Mini JCW: PH Fleet
Attempting to unlock some of that Mini magic Danny tries pushing harder...
Still dumpy and yet...
So far the JCW has remained frustratingly aloof when shown a good road. Immensely strong on the straights and under braking, it hauls itself ruthlessly out of slow corners, with the e-diff and traction control working efficiently to meter out all that power and torque. Under braking it's much the same, only in reverse, with reassuring power coupled with excellent feel through the pedal. Only when you have to turn the wheel does the composure start to unravel. In this era of electric steering, we can forgive a certain level of remoteness, but I always feel completely detached in the JCW, not least because there's no gradual increase in weight as the tyres load up through a corner.
On this occasion, though, I found some extra commitment. I didn't back down at the lack of information coming from the chassis, and kept pushing. To my surprise, the JCW hung on gamely, nosing a little wide in places, but exhibiting levels of mechanical grip previously unseen. Given some sticky tarmac, it seems the Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres do actually work, but making this discovery was a bit of a shot in the dark, and I still wouldn't put the Mini's levels of adhesion on par with its rivals.
Mini to the track, Clio on track is interesting
In terms of performance, you could say the Mini and the Renault are polar opposites. Swap between the two and you'd swear the French car's power deficit was two or three times what's quoted on paper. Equally, the Clio is crying out for a set of brakes as good as the JCW's Brembo four-pots. But, chuck it at a corner and the Trophy has it licked for communication, conviction and sheer tenacity. Ultimately, neither feels fully resolved, although combine the best characteristics of both cars and the result would be a very exciting proposition indeed.
Where the Mini does continue to impress is as a daily driver. With Green mode selected and the gearbox in auto it goes about its business around town comfortably and efficiently. The only time it occasionally fumbles for the right gear is when picking up the throttle again after slowing down or coasting. Even then it's no big deal, as you can take control yourself simply by pulling a paddle. Throttle response in eco mode is toned down considerably and the stop start system activated, which not only helps economy but relaxes your mindset too.
A better month then, but rivals still more fun
Keeping the right side of average speed cameras on these long motorway hauls is made easy by the perfectly placed LIM button. Positioned on the left of the steering wheel, it's within easy reach of a thumb, and pressing it immediately sets the current speed as a maximum. You can then adjust the speed with the up and down buttons, or cancel it by pressing the limiter button again.
Last week the heated seats went on for the first time; a depressing reminder winter is just around the corner. With it came thoughts of frosty mornings and damp, greasy roads. Knowing what the grip levels are like in the wet, I have a feeling the JCW is going to be a lively companion for the rest of the year. Maybe it's time to moot the idea of a fleet exchange for the next update. Something apparently unstickable with four-wheel drive and an 'R' badge on the back would be just the ticket. If only I knew someone with such a car...
FACT SHEET:
Car: Mini John Cooper Works
Run by: Danny Milner
On fleet since: May 2015
Mileage: 7,013
List price new: £31,945 (Basic list of £24,445 plus £750 for Rebel Green paint, £1,400 for Media Pack XL, £2,470 for Chili Pack, £240 for variable damper control, £140 for run-flat tyres, £220 for sun protection glass, £215 for seat heating, £210 for Mini Yours fibre alloy interior, £590 for Park Distance Control, £150 for LED headlights, £590 for Harman Kardon hi-fi, £140 for intelligent emergency calling, £450 for head-up display)
Last month at a glance: If in doubt then flat out, right?
Previous updates:
£32K for an automatic Mini? It's off to a tough start...
To Scotland for a proper test
New tyres and roof bars before Silverstone
Firstly the tyres will make a massive difference to any brake test. The tyres are poles apart on these two cars and, in a single stop test, won't really be impacted by heat build-up.
Secondly i have no idea whether our Trophy's brakes had been previously abused on track and this was why they felt underpar during the test at Oulton Park. Obviously we have no way of trying other pads or discs to see if this improves the on track performance. Certainly ferodo ds2500s did great things for the old Clio 182, but that was a much lighter car.
I do think, though, that on the road, it's never going to be an issue in the Clio, as you just don't consistently put that much heat through them.
thank you for your feedback! I have my doubts regarding your comment on the tires, because not even semi slicks are causing that big brake distance differences compared to normal tires, but anyways, I think I will go for the DS2500's as of the beginning. Just to make sure...
Have good day!
The Mini JCW wears Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres. It was 4th in that brake-test you just linked in on dry conditions and was tested as best on wet surface. You cannot say they are that bad
The Clio RS 200 EDC with Cup package wears the same Dunlop tire as far as I know. The Clio 220 Trophy has the Michelin SuperSport's. And they have both the same brakes. There is some brake distance advantage for the Trophy on the PSS rubbers, but it is more around 1 meter from 60 mph.But thanks anyways! Have a good evening!
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