MINI Cooper JCW track review (inc. lap time!) | MOTOR

The name John Cooper Works is synonymous with competition but does the badge make the latest MINI a track star? MOTOR senior road tester Scott Newman delivers the verdict and sets a lap time in this British hot hatch. Here's the written article link: www.whichcar.com.au/sanity/pr...
MINI Cooper JCW track review video:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Tech highlights
01:23 Driving impressions
10:12 Hot lap
11:32 Conclusion
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[@H8XME]

Its issue is mainly down to rubbish tyres!!!! Knock 2-3 seconds off that time with p/zero or Michelin tyres fitted 👌

[@SharkbaitOhLala]

Yeah agree. I have a JCW and those runflats are rubbish.

[@doriangray2347]

All season runflats is retardville

[@airbusxwb2047]

Great video! I am a JCW owner myself but I am not very happy with the car. The JCW definitely lost what made the JCW special. It's now more of a city car than anything else. You must upgrade the brakes before taking it on any more demanding track such as the Nürburgring. The brakes are done after just one lap. I would suggest Endless pads, braided steel brake lines and racing brake fluid. The suspension is also quite soft as the car shifts and dives a lot in corners and while braking. The engine also has an annoying soft rev limiter which start kicking in at under 6000rpm, which can be very annoying. The engine also overheats if you push it on the limit and starts reducing power... The upgrade that helped me the most is changing to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (215/35/R18). I hope this helps and feel free to comment any questions you have about the car!

[@oldben1800]

I have one, driving on the road only I can totally see all the things you explained. The engine does get hot, I turn the DSC off all the time, it interferes far far too much. The brakes can be very good, but they can also fade easily it seems, the body floats a bit and shifts side to side more than I remember the 06 jcw my uncle had doing. The torque steer is significant, and yea the engine needs tuned to allow freedom

[@airbusxwb2047]

@@oldben1800 You got it spot on, thanks for supporting my findings. I am actually getting rid of this car in favour of a GR Yaris now.

[@pikachu9756]

Would u take this jcw or bmw m140i for daily and occasional mountain road drives

[@airbusxwb2047]

@@pikachu9756 I would take a BMW M140i. Great car, just the manual transmission is a bit too soft and slow for my liking, but thats typical BMW. Otherwise really fun to drive and can be made into an exceptional track car as well if you do wish to put some modifications into it. The engine is also easily tuneable with just a stage 1 software flash and the rear wheel drive platform is very fun in all conditions. And the car is actually really comfortable and practical for everyday use. If you are a very sporty driver, I would try to find one with the LSD option. It does help a lot to make more controlled drifts and better corner exits.

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

@@airbusxwb2047hey man, did you end up getting the Yaris? I owned a second Gen mini S and I loved it. Upgraded it like mad, manic tuned, flames and pops. I miss the car and thinking about another one. Do you think for the go kart feel I should go with another R56 or even the first generation if I get another mini? I was debating the new mini but they felt so much bigger and less go kart like than my car did. Any other thoughts on fun handling cars to buy? 10k range. Thanks.

[@dingohunta9870]

Good vid Would like to see the i20n lap time and also gr Yaris on that exact track for comparison.

[@SuperMBARutgers2013]

Solid review. Well done.

[@motorofficial]

Do you think the latest MINI is a track star? Comment below, and make sure you like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video! You can also read the article here: www.whichcar.com.au/sanity/preview/reviews/2021-mini-cooper-jcw-track-review

[@H8XME]

Please do an other run with decent tyres fitted 🤞💥👌

[@ENGBriseB]

Definitely a Stunning looking car. Would definitely have the manual and maybe 18" wheels with proper tryres especially when you're setting a lap record.

[@Paul-eh9zm]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is simply one man's opinion. There are many more reviews of this car that praise everything about it. I did enjoy watching it but personally I love everything about the car and can not fault it for everyday driving fun. But thanks anyway.

[@andreaperaldo6702]

The Pirelli p7 are not the right tyres for this car. My 2015 Cooper S changed completly when i left the p7 in the shed ;)

[@H8XME]

I agree

[@andrewomotosho3417]

What did you change them for ? If may ask please.

[@TheCrusader200]

0:34 test Hyundai i20N and Fiesta ST!

[@vasilisconstantinides7950]

It's hard to beat a Civic Type R when it comes to FWD hot hatch. Shame because the JCW looks fantastic.

[@edhjjyang]

JCW comes with a stiffer suspension than Mini Cooper S. Is it still comfortable enough for practical daily use?

[@kazino21]

On the standard non adaptive suspension it's a bit hardcore for daily use, but if you get adaptive you get the best of both worlds

[@battlepug3122]

Why is the Mustang first? Didn't the Rallye do a 101.8?

[@motorofficial]

No, completely different track layout. All our leaderboard times are set on the figure eight circuit.

[@Oplix]

It's impossible to have more fun on the used car market in 2023.

[@doriangray2347]

I wish you put on Pilot Sport. Those are all seasons as well :( You do drive like a mofo though

[@dawid5721]

Szukaj sobie frajera gdzieś indziej 😂 może takiego co będzie chciał

[@swanblake]

Fiesta ST and i20 N are superior in everyway. BMW really missed the plot with the latest Cooper and 1 Series

[@the___truth8038]

How can people be this delusional lol

[@CCourter16]

You clearly haven’t sat in these vehicles

[@JK-gn9qi]

lol u jealous blake?

[@airbusxwb2047]

I agree, I own the JCW but it's not a sporty car at all. BMW messed the F56 up... check my other comment for further clarification. The cruise control also randomly decides to brake fully or disengages when the sun is shining at the camera. Useless feature in this car.

[@JK-gn9qi]

@@airbusxwb2047 nah youre not owning one because if you owned one, you wouldnt say crap like this lol