Mini John Cooper Works (2008-) Review

On the road

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The JCW uses the same 1.6-litre engine as the Cooper S, which is already a very impressive unit, but it has been modified to deliver more power. The S pushes out 175bhp with a maximum torque of 177lb-ft but, with the modified engine, the JCW offers 208bhp with 191lb-ft of torque. Click on the overboost and torque increases to 206lb-ft.

What does all that extra torque and power mean? Well, it means that the JCW can complete the 0-60mph sprint in 6.5 seconds, which is 0.6s faster than the Cooper S, and then push on to a top speed of 148mph, bettering the S's top end of 140mph.

The downside of all this huff and puff is the high level of torque steer. Clearly, if you have a light, nippy car with a maximum of 206lb-ft coming through the front wheels there's going to be a trade-off, which in this case is the pull coming through the steering wheel. It's not unbearable or dangerous, but it is disconcerting at times.

The base of the S engine hasn't change but the JCW's intake valves and valve seat rings have been made of more durable materials to deal with the higher temperatures of a free-revving engine and the pistons and cylinder sidewalls have been reinforced. There's also a larger air intake, a beefed-up exhaust and a modified gearbox. The modified exhaust also means you get some 'popping and banging', which increases the adrenaline when you are driving in a particularly 'energetic' manner. The 'Sport' button in front of the gearstick means the boost will arrive earlier in the rev range, and it also sharpens the steering and throttle response.

Dynamically, you'll find it hard to better the Mini JCW and, since it's on the same suspension as the Cooper S, you can expect massive amounts of grip. You can upgrade the suspension and get it lowered by 10mm at a cost of £140 so it's stiffer and tighter around corners, but we think that's just silly behaviour. Leave it alone - it's fine as it is.

In normal spec, it's a beast. Basically, you point the JCW in the direction it wants to go and it'll go there without delay. Plant your foot on the accelerator when exiting a bend and there's no hideous fishtailing or loss of composure. There is a fraction of understeer, but nothing to undermine confidence and if you do find you have been a little too over-enthusiastic the electronic stability kicks in unobtrusively.

This is the first time any Mini has included Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which increases the tolerance for wheel slippage before stability control kicks in. It means that the stability control only intervenes in extreme circumstances and is particularly useful in the wet or on loose surfaces, or when you are driving like a complete twit.

Now, before all the non-twits start complaining about loss of control, you can still switch the DTC and stability control off, so the driver can feel more involved. However, the Electronic differential Lock Control (EDLC) - a new system for Mini - will still be working. This is similar to a limited slip differential and it means that you can enjoy a sportier driving experience if you want without the hand-holding of stability control. EDLC works when the car is accelerating hard out of corners and, thanks to clever electronics, slows the spinning inside rear wheel to give better grip and ensure all the available power is transferred to the wheel that has the greatest contact with the road. With the safety systems off, it means you get a fantastically engaging drive and the definite feeling that you are in total control of the car.

Steering is positive and keen on turn-in, the gearchange is smooth, and with upgraded brakes there's more than enough stopping power.