Warning.
Advanced connectivity features are also now available as standard on the new models. These include Teleservices, MINI Online, Intelligent Emergency Call, Remote Services, telephony with wireless charging, Concierge Services, MINI Navigation, and Apple CarPlay.
While the new MINI models are available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide, it is not possible to view them for the time being due to MCO restrictions requiring showrooms to be closed. However, information can be found at the MINI Malaysia website and online bookings are accepted via the MINI Shop Online.
