2020 Mini JCW GP Review: It's WILD! | Carfection 4K

The new John Cooper Works GP is the fastest, most powerful Mini ever produced. Henry Catchpole goes for a b-road blast to see if it lives up to the hype.
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[@hybrydslinky]

1250kg on a 2 seater MINI. The auto market is done for good, Gordon Murray please save us all

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Lotus can save you.

[@R4M_Tommy]

@@BobbyDazzler888 lotus is going for the 1680kg Hypercar. Sadly

[@hybrydslinky]

@@BobbyDazzler888 not for long unfortunately

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Matteo Tommasi yeah they opened another door. Exige still available.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

hybrydslinky they’ll stick around

[@silv3rArrow]

The fake aero and air scoops kills it for me. Fake stuff? In a GP?

[@ananddullabh]

Not to mention lack of a manual which is understandable if they put a dct in there...but this is unacceptable mate...😕

[@TheGhussey]

I own #1462 and absolutely love it. I agree the hood scoop should be functional but the front lower grill scoops are functional.

[@emotionalsupportostrich2480]

The hood scoop has been non functional since the 2006 model went turbo.

[@TheGhussey]

@Ben L Who cares if it is functional or not? Looks nice to me.

[@eugenux]

@@TheGhussey you look like one who wouldn't be upset with such details; ignorance is bliss, ftw, right?

[@claudiobarreira9115]

So... My manual normal JCW then!

[@ss11111ss]

u dont have the binocular spoiler

[@smattgoss]

No bhp massive difference

[@smattgoss]

@@coletrickIe there cool

[@astongrad930]

I'm considering upgrading from my ep3 but current budget will only get me into r56 jcw, what are your thoughts on this? I read the engines in the earlier models can go wrong. Also is it possible to get a Cooper S of the same mark to the same performance as a jcw with a remap? Any other noticeable mechanical differences between the Jcw and standard s?

[@Jackman595]

@@astongrad930 I know this is a bit late. But the R56 JCW is probably the best Mini you could own. Just get a face lift one, I think they're from 2011 onwards and then you won't have the dodgy engine. And look for one that has had the timing chain done.

[@chrisdooley6468]

Minis have completely ceased to be Minis at this point. 1255kg is ridiculously plump for a Mini

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Chris Dooley they stopped being minis in 2000.

[@richardmesser1091]

Maybe call them. MAXI MINI

[@neilwilliams2907]

@@richardmesser1091 or just 'Midi' . I thinks it's quite catchy :-)

[@pb7870]

Drive a Mini though, they certainly do not feel “plump” at all

[@WarrenF]

1255kg is not a lot when you consider it has over 300BHP.

[@omursaraslan6316]

If Henry reviewed a kettle, I'd still watch it. It makes my day to see you on screen man. You're the best!

[@DavidKAnderson]

Apparently the teenager who designed the Civic Type R has taken a position with Mini.

[@shehryarahmed258]

At least his design on the civic type r is functional

[@jord9261]

@@shehryarahmed258 no its not.... that's the joke

[@shehryarahmed258]

@@jord9261 I don't know man, I haven't seen to many fk8 or talked to any owners or development team, but the internet says it's all functional, or at least most of it

[@CineGui]

The new type r may be functional, but the last model wasnt

[@CineGui]

And althrough it looked cool, it was kknda stupid

[@TheGhussey]

I have owned #1462 for a week and absolutely love the GP3. It's my first Mini Cooper. It's a balance of raw power, comfort, and style. Its a great handling car for twisty roads and flys when you step on the throttle. Just hold on tight to the steering wheel. I only wish the exhaust was more aggressive.

[@gpzfan5272]

Gerry Hussey it’s a tarts car for posers

[@TheGhussey]

GPZ Fan Make fun all you want. It’s simply a fun car to drive. Not a Lamborghini, McLaren or Porsche. It’s a $46k car, not $200k.

[@cybercityoedo808]

This is a Mini GP3 that can keep up with the best of em. It's like a fwd GTR. I love mine, planning to drive it year round.

[@me-gb2wp]

@@cybercityoedo808 do you recommend it im looking it rain now

[@martinallenuk]

​@@gpzfan5272Bet you have to take the bus.

[@carcreationsyt]

As much hate as it gets, I would still love to drive one

[@jackjames567]

drove one around the Cotwolds today. Absolutely loved it blisteringly quick. The diff is fantastic grip very good and such a handful to drive and entertaining. A++++

[@peterwilliams6289]

The Clubman JCW with the same front mechanicals, brakes and stiffening but AWD makes a lot more sense. I'd be interested to hear a review of that.

[@Chris-nj1mr]

Basically an M135i then?

[@OrlandoMGarcia]

But the clubman is 1700kg with all and sunruff, they are getting quite heavy

[@jord9261]

@@Chris-nj1mr they're the same platform yeah

[@peterwilliams6289]

@@Chris-nj1mr Close. Same platform and mechanicals but set up differently. The JCW is more targeted at enthusiasts, with more steering weight, front negative camber and sharper initial spring rates. Also really sharp gear shifts in manual mode even though they're a bit rough. The BMW has to please a wider audience and is more smoothed out by all reports.

[@peterwilliams6289]

@@OrlandoMGarcia It's 1550kg base. Here in Australia there's a Pure edition with the lighter manual seats and a short option list. Even with a sunroof it shouldn't be much over 1600. But, yes, still heavy and it can't be thrown around like a MINI hatch at low speeds, but it's just as adjustable with some speed on.

[@kalibanos]

that just seems like horrible value plus all those fake attributes, why???

[@VVH1997]

Its 2020 🌈 i really dont like it either... shitbox imo

[@bngr_bngr]

Kalibanos wait until one has to bring it in for service.

[@pb7870]

It’s a special edition so it’s gonna be overpriced. Personally I’d just have a cooper s manual

[@andrewnorris5415]

BMW, who get the totally wrong idea of what he mini is about. Just using the brand to make cash. And don't care if it is reliable either. Most of the budget goes into styling and that's it. Yet so many capable engineers here in the Uk if they got their wallet out. They don't get what BMW is about much lately either, focusing on interiors and losing reliability and driving pleasure. But the mini, being lower budget, is even more typical of this. Hate being negative, but maybe someone will read this and take some action!

[@TrojanHamster]

I saw one of these around the scottish border last week when we had the storm... I bet that was a handful 😳

[@bernardo290499111]

I love carfection, but it bothers me that you never reviewed the I30 N, which I bet is a hotter hatch than this mini. For instance, a couple of months back i was choosing between an M2C and a A45 S for my next car and I was waiting for you guys to do a video on the merc, but you never did. I owned a facelift A45 back then and now an M2C, Im happy i made the right choice after all but still i was pretty curious back then

[@AleksandrHalas]

As always great job, and big thanks!!!

[@GadgetyMV]

Thanks for a great straightforward review!

[@denso6708]

@henry catchpole Can you get it on track for a follow up article? Thanks as always for a top notch feature and i appreciate your no BS reporting.

[@SgtHooch]

Still drive and love my '06 MCS. Was looking to upgrade to the new model after all these years, but I am not sold on this one. Maybe the JCW version is the one I should look at.

[@richardhoulton4016]

It’s at its best in Cooper S form. It’s reasonably priced, plenty quick enough, and its performance doesn’t overwhelm its chassis.

[@BullyBoxer]

No

[@2spoons]

I am a Mini Countryman Cooper S JCW... and love mine and its taken a lot to get used to - its very responsive (like all BMW's) and has a short wheel base so corners will handle differently to mid frame cars.... they are fun around City's and Counrysides you can park it anywhere and they all have character - love them or hate them they are not the fastest car on the road and don't claim to be ... but they are fun to own and drive

[@kensladen]

A luggage brace posing as a strut brace...?? This car is a triumph of faux-style over substance.

[@alifirfan6558]

What a great review henry!!

[@testacorsa150]

Another stunning beauty from the BMW design team 😝 Why these people still have jobs, and why these cars evn sell, is a mystery to me!

[@pigeonpoo1823]

I don't know. I think 2021 will be peak BMW ugliness. Those M4 grills grafted on to the X4. Medusa will turn to stone

[@boots_n_coots]

My JCW, with its 208 lb-ft torque and manual box, is lots of fun and well-balanced. I’m not sure I would find this new version more desirable. In fact I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t. Thanks for the review Henry.

[@AugustoRallo]

"... the presence of a supercar" lolno, don't kid yourself

[@robinmarples5198]

Fake times. We are really in it. 15 years ago, a r26 did not trayed to show more than it was. Today, any car have this ridiculous vibe. Design should embrace function

[@johnc5clive]

Robin Marples well said that man👍

[@alexwebb9124]

What a god-awful car.

[@Rascularvideos]

Yep. I can’t argue with that at all.

[@pb7870]

The thing is it could’ve been good but the Auto box, silly styling and price kill it

[@asif0905]

@@pb7870 and it doesn't drive well around corners and even straight lines are an issue

[@markorchard2272]

I respect HP, but Gordon Murray would frankly laugh after his nice T50 review where lightness and simplicity were lauded.

[@RaisedByWolves79]

I can't stand fake "go faster" bits - they just undermine any positives in a car... Not that there are many of those here. Give me a good old-fashioned Renaultsport 182 Trophy over this every time.

[@ccx806]

I could stomach the rear wing, but the plastic bits around the wheel arches killed it for me

[@JohnnyZenith]

@@ccx806 The modern JCW is far nicer. Especially with a tune.

[@Yaro2]

Renault Megane and Ford Fiesta for the win, no need to spend more than 30k on a fake hot-hatch without any luxury features or best of class performance.

[@moistydoooood]

all the comments bashing it and its here beating a honda civic type r lmao

[@robertgubbins1832]

Henry, great honest review. But if you only had £5k to spend on one car. What would you get?

[@BlahBlahBlah961]

Cleaning behind those slats 😑

[@Edgedable]

I can’t stop laughing

[@TheBigDubovsky]

Form over function with this Mini? Great video as always, but for some reason, your videos no longer show up on my feed.

[@bushmaster4481]

I like it, seems like a lot of fun.

[@cooperSpartan117]

I hate to be one of those arm chair car designers, of which there are many here. But I can't help think they should have focused more on road performance than track performance. I've heard these are brilliant on track. Personally I think they should have turned down the aero, took off about 50bhp and 50ft ibs and offered both manual and auto transmissions. As the owner of an F56 Cooper S I know these cars have potential. I think the main issue is they didn't want to just remake the older Mini JCW challenge from 2015. Not to be confused with the Cooper S challenge 210

[@kltsoi5860]

Where is this stretch of road? Seems like a good place for hatchbacks to have some fun

[@HesteBremse]

Hope Henry Can take it to the Track, perhaps it’s quite a different animal there, though the gear speed seems like it need serious adjustment.

[@TrueIgnition]

Il stick with my manual R56 JCW I think haha nothing handles like an R53 though god they’re brilliant for handling.

[@mannski7269]

This car needs a manual option, period. Mini are you listening? Great review by the way. Carfection should have 2million subs, let's all help them get there.

[@drivingthought5983]

I’d find it hard to overlook the prospect of a Gti Clubsport S for the same money.

[@stevenjalopnik1342]

The taillights are absolutely brilliant. You can’t tell me otherwise

[@R4M_Tommy]

The only good thing in this car

[@the___truth8038]

Actually there are modes, you just didn't find the toggle.

[@luisk6007]

So this is just a quick and expensive ricer from the factory, huh. Great review as always tho!

[@carcareproductssverige]

why all this haters comments about the car, if you don´t have any smart or nice to say i think better be quite. I have 2 Mclarens and 2 mini cooper S and soon 3 Mini including this cool GP3 and have to say that the minis are as fun to drive as the Mclarens specially on a track. it seems that many of the comments here hasn´t understood the meaning of the car and what it is built for. So for all of you who cant afford it or doesn´t understands it please just say nothing. And for you who dont think it is fast enough it made the same time on nurburgring when it came out as the previous Porsche GT3 did. I know for sure i will have many great hours behind that steering wheel.

[@cybercityoedo808]

I love my Mini GP3, I came from a highly modified civic type r and the Mini checks all the boxes. I cannot afford supercars at the moment but the Mini satisfies me so I can focus on trying to working to build my life to where I can afford them someday... But since the Mini is just as fun a supercar... I'm fine just sticking with Minis 😆. Next I want a GP1 and GP2.

[@fast_eddie3441]

Great review as always. What have they done to the JCW 🙄

[@GROUNDHOGRACING]

Nice looking pocket rocket 4 sure! Would like to race it on a swiss mountain road with my 420NM Giulietta😍🤙🏽

[@81Alfetta]

Anyone else get the distinct feeling that the balance of corporate influence over at BMW/Mini is swung a little too heavily toward marketing and away from engineers at the moment?

[@PRG888]

Was it running on pirellis?

[@YellowPinkie]

I guess so many ratios gives such a small change in revs per click on the downshift; perhaps in 'sport' mode it should drop 2 cogs at a time...only, it needs a 'sport' mode...

[@Motorlicius]

Thank god for my Renault megane rs rb8

[@JerryMotorsport]

Oh dear sounds like they concentrated on the wrong things, like looks - such a disappointment

[@Allwayzworkin]

They lost me at "automatic" 🤦‍♂️

[@craigbolton9649]

The original Mini Cooper was and still is an iconic car The “new” mini has never come close with nigh on every one a Cooper of some type with a white roof. And now this. John Cooper must be turning in his grave. ☹️☹️

[@nuibit8868]

I don't think the automatic gearbox would deter me. Prevents money shifts, shifts faster, less sustained redline, and it's more "idiotproof" imo.

[@RockandBox]

The car is basically fake. Mini you are drunk.

[@RealNameNeverUsed]

Boxmix I thought one becomes oneself when drunk?

[@damienhowell3727]

If that mini rides good then the new gr yaris must drive absolutely perfect regardless good review all the same

[@mymohdazrul]

How do you compare with megane RS cup?

[@abhinav1860]

Can you guys please do the new skoda Octavia Vrs?

[@danielchavez7705]

Make a video of the new 911 with manual gearbox pleaseee

[@jryalls]

I feel like they should have made this as wild as they could. Like by giving it the engine and 4WD system of the new M140i and about 330BHP

[@samharper5881]

You'll be able to pay more for that in about 8-12 months.

[@genericallyaccepted]

When are you going to review the C8?

[@maxthrust976]

You’ve convinced me that I need to remove the backseat from my Hyundai Accent.

[@titaniummechanism3214]

Unfortunately that's the way the car industry is going. More looks and less actual driving prowess. Or for example Mercedes muddying the waters by offering low end AMGs. I can't stand to see that.

[@x3mbr]

Would you have this over your Clio 182 on a twisty backroad?

[@CM-mm3sw]

Did you not watch the video

[@williamsebastian88]

Riced from the factory. Nice!

[@jstanbury61]

Does it let you left foot brake I wonder?

[@karolosuchowski5854]

The wheel arches look like what happens if you fast forward 4 years into Mini ownership. They do make great newspaper holders though👍

[@NuckChoris]

Bro 💀💀😂

[@benhill2454]

So Henry, what would you get as an alternative for the same money, new or old?

[@HenryCatchpole]

For this sort of car, it would have to be a Megane R26.R. If I needed slightly more civilised then Golf Clubsport S. Both utterly brilliant.

[@dwade3202]

If I had money, Id go for the vw scirocco R, looks fuckin amazing, 284 hp, what more do you need

[@arda_]

Henry Catchpole No Fiesta ST love, given the size similarities and all? Golf and Megane are a tad bigger.

[@unenthusiast]

Arda Celik The Fiesta is probably a bit too mainstream to compare.

[@derbender9264]

I owned it for a bit more then 8 weeks before I sold it. It’s promising more then it gives to you. A few rounds at Hockenheim and the front tires are done, it’s jumping and hopping for no reason, because it’s not that hard in corners, the transmission feels soft, I would need a quality like a PDK or manual shifter.... for a two seater all day driver it’s still a good offer, as tracktool ...not.

[@garybrown5769]

If you’re type to the buy one of these then all the bad points won’t matter, as you won’t have a clue 🤔

[@AndyC3.0]

My everyday driver is a BMW Z4 I would never normally look at a car like this , however this car is pretty cool looking ! I'd prefer it without the gigantic Wing though, it's just not sophisticated looking. It still looks like something that Ford or Honda would do.

[@bukwok]

any this kind of hot hatchs have good automatic??

[@kamallb4650]

The way he walks. I CANNOT.

[@64Alvis]

Nice intro but your catwalk isn't a patch on Derek Zoolander.

[@g.w.7893]

Great little hatch. They'll sell out.

[@colin5577]

I’ve had two GPs, a Gen 1 and a Gen 2, both from new. The auto box on the new one killed it for me. I was offered a drive the new car yesterday and didn’t even bother.... there was no point.

[@TeaPea111]

Very cool, I like it, always loved the look of the GP, shame about the handling,

[@titaniummechanism3214]

You really love your commas, do you?

[@FireEye-zd4fm]

Sounds similar to the BMW Supra on the inside, same system of sound through the speakers ?

[@giopirmisashvili5514]

Thank you ❤

[@Gairsy08]

You said the steering wheel paddles are 3D printed, are they real metal? What are they made of?

[@Chrissy-H]

Mile you can 3D laser sinter metals, it’s doable.

[@kenlipper874]

A set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss might help tame it a bit.

[@marcussoori]

Can’t wait for a 4WD DCT Mini one day...

[@sodazman]

Is that a 135i with a Mini body kit?

[@ljgr6045]

I don't mind they offer a auto but come on a mini without a manual is just weird, i was wanting this when i found out but when i found out it wasn't manual was a shame, got myself a gti clubsport s now so its not too bad

[@NoahBB]

Looks fantastic but needs so much more work to compete with the CTR...

[@wackyack3165]

Henry - in your opinion what is the max horsepower a front wheel powered car should have - to avoid unacceptable torque-steer?

[@HenryCatchpole]

300bhp/300lb ft is certainly achievable, as various cars have shown. It obviously depends on how the torque is delivered to the wheels as well - a nice linear delivery can make it much easier for the LSD to handle than a very boosted delivery.

[@R4M_Tommy]

The Civic Type R is more powerful that this shitbox and can put down the power no problem

[@obfuscator]

Guess R56 GP2 just went up in price.

[@richardhammond9757]

*This against Yaris GR would be amazing*

[@PureLeeful]

This will appeal to the masses who just like to drive fast in a straight line!

[@WarrenF]

I’m a bit confused why a car in 2020 would have an antenna and not that little fin on the roof.

[@petermgruhn]

Are there any metal wheels that aren't an alloy?

[@geofo60]

After all the hype with the concept car MINI ended up with this ? I remember several people cancelling their orders & asking for their deposits to be refunded once they realised this 3rd version looked like a tart’s handbag 👜 & who could blame them. As an owner of five JCW’s & a GP2, I decided it was time to go & look for an original, unmolested Mk1 Mini Cooper S. My search ended yesterday with a “time machine”, a car with incredible provenance & it’s arriving next week. I could have bought a GP3 for the same price but after almost 50 years I’m going back to my youth and boy oh boy am I a happy man 😀.

[@bluetitan20]

That sounds like a great buy and I'm pretty sure you won't regret it!! At the very least you won't loose too much money on a Mk1 ,this GP3 you definitely would have. I am currently restoring a Mk2 Cooper and hopefully one day it will be finished so I can't wait to get driving it after a very long road of restoring it. Enjoy your original Mk1 Cooper S

[@buckchoi81]

May as well just go with the Civic Type R then. Equally big wings too

[@joshtarte758]

I imagine driving this like the toad would. Fancy cap and crazy speed.

[@davidprodger9694]

Lots of adverse comments from people who will never have the pleasure of driving this FUN little car which is engaging and a brave concept. If you pessimistic people carry on with this attitude to modern car design, all cars will be Silver and Bland

[@davidprodger9694]

anglovirtual NO, spot the guy who had the pleasure of driving one!

[@Subie370]

@anglovirtual yes let's promote car companies to not make any exciting limited run cars.....

[@bukwok]

front break disc looks so big.?

[@romanko382]

well done!!!

[@davidprodger9694]

Roman Ko Whilst I think your opinion is valid, this limited production car was specified for the track which this car is and was marketed accordingly for, there are lots of JCW’s available for those that want a road car!

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Which is better this GP or a mk7.5 golf R with great suspension (coilovers, fsb/rsb, etc)?

[@Subie370]

Do you want 1 in 3000 collectors car or generic see one every 10 minute car?

[@Joe-eg7ml]

@@Subie370 I want a faster car. I have several special editions like S2 exige cup car and A90 LE and really don't care for special edition mini

[@Subie370]

@@Joe-eg7ml you're probably better off with a golf then

[@tamasszabo8824]

What happened to FtLoc?

[@gavinmillar9687]

OK pete.... so u explain the automatic diff locks in unnecessary..... switch it off and actually drive it.... also tge aero of wheel arches will give extra down force and its not a strut brace as u say its just a brace to stiff up the middle of car wich is most flexible

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

I love my R53: supercharged, 6 speed manual that have ceased to exist.