Is the 2021 Mini Cooper JCW GP a Good Mini? - Two Take

The 2021 Mini Cooper JCW GP is the most powerful Mini Cooper yet, and by a big margin. But is it too serious? Has it gained road course speed but lost something in the process? Zack and Matt hit a twisty road to find out.
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[@TheSmokingTire]

What do you all think of the new Mini JCW GP?

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

the first one bmw made was ok the rest since then are ridiculous - a "mini" is now bigger than a focus due to the american market....

[@swanblake]

Automatic only garbage.

[@kidjef]

Another atrocious design from the current BMW design team also responsible for the 4 series hideous grill/front end + auto only = a solid no for me. Which is a shame, as I absolutely loved my 6spd F56 JCW.

[@CLCIII]

I'll take a Civic Type R with a stick.

[@exparrot9074]

Straight up, I think you guys sold me on a Veloster N

[@lilsLb88]

On this episode of Zack scares Matt... lol

[@MPPJ1931]

Don't all JCWs have 300 hp now?

[@bokiNYC]

@@MPPJ1931 Naa, I wish...my JCW is supposed to be something like 228 or 231, not sure which is it for the US market...probably the lower number. Still drives fine, I love it, had to put DervTech Stage 1 tune on it and it's even more fun now, it rips for what it is.

[@CJ-ht2fd]

Mark P the Clubman, Countryman, and GP are the only 301hp models and are all Auto only. The F56 JCW is lower HP but has a manual.

[@MPPJ1931]

I meant all JCW's that are 2020's. 2020 Jcw Clubman and jcw countryman's are all 300 hp

[@CJ-ht2fd]

Mark P again the 2020 2-door hardtop and convertible JCWs are not 301hp they are 228hp.

[@crossandshoot796]

I love watching Matt being a terrible passenger lol

[@user-in2en5pv2u]

It's odd when manufacturers make a car aimed at enthusiasts, especially limited production, and bring out a car that seems like they didn't even ask an enthusiast what they would want.

[@STRGHTSXBNZ]

secrecy is more important to them than actually launching a good product

[@NDEEZMiata]

Probably because enthusiasts are incredibly picky and represent a fraction of the market. Whereas they can build this pile and sell it to tons of people with more money than sense. 😂

[@675Films]

That's your mistake right there. It's an "enthusiast" car for people who aren't enthusiasts. All Mini products are like this - brilliantly targeted at the car guy equivalent of a "gamer girl". "I'm a car guy, but I'm not like other car guys. Look at how crazy the dials are! It's British! It's QUIRKY! Like ME!". And then the JCW GP comes along, in very small numbers of course, as a way to strengthen the perceived performance authenticity of the brand for the majority of people who buy regular Minis. When their wife's boyfriend brings up Ring times, they can nod knowingly and say "Oh yeah, the Nurburb Ring. They took a Mini to the Nurburb and it did really good. Super good racing wins. I'm really into car stuff." The car is excellent at what it was designed to do. The problem is, if you're watching this video, the car most likely wasn't meant for you.

[@ericxueAAA]

That's what BMW does, they confidently launched the lung grills on the 4 series. It is just like Michelin star restaurant chefs never asking what the customers want.

[@Chris-hw4mq]

I loved the mini with the supercharger this is a dull 2 series

[@TheChesten]

I've watched one takes for a while, but I've never really seen Matt ride shot gun and look so scared / uncomfortable, it's hilarious!!

[@CJ-ht2fd]

You should watch their ride in the V6 Super Cooper....

[@Bittertokken]

It always feels faster In the passenger seat

[@ishmaelpeavy4507]

he looked high to me lol idk

[@zackklapman3569]

@@CJ-ht2fd That car was bananas.

[@robmanueb.]

Kid was haulin

[@Tcflohr]

R53 was one of my favorite cars I've owned. Super neutral through the turns, made all my GTIs feel like mini vans. Intake, pulley, injectors, and it was so much fun

[@vyrnmn]

Also, these should be called "double take"

[@DouEditz]

Good movie

[@abalakrishnan4152]

By that logic, the regular ones should be called single take

[@sarahdell4042]

The price and that transmission 🤮 Veloster N with performance pack is only 30k, not 35.

[@TheARJ15]

and you can find them for under $30k too which is nuts

[@Talynen]

Yeah the N cars are the best value in hot hatches atm.

[@TheARJ15]

FlyHy I drove one when shopping for my latest car and while the interior felt a little cramped and wasn’t the nicest especially compared to the type r, that thing was an absolute riot to drive

[@WoodAndSteel92]

Even after they bring out the automatic trans option in 2021 with all the new features, it MIGHT reach 35K if you fully load it. Which just goes to show how incredible the value is for a Veloster N.

[@Sandals-WithSocks]

Agreed you'd be a maniac to buy this over the N

[@michaellu853]

14:15 the performance package adds +$2100 which puts the price just under 30k for Veloster N

[@RaiderTheGhost]

Yea when Matt said $35k for PP Veloster N I was like hold up. A lot of cars with PP are selling at dealerships for around $27k. Those things are a tune away from having the same or more power than this. Hard pass.

[@noyoucanthavemyhandle]

Thanks for mentioning this. I think the Veloster N is pretty good value at 30, but at 35 Id start to look else where like the type R.

[@nfo1776]

It's so sad what's happened to Mini. I have an '06 JCW, and when it's working well, it's superb. But I would never buy another one, especially the current gen. Chinese knockoff is all too right. But it makes sense that Mini has given up on maintaining the ethos that made it popular when BMW has done the same.

[@Trendyflute]

Frank Stephenson, the designer of the R53 Mini, and Gordon Murray both identify cars they love...and then the next gen they say "the money men get to it, make it bigger, softer, heavier, try to make it more to more people and they ruin it". Over and over...good design succeeds, that attracts the attention of the money men, then they ruin it and you have to go elsewhere to find good design that hasn't been ruined by money men yet.

[@greatcolor]

I'm so glad Matt touched on that awful front end. It's fucking hideous lol.

[@toothferrin]

I love this! Please do more of these “dual takes.” They remind me of some Canadians car reviewer twins, except for people that care more about the driving experience.

[@devinbaker8707]

Don't you dare besmirch those Canadians they are a treasure, lol.

[@toothferrin]

Devin Baker haha no doubt! Theyre great! But there will be no visor tests here lol

[@Duaneoca]

I’m currently a happy R53 owner. I had high hopes for the mini electric, but they spoiled it with the range. It makes me happy to hear that you prefer the 06 over modern minis. Even after 16 years and 220k miles I still think my mini is fantastic. :)

[@verdict1163]

Love these two-takes. The interaction brings so much more to these little reviews, IMO.

[@Booka3141]

Weird engine sound, not in a good way. It sounds like PS1 Gran Turismo.

[@ryn0287]

emissions restrictions...

[@MatthewGaither]

Mostly fake noise. I used bimmercode to turn it off in my Countryman JCW and the natural car sound is actually pretty good for a turbo 4. Quiet while puttering around but quite aggressive with "barks" from the exhaust when you get on it.

[@driftpnw8964]

The 2 takes are 🔥🔥

[@zecc81]

Definitely curious about your experience in a "regular" Cooper S or JCW, hopefully with a manual. The value isn't great new, but I bought a used '16 Cooper S manual at 36k mi with 10 months on the warranty for 17k. A few select tweaks, like a beefy rear sway bar that makes it tripod, and it's been a great fun car on back roads, plus plenty of torque to maintain good pace on wider roads too, but torque steer has been a non issue. I turned off the simulationed engine noise immediately, and added an exhaust for fun and they actually sound pretty decent opened up. Test drove a Veloster N a couple times too, great car, but I like tinkering, so went used and the Cooper S had a lot of potential at the depreciated price point. F series cars have so far been way more reliable than 07-14, we'll see.

[@MatthewGaither]

I think you did good!

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

These ones with both of y'all still so good. Matt has the most personality when he's just giggling in the passenger seat

[@jryalls]

I’d have a Civic Type R, a Golf GTI TCR, a Focus ST or a i30 N over one of these. Maybe even a Megane RS

[@alexmylin3442]

don't forget about a alpine a110 S

[@hairychesticles1]

at its heart its still a shitty mini just with big breaks and a body kit. i would take every other hot hatch over this tbh.

[@jryalls]

Gandalf721 there’s thousands for sale here in the UK

[@jryalls]

Alex Mylin It’s not really in the same category of car.

[@majbabovic5364]

Megane RS most certainly

[@HansBrodiAutomotive]

Zack and Matt doing reviews together is crazy good!

[@EGMedia1]

They still haven't solved the tramlining! At least the suspension isn't crashy. Great video as always guys, spat my coffee at the TV packing comment hahaha

[@NoahBB]

Zack kills the one takes! Two take is the next evolution. More enjoyable getting two different views and more of a dialogue.

[@basementality4924]

I just bought my chalk white 2020 Veloster N with the performance package. Paid 26k. Also doesn’t have pretty much any torque steer and can get Very stiff in sport +, actually too stiff. Idk who is going to buy this 40k hot wheels car.

[@EthanJonesEthanJones]

They have been completely sold out. I tried to buy one and all the allocations had been filled and was put on a waiting list.

[@TakushiMotorIdeas808]

“Hey look a bunny” 😂😂😂😂 love when it’s the Matt and Zack show

[@jeremiahshields7827]

They shouldnt listen to people that complain about its size, it's a damn mini. If anything they should continue its small size and just focus on making it better for cheaper or much better for some extra change. Get a focus or Golf if you want something bigger imo....which isn't shit.

[@adamhove2858]

Fun fact: the interior in the 2014-18/19 F chassis Minis is way nicer. There was some decontenting that happened for the ‘19-20 model year. The one-piece molded plastic door panels were the biggest giveaway. Also, seeing this has further proven to me that the S is the sweet spot for the F56.

[@jamesbaggaley1460]

You can still get optional door trim. They removed the larger Idrive dial.

[@jd71]

This road is great cause it takes ya to the Sandstone Trailhead which is such a great hike up to Allen. I MISS THIS HIKE AND ROAD SO MUCH. Great vid boys!

[@johnpearson492]

I had a 2013 Mini S with every desirable GP and JCW part on it. I also added a Quaife LSD and maxed the camber adjustment. It was the most capable FWD car I've ever experienced. The manual transmission was a peach, the turbo 4 pulled real hard after the playful lag was overcome. It had so much character. When I owned my Mini, I had a current gen Mini as a loaner three times. The best one was the manual 3 cylinder. It was best driven in eco mode where the silly fake engine noise turned off and you could actually hear the real engine sing. The other ones were S models, they were bland, especially with the auto. When I was shopping for my Mini, I test drove an R56 and F56 back to back, I loved how much more raw the R56 felt and how much smaller it felt. I was prepared that day to order an brand new F56 JCW, and walked away disappointed with the new Mini.

[@DomBounty]

I'll take the R56 JCW with GP2 diffuser and stage 2 tune on it over this any day

[@xtrabadnuke8067]

DomBounty Finally a man with some sense

[@DomBounty]

@@xtrabadnuke8067 I'm slightly bias, as that is what I have HAHAHA

[@Halomaster4life1]

@@DomBounty Currently rocking an R55 JCW with a melted cat 😎😂.

[@blankblankblankify]

Hey I think the 2 Takes are the best content on this channel but it would be even better if you put the interior cam in one of the lower corners

[@R3LF13]

I have an 06 Mini Cooper and currently want a Veloster N, so it may be obvious that I agree with everything said here, but I probably would have been even harsher - a mini with delayed inputs and a slushbox is hardly a Mini at all. This car not having a manual is inexcusable.

[@vyrnmn]

That road looks amazing

[@reeseth2176]

Overpriced and over styled, overall it’s disappointing to say the least. And it’s NOT MANUAL WTF MINI !

[@BrendanEvan]

These are facts

[@tunanocrust2642]

Toyota "Look we can ruin a legendary car by offering an auto only" Mini "Hold me beer..." Side note, cars under 500hp should come with a manual options always

[@LitleBear]

Couldn't agree more. Who is this for?

[@Jackinacox]

add to that bmw reliability

[@DouEditz]

@@tunanocrust2642 Thank God you are not in charge. Some people arent trying to be boy racers all the time just like the rumble ans the tumble through corners on the way home or to work. Weekend cars mate look it up.

[@0Tanker0]

Type R MSRP is 37,000, Veloster N with package is 30,000, it's a pretty big difference in price, this cooper is just way out there.

[@lindvi0r]

I still remember driving b roads in near San Jose and running into a convoy of GP minis years and years ago. It was so much fun, they were all very spirited, and watching those things fly through corners is always a good time. But I have to say, even watching the video, I can almost see the mushiness they're referring to. Why not give this thing a manual?

[@TonezzUK]

That nervous laugh from Matt going at the first corner without touching the brakes! Haha

[@savancleveland7756]

I love seeing videos where they are both driving and reviewing the cars. I'd much prefer being this over separated content

[@deaftoned450]

Video just started and I already want more two takes.

[@LTrejo91]

It's unanimously settled. These videos shall now be called "one /& or double- takes". Good job 👏 Matt and Zach 👍👌!

[@LTrejo91]

Or "two-take"

[@ronjaspappa]

Soooo the guy in the background when you start driving at about 2 min is taking a leak? 😂

[@zackklapman3569]

He's looking at his camera but it def looks like he's peeing.

[@dragospahontu]

California

[@Shabec2982]

Finally an honest review on this thing. I like the car but like most things new and exclusive people get swept up in that and the actual truth gets hidden. Love the review and the honesty of it guys.

[@davidd4531]

Very fair review. I own a modified R53, and haven driven all JCW versions I agree that the R53 remains king of them all.

[@mizaqenyad4269]

Owned an r53, “upgraded” to the r56 and let my brother have the r53.... 6 months later I’ve reclaimed my r53, sold the 56, and started modding the thing. Absolutely zero regrets. R53 is king, even when is fucked up and not running right.

[@JL-rd9bq]

Knowledgeable car guys, fun to watch.

[@orbion2]

Focus RS money for Fiesta ST performance. Haha! Very well put.

[@stevelouie5928]

I had a 2015 F56 and it was dead reliable. It got totaled and I would definitely buy one again. For 45k, I think that is a bargain.

[@crowntug]

More two takes please!

[@davidprodger9694]

They are missing the point ,, The automatic clutch / gearbox set up is similar to a dual clutch hence downshift up shift is always in gear

[@danielgillrup9518]

This thing is a fail. I have a 2012 Cooper S and have no interest in this car whatsoever. $10k+ too expensive.

[@Globbs]

Agreed, 2012 R55 S here. If you can't get a manual and auto is trash, and the throttle response is bad, then why is this the enthusiast halo mini?

[@kelvinlau7286]

Yup. Glad i didn't trade my GP2 for this.

[@jamesbaggaley1460]

This is good value for the amount of changes they made to the standard JCW. Trust me, they will make no money selling these cars, with a different drive train and bespoke panels, homologation for such a short production run.

[@hairychesticles1]

@@jamesbaggaley1460 this has absolute crap value when compared to any other hot hatch on the market. you are paying for the name and the looks more than anything with this car and def not the build quality. having good value for having more differences then the regular JCW doesnt say much. this car new is used bmw m2 money and even then used low mile bmw m2s are thousands cheaper. i would have a much better opinion of the car if it was like 35k and came with a dct. those "bespoke" panels are just lipstick on a pig

[@wolfgt12]

Mom felt the same. Owns a 2012 Cooper S in manual, drove a maybe 17-18 manual jcw. Has driven every auto mini. I think she'd take any manual mini over an auto.

[@bbkangs]

I am a MINI enthusiast. I have a 2015 cooper S that I upgraded with JCW tune and a few other goodies. I absolutely love it. It’s a manual transmission and I’ve even beaten Hyundai Veloster N in a drag race. The MINI is more luxurious than the Veloster which has a little to do with it being more expensive. With all that being said... the GP3 is still a let down for me. My two main issues are that it only comes in automatic and that the exhaust is NOWHERE NEAR as loud or as fun as my cooper S with JCW tune. I am glad I didn’t preorder one of these =/

[@dubiousmike]

Type N with the performance package can be found for 28 and change, though some dealers might be marking up in your area

[@burrogrande]

Two things this should have: Manual gearbox ✖ Great sound ✖ I30N/VelosterN i.e. drives like a bigger R56 and sounds apart

[@topdeadcenter9396]

More two takes please!!

[@slaWterCH]

What a road! Shame I missed it during my last driving visit. Next time!

[@alberttsakanikas663]

I’ll take the Civic Type R over that.

[@pedrorodrigueztube]

A mk7 GTI would be better value unless for some reason you want the fwd exclusively. Civic TR better a Golf R or 370z

[@alberttsakanikas663]

R Rod if I want something more refined I’d go with the Golf R. Plus the AWD works great

[@gky3019]

who wouldnt... at 45k this thing is a terrible deal.

[@samadrid6321]

Yes, get Toyota or Honda over this Mini/BMW trash.

[@bansi1]

Love the happy Gilmore quote!

[@bakedzizi]

I feel like you didn't have the car in sport mode. You have to move the trans lever to manual and hit the sport mode button

[@con1989]

lines up for a launch by the speed limit sign haha!

[@metamuse42]

Feel like you all should call this a Double Take. Double Take = Zack & Matt giving their take. Two Take = Two cars in one video driven by either Matt or Zack

[@jacksmoke3731]

It looks as if Matt's been taking driving lessons. Nice driving Matt!!

[@matthijs3134]

I’ve had the 2013 one with the VSA Peugeot engine.. Had to rebuild the entire engine well below 100k.. hope this engine lasts a bit longer

[@mlhj83]

"I'm going to turn this knob... you tell me whether you feel anything"

[@omeryldz8264]

Wow road is awesome! Bet riding bike through that canyon would be epic. Where is it tho?

[@TheSmokingTire]

Western Malibu

[@charlesshamseldin9555]

Man, do I love when I get the Klap!! Zack and Matt doubleteam review ftw. Bonus: Zack and Matt try to escape the box canyon in Perfection in 'Tremors: Smoking Tire Edition' at 6:12

[@AgroAaronFpv]

I was just quoted 28k for a Veloster N with performance pack. FYI

[@donzonic]

Thats a no brainer!

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

Hey Matt and Zack ! Can you guys ask the owners what their plans for their car is ? I believe it would be very interesting to see what's possibly in store for the vehicles we see.

[@garyw1971]

Is this the same gp we get in the UK ? Cos watching this it seems like you drove it with the hand brake on...🤔

[@dannynoriega181]

Are y’all going to do a review of the new Clubman JCW ?

[@fragu123]

Transmission is a show stopper, no matter the rest....

[@erickroll6373]

More 2 takes please

[@DeShawnaldTrump]

Dude Zack is fucking FLYING

[@boston16wrx7]

Miss the R53!!!!

[@colin5577]

I’ve had two GPs and was a really early customer on the Gen1. I loved it. With this one..? No manual = No interest. Which sucks... I had the concept as my screensaver for months.

[@iantownsend500]

I think you should test the new Mini electric. Drives really well but the range isn’t the best at 130 mile

[@azbavenger24]

More videos of Zack scaring Matt pls

[@tomasmartinez3936]

Little sycamore canyon road... gets super thin and sketchy about 2 miles in but still so much fun!

[@succulentchinesemeal5682]

Thank you!

[@swanblake]

Veloster N with performance package is $30k keep and $28k real world procing. Civic Type R is $37k before markup. Veloster sounds better than bother the Type R and the JCW GP as well

[@richardjames1014]

What area are you testing this Mini? This area looks really nice and peaceful.

[@jamiegoddard1899]

Try a new manual JCW. I’ve daily driven one for the last 2 years and it’s awesome. 235 hp through the front wheels is the sweet spot for that chassis.

[@kidjef]

Absolutely loved mine as a daily driver for the past two years (before someone rear ended / totalled it..)

[@jamiegoddard1899]

Jef P. Ouch 😓

[@donzonic]

Looks like the GP shifts slower than the JCW auto? Zach drove the JCW and looked thrilled... but it was a manual.

[@Neptune8]

When it comes to the carbon sides , if mini would have molded the tops into the fenders and left the gap for aerodynamics (to look like some sort of mini super car) would have been sweet. To me it looks more like an afterthought with the way they are now

[@Kenny-vs4pr]

When this first was announced and I had my 2012 Countryman S ALL4 I was ecstatic that this was becoming a thing. Now that I can see a b-road test of this car I'm extremely disappointed by it's transmission being very slushbox and still having that typical BMW-mushy throttle response. Makes me glad I went with a 2019 MX5 over a 3rd gen JCW

[@louie1086]

I own a 2013 cooper s but is it wrong that I like fighting the steering wheel when stepping on it? 😳

[@ElTurfStuff]

Should try the Clubman JCW. Same power, better response for some reason.

[@bign3ck]

Never beat the R53 supercharged gp1, it's just so good at thrills delivery. And that supercharged whining 🤣

[@BrendanEvan]

Two Take= WIN

[@bazejwianecki9054]

Are you gonna drive the base one?

[@Yan7001978]

Way to go Zack, nice ride for Matt😆

[@The87por924]

6:24 damn Shooter McGavin

[@dragospahontu]

These guys are so much better than The Straight Pipes.

[@koenigsegg1237456789]

the straight pipes appeal to nerds and casuals.. the smoking tire is more for nerds.. hence the straight pipes are over a million subscribers in a relatively short amount of time.. sad but true

[@pauldenney6968]

Kind of apple to oranges there. They have a consistent format of what they talk about. These are just sorta freestyled.

[@arminabdi]

I watch almost all videos from both channels and I feel like watching both gives me a better understanding. I mean if I'm going to buy a new car I wanna know if the infotainment sucks.

[@pedrorodrigueztube]

The best thing is the one take mode

[@omegaslast]

Yuri spends an enormous amount of time filming and doing post production. If you put in hard work on a VIDEO content platform it does indeed get noticed.

[@yoda-1551]

I wish I had roads like this near where I live, empty as that too.

[@kingkong_style]

That intro made me think my KZbin app was glitching out for a second lol

[@gothops154]

I would imagine you can get this same engine in a JCW/S by just doing a tune or swapping some parts from the JCW Clubman/Countryman. As far as I understand the 300hp engine in the GP is the same as the JCW clubman/countryman. I guess they only put it in a special Cooper bc that amount of power overwhelms the front wheels, whereas the Clubman/Countryman have AWD. So a regular consumer looking for a Cooper S/JCW (more so the S buyers) wouldn’t know what it is, how to handle it, and would complain a bunch

[@bokiNYC]

Yea if it has the same b48 engine and same size turbo it should be possible...the only thing I remember was an issue on higher hp tuned b48's were the weak pistons? I could be wrong...

[@evalonious]

Good morning sirs!

[@cooperlane7147]

4:06 went full Joe Rogan for a second there... even the laugh sounds like Joe

[@TheHowhurl]

Where's this road located? It's really good

[@YouRedix]

I propose a name TwinTake. Kinda like Twin Turbos, kinda like an Intake, too :)

[@Lockyoriginal1]

I actually own one (number 963) here in the uk and from experience it’s great and can’t wait to get it on a track (defo this year), people call everyone and everything but as l say from my experience they are great 😁😁😁🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@dragospahontu]

I do like the Type R looks more

[@XavierGoncalves89]

Do all canyon roads have only double yellow lines? How are people supposed to overtake each other?

[@markyb3575]

I feel like this is a troll... but you cannot overtake safely on a road with no straights longer than 50 meters.

[@XavierGoncalves89]

@@markyb3575 I agree that this very twisty road shouldn't allow for overtakes, but the other roads that Matt uses to test high horsepower cars are littered with them

[@jareknowak8712]

I wish, You could test the strongest inline 3 cylinder version.

[@boston16wrx7]

Sad, Mini has lost there way

[@slickman5969]

their

[@bign3ck]

Safety and environmental Regulations have killed it too.