RE: Mini JCW returns with 306hp!

RE: Mini JCW returns with 306hp!

Author
Discussion

anonymous-user

54 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
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The test driver said:
FerdiZ28 said:
What a horrid looking thing.

Minis started off ugly and have just got worse, and thats before you get into how awkward fellas look driving them smile

Probably quick though but who'd want one?
Aaaarrr the little Mini threatening your masculinity, let me guess V8 driving Managing Director yer?
I get this a lot; why on Earth would I drive a MINI Countryman, it's not a PH car, whatever one of those is. The fact of the matter is that the JCW's (and Cooper S for that matter) are somewhat a well kept secret. If you want a nippy, fun to drive car that doesn't cost a huge amount to maintain, makes a great noise, and has a cabin that is the antithesis of the German repmobile, nothing comes close - they're chuffing excellent. As I say, I never got it til I drove one, and that converted me.

So, when a bright spark points out I look 'awkward' driving one, I point out that my soccer mom bus exists as a parts hauler for my 3850bhp car that has no driver aids at all. Tends to stop berks in their judgemental tracks biggrin

Onehp

1,617 posts

283 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
NFC 85 Vette said:
I get this a lot; why on Earth would I drive a MINI Countryman, it's not a PH car, whatever one of those is. The fact of the matter is that the JCW's (and Cooper S for that matter) are somewhat a well kept secret. If you want a nippy, fun to drive car that doesn't cost a huge amount to maintain, makes a great noise, and has a cabin that is the antithesis of the German repmobile, nothing comes close - they're chuffing excellent. As I say, I never got it til I drove one, and that converted me.

So, when a bright spark points out I look 'awkward' driving one, I point out that my soccer mom bus exists as a parts hauler for my 3850bhp car that has no driver aids at all. Tends to stop berks in their judgemental tracks biggrin

That's quite convincing product endorsement. I actually do believe they are good to drive. But I'd rather drive a Ford... a pay for a Ford...

PS: before going with the funny car, the AM V12 would do it for me. Then go overboard in case he's still being a prick...

nickfrog

21,068 posts

217 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
NFC 85 Vette said:
I get this a lot; why on Earth would I drive a MINI Countryman, it's not a PH car, whatever one of those is.
There are still loads on PH who still don't understand that you can have more than one car.

Alfa numeric

3,025 posts

179 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
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The test driver said:
shavermcspud said:
I like how the initial post is under British Cars.

It couldn't be further from British if it tried, Mini by name only and that's where it ends.
I suggest going to do the factory tour if that's what you believe.

Engine made in Birmingham
Body pressed in Swindon
Seats and dash from Banbury
All assembled in Oxford

Or is it because of "Ze Germans" owning the brand now? You'll struggle to find a "British" car company in that case these days then.
Whilst not disagreeing with you isn't the Clubman built in Holland?

Dr Interceptor

7,768 posts

196 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
Alfa numeric said:
The test driver said:
shavermcspud said:
I like how the initial post is under British Cars.

It couldn't be further from British if it tried, Mini by name only and that's where it ends.
I suggest going to do the factory tour if that's what you believe.

Engine made in Birmingham
Body pressed in Swindon
Seats and dash from Banbury
All assembled in Oxford

Or is it because of "Ze Germans" owning the brand now? You'll struggle to find a "British" car company in that case these days then.
Whilst not disagreeing with you isn't the Clubman built in Holland?
No, the Countryman is, as is the convertible. The UK Clubman is built at Plant Oxford.

jason61c

5,978 posts

174 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
Onehp said:
"Three hundred horsepower.
In a Mini."

... weighing a not so Mini estimated 1550-1650kg kerb with some popular equipment. Not so Mini then, more like a Golf R wagon /Tiguan R...
A mini weighing the same as a toyota supra?

will-w

252 posts

201 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
NFC 85 Vette said:
I get this a lot; why on Earth would I drive a MINI Countryman, it's not a PH car, whatever one of those is. The fact of the matter is that the JCW's (and Cooper S for that matter) are somewhat a well kept secret. If you want a nippy, fun to drive car that doesn't cost a huge amount to maintain, makes a great noise, and has a cabin that is the antithesis of the German repmobile, nothing comes close - they're chuffing excellent. As I say, I never got it til I drove one, and that converted me.

So, when a bright spark points out I look 'awkward' driving one, I point out that my soccer mom bus exists as a parts hauler for my 3850bhp car that has no driver aids at all. Tends to stop berks in their judgemental tracks biggrin
Exactly this!



Our 'family car' is a Countryman JCW. It takes everything we ask of it in its stride and we can't really fault it.

It has huge amount of character compared to everything else in its class.
Rev matches on shift, turbo chatter, pops and bangs on demand and will put a smile on your face when making progress on windy country roads.
It seats 3 adults, a 3 year old, a Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel comfortably.
It can happily tow a 1500kg trailer.
It will easily scale a slippery Brands Hatch South Bank when other cars get stuck (most recently an S3 that parked next to us at the BTCC)

Most surprisingly is that we got a relatively impressive time in the Time Trials at the recent PistonHeads Sporting Tour South event. Beating a surprising selection of cars; S4, TT, Elise, Boxster, M3, and even an i30N Performance

Yes it might be a little fugly, especially from some angles, but there's nothing else in the class close: Manual, turbo, petrol, 4wd. The Cupra release gives us food for thought, but again that's still a larger car than the Countryman.

deadtom

2,557 posts

165 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
B10 said:
Doubt it. M135i has 6 cylinders and rear wheel drive.
B10, I hope you are sitting down; I have some bad news to tell you...

Tim bo

1,956 posts

140 months

Monday 6th January 2020
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Bumpitty bump.

Any word on whether the new 306bhp plant is going to be plonked in the normal 3 door MINI hatch? I read somewhere recently that it will not, and will remain only available in the Countryman and Clubman models. The new GP model has it too, but as I understand it the new engine will not feature in the basic JCW hatch, which will remain with the current 228bhp plant.

Can anyone confirm?