MINI JCW Test Drive
Discussion
Took an 08 JCW for a spin at the weekend - and I was both very impressed and disappointed. Let's start with the good stuff. My first impression was of fantastic agility and quick and direct steering. You literally jink the steering wheel and the car snaps onto your chosen line. You can really feel the benefits of the wide track and minimal overhangs. Couple this agility with a lovely rorty little engine and exhaust and you have a recipe for big FUN!
The other stand-out characteristic for me was the e-diff. Roundabouts are an absolute blast. You can lean on the car's excellent lateral grip , then apply more and more throttle and the car just grips and goes like a rollerskate on rails. You can exit the roundabout at silly speeds and then barrel off on your exit road with the exhaust popping away and the revvy engine egging you on. EVO mag talk about the JCW giving you the same open-mouthed feeling of awe as the way a Mitsubishi EVO slingshots you out of bends. Having experienced it I can well believe it.
The other great thing about the car is that it hasn't been santised and polished out to perfection (I'm talking you VW with your MK6 GTI). There is still torque steer under power and the chunky wheel shimmies and tugs in your hands when you're really giving it the beans. But you know what, this makes it really boisterous and exciting. It's like a mad terrier this car, always asking for maximum speed and maximum effort from the driver. Some may find this tiring, but if you really like to drive you'll love it as it demands your full attention to get the best out of it.
In short, it feels like a modern, more powerful, 205 1.9 GTI. It's great that it's relatively lightweight too (1205Kg) as this'll make it easy on tyres and brakes on track + contributes to a claimed 40mpg on the combined cycle. The agile (some would say twitchy) chassis also feels like it'd be a lift-off oversteer hero on track.
The bad stuff then. Well, it rattled like a bugger. There were rattles from the dash, rattles from the roof lining, centre console etc., I guess that's the price you pay for a stiff set up (the test car was on non-standard 18's as well so that probably didn't help). If interior rattles didn't drive me nuts, I'd have been very tempted to buy the very car I drove.
As it is, the JCW has gone right to the top of my potential next car list (alongside a 313Bhp 350Z). If I find a good one (that doesn't rattle) at the right price in the next few months I may be tempted to become a JCW owner. Afterall, it came second to the Megane R26.R in EVO Car of the Year 2008, "The Real World", and I reckon it'd be a blast to live with everyday and that bit more civilised than the R26.R on a daily basis. Add in the £'s value of the TLC servicing pack + better fuel economy than most cars of this performance and it really does make a compelling case for itself.
MINI JCW, I salute you.
The other stand-out characteristic for me was the e-diff. Roundabouts are an absolute blast. You can lean on the car's excellent lateral grip , then apply more and more throttle and the car just grips and goes like a rollerskate on rails. You can exit the roundabout at silly speeds and then barrel off on your exit road with the exhaust popping away and the revvy engine egging you on. EVO mag talk about the JCW giving you the same open-mouthed feeling of awe as the way a Mitsubishi EVO slingshots you out of bends. Having experienced it I can well believe it.
The other great thing about the car is that it hasn't been santised and polished out to perfection (I'm talking you VW with your MK6 GTI). There is still torque steer under power and the chunky wheel shimmies and tugs in your hands when you're really giving it the beans. But you know what, this makes it really boisterous and exciting. It's like a mad terrier this car, always asking for maximum speed and maximum effort from the driver. Some may find this tiring, but if you really like to drive you'll love it as it demands your full attention to get the best out of it.
In short, it feels like a modern, more powerful, 205 1.9 GTI. It's great that it's relatively lightweight too (1205Kg) as this'll make it easy on tyres and brakes on track + contributes to a claimed 40mpg on the combined cycle. The agile (some would say twitchy) chassis also feels like it'd be a lift-off oversteer hero on track.
The bad stuff then. Well, it rattled like a bugger. There were rattles from the dash, rattles from the roof lining, centre console etc., I guess that's the price you pay for a stiff set up (the test car was on non-standard 18's as well so that probably didn't help). If interior rattles didn't drive me nuts, I'd have been very tempted to buy the very car I drove.
As it is, the JCW has gone right to the top of my potential next car list (alongside a 313Bhp 350Z). If I find a good one (that doesn't rattle) at the right price in the next few months I may be tempted to become a JCW owner. Afterall, it came second to the Megane R26.R in EVO Car of the Year 2008, "The Real World", and I reckon it'd be a blast to live with everyday and that bit more civilised than the R26.R on a daily basis. Add in the £'s value of the TLC servicing pack + better fuel economy than most cars of this performance and it really does make a compelling case for itself.
MINI JCW, I salute you.
Edited by daveknott5 on Wednesday 31st August 09:46
SSCooperS said:
You like the torque steer? On my R56 Cooper S, if you hit a bump or small pothole the steering wheel is literally wrenched out of your hands. And that's just with 170bhp! I absolutely hate it.
Glad you have the same issue! with bumps around, two hands are a must!And the rattle business is common. I have one in my dash somewhere and one also in the back which I cant locate!
Other than that every time I get in it puts a smile on my face!
Happy Motoring
It's a great little car. I've had mine 2 and a bit years now and had no probs over that time which is more than I can say for the standard R56 S that it replaced. Torque steer is less of an issue than in the standard car as well. I think Autocar put it best when they described their long-termer as a "hooligan," it's only truly happy when it's being ragged!
I have also discovered a useful extra aspect to it's repertoire lately in that I'm currently doing a 50-mile commute each day over which it is returning 39-41mpg even allowing for the odd "max attack" overtake. It's great for embarrassing the reps that think their A4 diesel is quick as well
I have also discovered a useful extra aspect to it's repertoire lately in that I'm currently doing a 50-mile commute each day over which it is returning 39-41mpg even allowing for the odd "max attack" overtake. It's great for embarrassing the reps that think their A4 diesel is quick as well
I am surprised it rattled so much, our 08 Coooper S didnt have a squeek, and the newer interior is quite a step up in quality from the phase 1. (are you sure people hadnt been fitting aftermarket stuff and playing with the facia given the non standard wheels)
I am another lover of torque steer, it was pretty brutal in our MCS so i can only imagine that its worse in a JCW, but i find it keeps you engaged and a real sense of power etc.
Do it buy one!!
I am another lover of torque steer, it was pretty brutal in our MCS so i can only imagine that its worse in a JCW, but i find it keeps you engaged and a real sense of power etc.
Do it buy one!!
only real bad thing about my missus JCW is we cant really put the kid in the back, car is uncomfortable rear end, and makes him feel sick (hard suspension)
"contributes to a claimed 40mpg on the combined cycle"
you will never get combined 40mpg, dont believe that bulls
t from BMW, you will get 30mpg average
"contributes to a claimed 40mpg on the combined cycle"
you will never get combined 40mpg, dont believe that bulls
t from BMW, you will get 30mpg averageHarryH said:
only real bad thing about my missus JCW is we cant really put the kid in the back, car is uncomfortable rear end, and makes him feel sick (hard suspension)
"contributes to a claimed 40mpg on the combined cycle"
you will never get combined 40mpg, dont believe that bullst from BMW, you will get 30mpg average
We've got an R53 MCS (55 plate) and went for the standard size 16" wheels rather than the 17s that came with the Chilli Pack. Even at test drive time it was a lot 'softer' in feel and compliant over bumps on the 16s. Our 2 boys find it fine in the back. The mags also said the handling feel was nicer on the OE size wheels."contributes to a claimed 40mpg on the combined cycle"
you will never get combined 40mpg, dont believe that bulls
t from BMW, you will get 30mpg averageHad it for 6 years now and it's hovered around 30mpg.................until a few weeks back when we took the decision to ditch the runflats for normal Continentals.
Talk about a revelation, turns in better, MUCH better ride and handling on bumpy roads AND ( the thing that has amazed me the most if I'm honest and been a welcome side effect ) the mpg has increased by somewhere in the region of 4->5mpg for the same journeys.
Not only that a set of 4 normals was around £100 cheaper than 4 runflats. Some of that paid for a secondhand BM tyre inflation kit/puncture repair goo such as used on the Mini One and BMW 320 Ed. Still saved £80 though.
Boys have also commented that the car feels 'softer' to sit in now
Pushing it out the garage when I need to access the pushbikes etc, it is very noticeable how much less rolling resistance it has on 'normal' tyres compared to runflats. On the Dunlop runflats it was almost like the brakes were slightly on ( if that makes sense? )
I'd go and drive another one - I had a 58 plate for three years / 20k and there were no squeaks / rattles at all - brilliant little car, actually so good that since its gone I dont have a car as I really can't decide what to replace it with, life is too short to have another and nothing else seems to combine practical ish with so much fun to drive.
My old car is at the BCA auction on the 20th of September if you were interested - I obviously know the history!!
My old car is at the BCA auction on the 20th of September if you were interested - I obviously know the history!!
esuuv said:
I'd go and drive another one - I had a 58 plate for three years / 20k and there were no squeaks / rattles at all - brilliant little car, actually so good that since its gone I dont have a car as I really can't decide what to replace it with, life is too short to have another and nothing else seems to combine practical ish with so much fun to drive.
My old car is at the BCA auction on the 20th of September if you were interested - I obviously know the history!!
What do you think it will fetch? Where is the auction?My old car is at the BCA auction on the 20th of September if you were interested - I obviously know the history!!
My factory JCW is approaching 30k miles, registered end of Dec 2008 so it's also 58 plate too (took delivery beginning Jan 2009).
Just getting the odd squeak, creak now but always been quiet (creak, rattle wise, but not exhaust noise, that's a popping delight!). My now and then but hardly noticeable noises appeared after a service/work (some prat forgot to replace the battery terminal protector cap and broke the catch on the access flap!
I'm like you in a way, just about to sell and can't think what could be soooooo good as a replacement?
Looks like I've no choice but to go for the just slightly faster JCW Coupe, just to pee off all those people who think its fugly
I've no idea what it'll fetch, 13 / 14 / 15 maybe? It was financed and the bids I was getting for it to trade were a lot less than the finance so I just handed it back.
I'm currently thinking a Cayman to replace it - I did drive a 135i and nearly said yes, but its just no fun really.
I'm currently thinking a Cayman to replace it - I did drive a 135i and nearly said yes, but its just no fun really.
SSCooperS said:
You like the torque steer? On my R56 Cooper S, if you hit a bump or small pothole the steering wheel is literally wrenched out of your hands. And that's just with 170bhp! I absolutely hate it.
+1 for my JCW R56, at times I love the car, mostly I hate it though, just way too much torque steer (17 inch wheels)I love mine, in fact even on nice sunny days I reserve for my E92 M3 if the drive involves b roads, I'll often take the JCW. You didn't mention the brakes which personally I think are excellent and also the pedal position for heel toe which for my Mr Average size 8s is perfect (also, whats not to like about snap, crackle and pop every time youd rive it!).
Mine doesn't rattle at all but I'm on toyo t1s on 17s.
Standard other than the tyres and refinished wheels
I'll never part with it, probably.
Mine doesn't rattle at all but I'm on toyo t1s on 17s.
Standard other than the tyres and refinished wheels
I'll never part with it, probably.
Edited by _Leg_ on Thursday 17th November 07:02
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