The MINI JCW Review | Is it as fun as it looks? | Driven+

[@bonestorm9109]

When you own a car you don’t stare at the tach when you’re driving. You learn what redline is by sound and feel.

[@Simonchrismasdoherty]

You don't look at a rev counter to change gear 😂

[@teggsy2165]

The massive media screen centre dash lighting can act as your huge rev counter or other functions and colours can be configured. You can use your ears to change gear too as it will be hard to over rev any modern car with the rev limiters we have fitted these days,car will hit the rev limiter to protect the engine unless somebody is daft enough to map out the feature.

[@J1N5]

agreed, also you can hear when you need to shift without reading the actual rpm

[@galpy8990]

Genuinely struggling to believe this production quality is from a channel with 5k subs. Unreal stuff, well done.

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you! That’s very kind of you 😃

[@pdnpatrickmitchell691]

In Sport mode, the rev counter appears in the heads-up display, along with the gear you're in.

[@DrivenPlus]

Didn’t see this… will have a look

[@pdnpatrickmitchell691]

@@DrivenPlus If you don't see it, it can be added using Bimmercode, but the JCW should have come already set that way. You have to add it on the Cooper S.

[@BBQ_T_Bone]

Can also change the light in the center display to be the rev counter instead of the same color as the ambient lighting. Go into the settings and lighting.

[@dubbadude]

As said above, in sport mode the rev counter displays clearly in the HUD or central rim LED. Agree on heavy steering in sport mode, so I personally prefer Mid mode and paddle shift. Same performance nicer feel. PS. Superb car btw.

[@JohnCarlyle]

Rev counter in the HUD is an option in the menus.

[@Oplix]

Looks, refinement, and sportiness perfectly define the third generation MINI.

[@just_swartz]

Stop putting the cam straight to you we wanna see the front and the speedometer Man

[@Thuds593]

Why does it make you erect ?

[@hahasosedgee]

okay fed😭😭😭

[@Oplix]

Mate I believe you were using the firmer Dynamic Damper setting. The wheel will feel like that when that's on. In regular mode, it's very comfortable. That can be changed in the Sport Mode settings.

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks for the info!

[@FabMartiniTube]

Exactly, I wouldn't say it will be more comfortable :) but yeah, in Sport mode my F56 get more stiff.

[@TheEasilydistracted9]

I personally like that when I activate my sport mode, it tightens up the steering a nice touch. When I'm having fun in the car, I want that extra sense of control. Not a big fan of the super loose, gliding power steering most modern cars have though, so take this with a grain of salt as a whole.

[@joshedw116]

slight error, these cars have a steptronic 8 speed, not a zf 8 speed.

[@Rage40001]

wheels are 18" not 17" you can read it from tyre when you are already next to it... gearbox is not ZF... weak prep for review...

[@zzokre_9228]

don't talk if u dont know sh*t, standard wheels are 17's u pay extra for 18's

[@peewhee22]

I’ve never heard someone complain about how heavy a steering wheel feels. Seems like the only issue you had which is a personal preference. I’ve had 4 minis and they all were S or JCW and all spectacular.

[@ady1435]

Naa I drove one today the steeering is wayyyy to heavy. Stupidly heavy

[@muratbeyaz6882]

Sure about the ZF gearbox ? Or is it an AISIN ?

[@kona328WH]

It's aisin. This guy has no clue

[@roskes]

Loved the sound of the engine. Thanks, great review!

[@DrivenPlus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@classicminicooper]

These cars are junk. Over hyped and not worth their price tag So please. Just sell me them for a far undervalued number. Thx (For context this was a joke for all the people that will read the 1st line and atrack in the comments with their Cooper S cars defending a JCW)

[@JohnCarlyle]

Great review, spot on about the appalling rev counter, it's better when it's slightly dark outside and the needle lighting is on.

[@DrivenPlus]

Totally agree

[@MoldyWormStudios]

Thinking of buying one of these not too bothered about the stiffness but I will be going for a manual, not a fan of flappy paddles. Love the stock pops and bangs

[@DrivenPlus]

Manual good choice 👍

[@FabMartiniTube]

The sound doesn't change externally, unless you have the JCW pro kit and you press a button on a separate remote control. In sport mode you just turn on the fake sound from the speakers. Same for the steering that get heavier in sport mode like the adaptive suspensions. If you keep the Mid and the Eco mode the steering and suspensions are more comfortable and you don't have the fake sounds from the speakers.

[@eagta3347]

I disabled the Active sound with coding.

[@FabMartiniTube]

@@eagta3347Well, I barely hear it. Some people hate it but for me, it’s very subtle on my 2017 Cooper s.

[@casperskestrel]

Bought one new in June 2022 and sold it in April 2023. Liked everything about it apart from the lack of grip in the wet. Would probably have kept it if it was AWD.

[@FabMartiniTube]

Maybe you needed a better tires. Never had a problem.

[@mikegirard4388]

Its an auto with a turbocharged engine tuned more for bottom end… do the RPMS really matter much… not really. Even with a manual and B38 I barely ever look at it. But I dont disagree, the tach would have been more “fun” as the center gauge and make the digital readout larger.

[@GarroLegionofOne]

Got those seats they are very comfortable

[@BettyBarry-u2m]

Perez Patricia Brown Jessica Brown Jennifer

[@McCarthyLetitia-u5w]

Brown Paul Moore Scott Moore Carol

[@neilbaggott410]

Ps. Those are 18 inch alloys 😉

[@Simonchrismasdoherty]

Show me a car that corners better.....

[@deljules1383]

It rides too high, need to get BC racing coilovers makes a huge difference even when driving it normal just simply deals with all of the bad roads we have plus when pushing it hard wow the difference is amazing

[@DorethaGubbins-c8p]

Douglas Causeway

[@kona328WH]

Ditch the crap factory tires. And it's not a ZF gearbox.

[@edhjjyang]

The wheels are 18'' IMO

[@jonosmith4919]

R Kid just bought a 2024 model all singing and Dancing told him RS3 but ya beat a 1100 clubman we RC 30 WE LONG BRANCH MANIFOLD EXSUST SYSTEM LOL CHEERS FOR THIS VIDEO SON ME PERSONALLY YA CAN'T DRIVE FOR SH.T LOL❤

[@JonHorgan-hd5wm]

Remember Tottenham?

[@johnlavery6116]

I have this in the same colour but in the sport model...awesome car,..very fast....Ireland.

[@potatochobit]

Put it in normal mode to change the steering feel.

[@j8ssp]

The rev counter does go in the heads up display?! .. mine does

[@JonHorgan-hd5wm]

Just got the 24 plate black magic cooper s with all the jcw options. Twin turbo 2ltr. Lovely car

[@DrivenPlus]

Nice!

[@jonosmith4919]

Rev counter r we Deaf son lol😂

[@ericcarson342]

I'm assuming the suspension is not adjustable. Is the Mini S a softer suspension setup? How about seats, less comfortable than the 's' ?

[@hunterbrantley9974]

When comparing the jcw to the s you need to know if you are gonna modify the car get the s if your gonna leave it alone get the jcw

[@JonHorgan-hd5wm]

I’ve got 6he cooper s but got the premium extra package, has the jcw seats sounds (harman kardon } and all the other extras , the seats are good in my opinion though. Would worry too much

[@peterbustin2683]

Ive got a 2019 MCS, and im thinking about the JCW, but that gearbox...

[@DrivenPlus]

Go for the manual if the auto doesn’t interest you?

[@peterbustin2683]

@@DrivenPlus You can’t get one!

[@dazaasusgamer2713]

What year is this as I’m hearing pops and bangs from exhaust which they have done their best to remove now?

[@JohnCarlyle]

Number plate gives the age away, 2019 ;-)

[@Crylhound]

Best car ❤

[@tapster15]

Good review, thanks!! :o)

[@DrivenPlus]

Thank you!

[@vasilisconstantinides7950]

Only 228hp? Such a nice car but seems a bit underpowered when compared to other hot hatches

[@mahmudswalkman]

Mini is also lighter than ST or GTI

[@samuelhall2397]

Would you be interested in the GP3? Let me know if so.

[@DrivenPlus]

Yes definitely! 🤩

[@samuelhall2397]

@@DrivenPlus Great will message you on instagram 👍

[@GarroLegionofOne]

Short answer, YES!

[@ugghhhyoutubeisawful646]

own the car for a week and if u cant know ur rpm within 100 ur doin it wrong

[@nesw0]

mini but great , thank you

[@DrivenPlus]

You’re welcome

[@eddie_cooper]

Needs rotiform BLQ wheels 🛞 👌🏼

[@Oplix]

Those are actually 18 inch wheels. They don't make 17's for JCW's because they barely clear the brakes with 18's that stick out.

[@GarroLegionofOne]

JCW come standard with 17’s wheels, pay extra for 18’s.Mine has 17’s

[@zzokre_9228]

cap, they are 17's

[@Oplix]

I find it very odd you're in a RHD MINI that displays speed in MPH.

[@DrivenPlus]

Normal in UK

[@JQUICK21]

LOL the World's Worst Cars with the World's Worst Engines, interiors and components

[@TheExStig]

Your wife's boyfriend got one?

[@JQUICK21]

@@TheExStigLMAO your feelings hurt?😂

[@JonHorgan-hd5wm]

@@JQUICK21 it’s better than my focus ST all round with a decent tune.

[@xxxmarekxxx505]

SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!