Mini John Cooper Works: Unreasonable Joy That Makes You Happy

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The Mini John Cooper Works polarizes powerfully. The powerful small car can not only whiz down the country roads, but also line up normally in city traffic.

Between madness and happiness: the reactions to our test mini ranged from the manually executed windshield wiper movement to shiny eyes. A test car rarely polarized the viewer in this way. The reason to dislike: 231 hp, the reason to agree: 231 hp. Of course, we didn't have a normal Mini for everyday testing, but a Mini John Cooper Works (JCW). This potent small car costs just under 30,000 euros - at least.

Mini JCW more potent than the competition

At Mini, John Cooper Works stands for the most powerful variants in the portfolio. The new edition of the Bavarian-English power dwarf has more horsepower under the hood than ever before in its history. With the Audi A1, he ranks first among the little musclemen. Unlike the Ingolstadt-based company, who relies on all-wheel drive, the power transmission in the Mini is via the front axle.

With “only” 147 kW / 200 PS, the Renault Clio RS and Peugeot 208 GTi take the next places. A Polo GTI, Seat Ibiza Cupra, Mini Cooper S and a Ford Fiesta ST are almost reasonable with 141 kW / 192 PS and 134 kW / 182 PS respectively.

Mini JCW in 6.1 seconds to 100 km

But who always wants to be sensible? The Mini JCW rather not. The four-cylinder known from the Cooper S is used under the bonnet. The two-liter turbo gasoline engine has an output of 170 kW / 231 PS. And they provide powerful propulsion. A light step on the accelerator and the sports machine growls loudly to life. Not because of mini: the acoustics alone suggest that the little one doesn't just want to play. In just 6.1 seconds the cracker storms from 0 to 100 km / h, it feels much faster.

It's good that the speed at which you are driving is clearly shown in the practical head-up display, although it is not particularly elegant - because it is attached to a window and not projected into the windshield. On a free motorway, the digits indicate 246. However, one is often slowed down by other drivers who do not consult the rearview mirror or only do so inadequately or who do not take the small car seen seriously and simply pull it out. The eye-catching paintwork, the striking front and the JCW lettering are of no use either. In any case, it is good that the Brembo braking system is able to grip properly.

Corner robber in sport mode

But pure speed is only part of the driving pleasure. The Mini JCW shows its true calling on country roads - also on roads that are not well developed. These include its mini-typical chassis qualities as well as its precise steering. You meander relaxed in normal mode, but not exactly slowly, through winding sections, while the six-speed automatic sport shifts (surcharge: 1850 euros) calmly and quickly.

Overtaking processes are done in no time thanks to the range of services, the overtaken can then briefly enjoy the centrally placed double exhaust with distinctive tailpipes. If you want to be a little sportier, you can switch from normal to sport mode. Here the throttle response is even more direct, the steering commands are implemented a tad faster and the sound becomes more pithy.

Mini JCW in green mode ideal for the city

The sport mode is only recommended for sole use and enjoyment. If you take passengers with you - the 3.87 meter short Mini offers plenty of space, even in the rear seats - you should not activate the sport mode to avoid the color of your fellow passengers' faces.

Speaking of green: The Mini can also play the sheep in wolf's clothing. In Green mode, the muscle pack lacks testosterone stimulants, it mutates into an almost good companion. This is ideal for city trips or when there is heavy rush hour traffic on the country road and you cannot escape the given routine. After all, the maximum torque of 320 Nm, which is available between 1250 and 4800 revolutions, provides a high-torque serenity for cruising.

Mini JCW with automatic from 31,750 euros

You need a certain composure when it comes to consumption. It is clear that the average standard value of 5.7 liters has little to do with everyday experience. If you keep stepping on the gas pedal, significantly more fuel flows through the lines. Riders in a hurry burn ten liters per 100 kilometers, in the mix we came to an average of 8.9 liters at the end of the test period. That's a lot for a small car, but the consumption is okay considering the performance.

The Mini JCW costs at least 31,750 euros in conjunction with the automatic. It is comparatively well equipped, including LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brake system, rear spoiler, sports seats and leather steering wheel. As is common not only with Mini, the power dwarf can still be customized, for example with navigation, leather, assistance systems such as traffic sign recognition, head-up display, seat heating, automatic air conditioning or stylish paintwork. Another 5000 euros come together quickly. But if already, then already. If you want to be sensible, buy another vehicle. (SP-X)