MINI given the Works

What is it?

Think of the John Cooper Works (JCW) as to MINI as 'M' is to BMW, which means it represents the highest performance models with extensive reworking on all aspects of the car. That indicates more power, a sportier chassis and styling and equipment upgrades to match. It has been stated that all MINI models will gain a JCW derivative in time, with the Clubman version joining the range next year and the Hatch available as soon as the car is unveiled at the British Motor Show. The JCW name has been used before by MINI, but this new model is the first to be built entirely in-house.

At the heart of the JCW model is an enhanced version of the Cooper S's turbocharged four-cylinder engine. MINI has replaced the twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger version, upping power to 208bhp, while maximum torque of 192lb.ft is available from 1,850rpm to 5,600rpm. A peak of 207lb.ft is provided when the electronics allow full overboost. Those figures make the JCW one of the quickest MINIs yet, with 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 148mph.

Is it any good?

It certainly is rapid and a quick glance at potential rivals' performance figures, such as those from the Honda Civic Type R, three-door Golf GTI and three-door Focus ST indicate that the MINI is at least as fast, if not faster off the line. Amazingly, MINI's claimed fuel economy and emissions figures trounce the opposition.

On-paper numbers mean little once you get behind the wheel though and to succeed, the JCW needs to be as much of a hoot as it purports to be. As ever, the MINI is hilariously agile and very chuckable with leech-like grip, even in damp conditions. Yet when you exceed its limits of adhesion the chassis is quite controllable. To save the uninitiated from themselves, MINI has fitted a suite of new electronic safety aids to the JCW models. Along with the usual Dynamic Stability Control and anti-lock brakes, the JCW comes as standard with Dynamic Traction Control and a so-called Electronic Differential Lock Control. The latter is tasked with braking a spinning wheel if you have the traction control turned off, which has the effect of reapportioning power to the tyre with the most grip. It is quite effective, though at times feels a little like torque steer.

Should I call the bank manager?

You'll need to. Gone are the days when MINIs are budget-class travel. The entry-level Cooper S JCW Hatch costs £20,995. That's not at all bad given the performance and driving experience, but one crucial difference between the MINI and the other hot hatches mentioned above is that the latter are based on family hatchbacks and are significantly more practical than the MINI. There will be a Clubman version too, but we suspect that the MINI JCW models will be bought by younger buyers than some of the more grown up hot hatches on the market and for them the purchase price may be an issue. If you are in the position to join the MINI club, make sure you allow sufficient room in your budget for options, as the JCW list is long and very very tempting.

Summary

In some ways, the new MINI JCW is a hot hatch from the old school. It is based on a smaller car than the family hatch-sized GTI, ST, etc, yet it packs just as powerful a punch. MINI has priced the JCW against these larger models as it beats most of them on performance terms. Yet, the JCW is also a hot hatch of the here and now: it features the latest electronic safety devices and for all its performance returns a creditable 40.9mpg on the combined cycle - a figure its rivals can't touch. MINI lovers will rejoice at the introduction of the new JCW model.

Shane O' Donoghue