New 2021 Mini Cooper JCW First Drive Review *Abarth Should Be Scared Of This!*

[@sbaddison]

In terms of kit, build, handling etc, it’s been miles ahead of the 500 for years.

[@StefABtv]

Yeah much more refined but not as chuckable. If anything the Abarth feels more like the go kart

[@vinny30]

and better looking

[@Techjunkiero]

Got myself a 2019 JWC and I couldn’t be more happier. The road noise you mention is thanks to the runflat tires, once you change them to normal tires the cabin is very quite. Such a fun car to drive!

[@topgearmad12]

Pre Lci versions with low mileage can get picked up quite cheap nowadays, and they sound better too 😊 I’ve had my 2016 JCW for a year or so now, such a great car and I highly recommend it🤘

[@harapaki3412]

cheap not likely! I paid 23k NZD for mine

[@JackHennessey51]

Literally chopping in my 595 Abarth for a brand new one of these and after watching this I’m even more excited

[@64bakes]

Great vid! As a 595 Comp owner (had it 7 months since new), I tested a non-JCW Cooper S beforehand and did like it. It did feel a bit grown up at the time, but judging by the JCW it seems a lot more fun! One thing to note though, the dealer service from Fiat has been appalling in my experience. I also own an older BMW which still goes to the local main dealer, and the service is excellent. So if anything, long-term ownership of a Mini is probably a more pleasant experience!

[@Keyboardbeatz]

I've only driven a mini cooper 1.6 stock and loved it, can imagine a more powerful one being epic

[@PetrolPed]

Great vid Bud. Wish I could have been there 😢

[@StefABtv]

Missed you mate! But look forward to seeing you Tuesday!

[@neiltaylor513]

Can one of you kindly do a vid on the declaration made in the video that BMW will last make a Mini ICE in 2025. I’ve being looking at upgraded my current old JCW to a new one, but such roadmaps leave me nervous. No one wants to spend a lot of money on a car that the value is suddenly going to be non-existent, or will it go the other way, will people rush to buy the last ICE JCWs. Maybe it’s worth waiting what happens with the forthcoming JCW electric. Regards.

[@Sa3Tv]

I love these things! One of my good friends has a brand new JCW and the handling is amazing! Keep up the great work stef!

[@James-vw8dv]

Great review with nice comparisons to the 595. Having owned a turismo and a comp I’d love another abarth but as you say they haven’t moved things on. This new jcw looks like it’s from the future!

[@cliveturner7643]

Recently bought a pre Lci Cooper S, and it's brilliant! Moved from a M140i, which was blisteringly quick, but the Mini is incredible fun, still sounds good, makes some pops and burbles, and you can use all it's power without ending up in prison!

[@2spoons]

All JCW's are a riot............ believe me.... whee've had x4 JCW's and when I bought the Misses one I was surprised so I bought one myself ..... A JCW with a Chilli Pack.... a very loud and fun to drive Countryman - now driving x2 Mini Countryman's both Full JCW's 2 ltr and very punchy

[@8888swatt]

Liked it so much I went with my heart and ordered one (my head is still telling me off). I hope it makes me smile as much as it did you when you were driving it.

[@StefABtv]

I really liked it

[@phillipchandler8862]

Good review Steff. Honest and very informed. I'm not a Mini fan but that is pretty good value for money.

[@StefABtv]

Cheers mate!

[@leeandjancruise]

Only if you buy the 'bobby basic' mine speced out at £38K.

[@neillordsnootyhawhaw812]

Superb video and another cracking JCW. Pity no pop bang crackle from the exhaust, but probably needs to be properly run in before the exhaust sound track starts singing properly.....👍👍👍👍👍

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

I didn't care too much for the Mini until I drove one. Then I just simply had to buy one. They depreciate something shocking so I picked up a great full spec R56S for a bargain. Other cars have come and gone from my fleet over the years, including some V8 muscle cars and a Porsche, and the Mini waves at them with it's silly grin on its face as they depart. This thing puts a smile on my face everytime I take it out, it's like taking a naughty happy puppy for a walk. Even here in Oz driving thousands of Km across the country it's a far better long distance car than you would think. Goes quick enough to embarrass many things far more expensive too. I like my cars but love my Mini like a goofy pet dog. Preference for the Cooper S over the JCW tho, just add a decent exhaust and you're done (Yes, avoid the N14 engine).

[@barrybbenson3879]

Picking mine up on Friday thanks to being influenced by your series of videos on it! Mega little car, can't wait!

[@StefABtv]

Enjoy!!

[@philippesauvie639]

ELECTRIC! shavers, lightbulbs and chairs for anybody that would even suggest that automobiles from here on out should be… especially a mini!

[@jovanpopovic4287]

There is no doubt this is a better car then an Abarth but it’s a lot more expensive tho 🤷🏼‍♂️ Abarth is still a bang for the buck

[@tredfxman]

Just found a used JCW from 2015 for 20K GBP in brittish racing green here in sweden. Looked real pretty 🙂 Went bout 3500 miles. Worth the penny?

[@StefABtv]

Agree if you go for a 180 comp from a few years back as they are the same car as the new ones. But if you are buying new and on pcp you can get both cars for similar monthly payments and the mini gives more in every department except character chuckability in my opinion.

[@jovanpopovic4287]

@@StefABtv yea thats true 1-2 year old abarths are a bargain, new ones not so much

[@jovanpopovic4287]

@nh73 love it when people appreciate cheaper fun cars and not just the latest and the greatest luxury cars

[@carcreationsyt]

Thanks for the review, love the car!

[@daniel-j-harris]

Just ordered one, cannot wait!

[@Will78137]

The same for me ! 6 month to wait in France, it's long :)

[@ReTrospectiveVids]

FINALLY collected mine yesterday - just uploaded a little preview :D

[@fuhjrvr7474]

I love this new design

[@cooperSpartan117]

Having owned 2 abarths, a 500 and 595 I now currently own a F56 mini cooper S. The mini beats the abarth in every aspect instead of exhaust noise. The fact abarth still sell the 500 even after 13 years is ridiculous. Its fun yeah but so so outdated. A specced up comp being almost 30k is a joke

[@StefABtv]

Yeah I’ve said the Abarth platform needs something different for a while and they haven’t delivered where mini have

[@miniworxx2016]

Get it mapped with the pops and bangs

[@DavidBrown-bc4fu]

Please can you do a race between the JCW and Cooper S? It would be interesting to see if the performance gap has increased with the change of BHP on the cooper S

[@Naspirated]

I actually own a 2017 JCW. my friend has a similar 2016 Cooper S and honestly the difference in a race is very very minimal

[@Deathstaroya]

great cars to tune - my '16 JCW 310hp 450nw - for our small Scottish roads its a weapon :D

[@shankarbalan3813]

This car just flies! Amazing handling and road grip. Great fun to drive. The perfect daily driver for any enthusiast. But these cost 55000 Pounds equivalent in India, bought brand new. Terrible taxes here. Hence I m very pleased to hang on to my old 2012 Cooper S R56 because it is now fully depreciated. But even maintaining it here in India is expensive….

[@StefABtv]

Mega little cars the JCW’s

[@toyota420xp]

Jcws ride to rough

[@insooleedat1asiandude]

@@toyota420xp mini's need adaptive dampers with the bigger rims, especially on 18s+

[@McLarenJA]

If you get the new 18 plate Pre July it doesn't have the GPF so is louder and pops and bangs :D

[@daniel-j-harris]

Got mine last week, unreal car! Only issue is they didn't fit the Harman Kardon HiFi I asked for because there's a worldwide shortage and hoped I wouldn't notice. So now having to chase them for compensation.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

My girlfriends 2010 R56 Diesel manual (yea, yawn) just clocked 500,000km and still on the original clutch, pump, injectors, turbo. Blows my mind. A CEL came on at 400,000km and BMW Au had to email Germany to find out what the code meant. Ended up being some service thing. When they asked BMW why this code isn't listed they said no one ever expected anyone to actually go that far. 🤣 We're thinking it might just be the highest mileage R56 on the planet now.

[@StefABtv]

That’s solid miles! 😂

[@jorgefaleromazziotti1174]

Woooow you should make a video or something

[@abu4321]

I have a pre lci cooper s and like you said trying to plan out my next car with a view for the electric changes from all companies. I think I want one last petrol infused drug! I've had my eye on a 7.5 Golf R or like Petrol Ped a Clubman JCW. But think I will change things on my cooper S to keep it fresh and review the landscape in a year or two

[@StefABtv]

We all want that last Petrol drug before it’s too late 😂😂

[@nprinslo]

Great vid Stef 👌

[@flight.5133]

the main reason for the road noise is runflats, makes it alot louder.

[@slashnburn9234]

Ordered mine yesterday, upgrading from my 2018 Cooper S. Very excited for it!

[@StefABtv]

Awesome!!

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Love ❤️ the New JCW from Oz.

[@tupapau1241]

Abarth FTW 🏴‍☠️

[@lorenzoanselmi5301]

I would like to suggest using a microphone for the next videos. probably the most beautiful car in my opinion, great video.

[@johngoodall7097]

Stef I think you quite like this Mini😁😁😁🚘🚘🚘 you always give honest reviews and you and Petrolped should get together and have a bit of a race in Mini,s before you hand it back or Buy one😁😁😁🚘🚘🚘!!! See you on the next one Cheers Stef.

[@StefABtv]

Thanks buddy! Yep I really did like it :)

[@littleaddi3118]

Hey Stef I love your vids man. Great honest review on the JCW vs. Abarth. I never driven a Mini before lol but I’ve owned an Abarth 500 for 3 years. I love Abarth period but yes they definitely should be scared now. They are very fun cars & a blast to drive & throw around on twisty roads, the exhaust notes, just the character is beautiful & amazing. I definitely do feel like they are falling behind now though & is definitely time for an upgrade. More hp & 6spd manual would definitely be great. I do remember you saying they’re having trouble breaking 200 stock hp & complying with emission standards at the same time but hopefully Abarth will figure it all out soon. I’m not giving up on them lol🦂💪!!!

[@phillingham3167]

Love these cars 5000, I had a manual box, great fun all day long, broke my heart when I sold it due to a trapped nerve in my hip, these cars are so well built, my friend has the fiat Arbrath, no comparison to be honest, the fiat is such a hard ride and so narrow..

[@johnpaterson5155]

Great video Stef. Saw facelift models at local mini dealer for the first time last week lovely, liked the new nose, they did well with that. Loved the BRG colour on the electric and the new grey colour. Fun fact, dealer mentioned that due to chip shortages, mini not going to supply new cars with digital dash now (except electric). Don’t know if this is true or dealer speak. I think I would be bummed at that, fresh facelift but old dials. Anyway look forward to your new content.

[@ReTrospectiveVids]

My White Silver Metallic JCW will be ready for collection, here in South Africa, next Friday!

[@jeremyrigden9200]

Stef we were at CM on Wednesday, left about one-thirty wondered if you might have been there, great to see you at Hatfield house.

[@StefABtv]

I was there on the Thursday 🙌 you too late didn’t get to chat much but nice seeing you!

[@hingwy94]

"Abarth should be quite worried about this car". I have just recently bought one of these, it arrives next month. Trading my Abarth as part of the deal lol!

[@AR-zr1om]

I completely agree with your abarth comment in 2012 I got one for my 21st and loved it but it’s not moved on. The 500 electric is leagues ahead of the mini electric I honestly think if hey stuck a 180bhp electric motor in the 500 electric they could have a game changer

[@GadgetsBoy]

Great video

[@Ghamcar]

Fantastic vid , you really are a great KZbinr

[@StefABtv]

Thank you

[@legionluciano]

Awesome review and a very good point!

[@casperskestrel]

Ordered one after watching this and many other reviews over the last 6 months. Have to wait until May for delivery. Disappointed they no longer come with digital dash due to chip shortage.

[@lindsaygreen40]

Ive owned one for 4 mounts now Previous Cooper s 2018 stage one tuned Do think the JCW is better Love the auto box and sound Seats are good too

[@jackbywatertherunner]

Love the review! Can’t wait to get mine! Any pops and bangs from the exhaust?!

[@ENGBriseB]

I would prefer the manual more involving in the JWC with the 231bhp. And before people say its small it's a Mini 3 door.

[@ashlybrown5341]

So wish I could afford to buy one love it . Also so glad not gone 3 cylinder hate um

[@leeandjancruise]

Great review Stef I really enjoyed it. I have a 2019 JCW white/silver, red roof/mirrors and all the toys now with this new edition the new trim does look better but I would have liked some more horses under that bonnet, the digital speedo? Not keen on that, think MINI could have done better?

[@StefABtv]

Thanks mate

[@jaumecordoba6762]

Nice review any exhaust video on the way?

[@ripwang1352]

Compare to your old A45, which would you pick?

[@StefABtv]

A45

[@lorrainebeckett281]

Great review thank you, love this car so much. Does anyone know if spotlights can be added to the new model as they’ve changed the front ?

[@StefABtv]

I’m sure you can do it as an aftermarket mod

[@lorrainebeckett281]

@@StefABtv Thank you !

[@keithevans5667]

Nice ..... giving Petrolped a run for the money..... sounds great.

[@StefABtv]

Cheers bud!

[@madpadi]

Are you converted? 😁I still love both the Abarth and Mini Will have both early next year

[@StefABtv]

Haha always likes the JCW tbh. Disappointed that Abarth haven’t brought anything new to the table. I still love the brand and that’s prob why i get frustrated lol

[@Schnitzeljunge]

Do you have to press the unlock button the whole time to get into d r and n or how does this automatic gearshifter work?

[@Vwteapot]

Nice one stef got to say I've been very disappointed with my abarth 595 Turismo and I've px it after only 9 mths and if I didn't want a mile muncher I would have been looking at a mini.

[@BSE75]

i always enjoy your content. thank you :-) gp3 wing on this :P

[@CHARLIEGOUGH888]

Does it pop and bang in Sport mode?

[@jaycochrane1220]

Great car love my cooper s sport

[@MrDaveNG]

Good thing we have both the JCW and the Abarth 595c Competizione 😜. Both are awesome cars, both are great fun!

[@staying_spooky]

I had an abarth. It was slow…. Sounded amazing however (especially with the catless straight pipe I had)

[@traploco7093]

I got a old clubman and love it but now I want the new jcw one

[@johnpidgeon5810]

Good review

[@Kiwi_Dave]

Stef great review, what's your opinion on this 2021 Cooper vs the Clubman JCW - I personally prefer the Cooper but with the wife and one young child Clubman might be the practical choice. Enjoying your channel, all the best!

[@StefABtv]

Clubman JCW is a beast with the m135i engine.

[@Without3]

How can you compare 2 different car? Abarth come out stock with 1.4 turbo 185hp the best engine option) and 260nm this one is 2.0 turbo 231hp and 280nm there are 46hp different o la good thing for abarth vs mini is -300kg weight…

[@dc3565]

Can you turn the engine speaker noise off and has anyone got a video of it without??

[@divelitewannabe361]

In your opinion which cars get more attention? 595 or Mini JCW with pro Exhaust?

[@imakren9495]

How does this compare on a daily to a standard cooper s?

[@deltafoxtrot2]

Great review of a superb car, however I am not too keen on the updated MINI pointed snout. I prefer the R53 stubby nose shape.

[@miniworxx2016]

You'll never beat a R53 for it's a real drivers car, proper Go-Kart

[@GBFeb72]

Manufacturers are obsessed with piano black, my M135i has far too much that is endlessly getting the micro fibre treatment...

[@StefABtv]

Haha yep!

[@epsilon_aquarii]

Exellent video, i am massively interested in getting one of these and i have test drove one today. You say you got this car with the auto box for the on the road price of £28,600? how did you manage that? It looks like you have alot of optional extras on that car?

[@tredfxman]

Just found a used JCW from 2015 for 20K in brittish racing green here in sweden. Looked real pretty 🙂 Went bout 3500 miles. Worth the penny?

[@StefABtv]

Solid cars

[@tredfxman]

@@StefABtv Yup just wish it was a 5 or 6 cyl. Beemer relative though.

[@apathyboy5306]

Do they still have a manual jcw?

[@the___truth8038]

Wrong colour. That front end is a massive improvement 😁

[@shiraz1736]

Still way to big, R53 has great dimensions.

[@dimitris.androutsopoulos]

Very good video. Do you prefer DCT transmission ,or 6 speed manual? Thank you.

[@StefABtv]

Thanks. I actually prefer the DCT but I’m getting lazy now 😂 the manual is still great but for day too day I would take the auto

[@johnlavery6116]

I have a mini cooper sport 2019 1.5 turbo, and the clutch is very stiff......is this normal ?.

[@vpnconsult]

Not a big fan of the exhaust note,

[@adrianbarrett4544]

Don’t forget Cooper isn’t a model it’s a trim level 😉

[@Sweepdog700]

Just discovered you can get a manual version of this, you think it would be better?

[@edhjjyang]

Is current JCW comfortable enough for practical daily use?

[@StefABtv]

It is

[@roykenyon886]

Should now be offering the JCW with the option of the 300bhp engine from the GP, now that would be worth the extra money.

[@stuartbaker4479]

Another great video on a great car...still prefer an abarth, even just for the individualism...😁

[@drjmediauk]

I've had my 2016 JCW for about 9 months and have the Abarth itch again (have owned 2 early Essesse's). This time a Competizione. Would you Stef?

[@StefABtv]

For the fun factor yeah the Abarth, the mini’s give a lot more creature comforts and a better seating position

[@drjmediauk]

@@StefABtv agreed entirely. I drove the Competizione a few times and just thought the daily driving and creature comforts the JCW is better. Think I'll stick with it.

[@nayanshankar755]

Looking to buy one. Does the copper s absorb bumps better than JCW? Does dampers offer a smoother ride ?

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Yes it does.

[@jbmectronic4314]

That speedometer though, looks like its from a motorcycle 😁

[@miniworxx2016]

Nice video

[@eletaone]

Apparently (according to the dealer I went to yesterday) the 8.8 screen and digital dash are no longer standard due to the semi conductor shortages. They are only included (even with JCW) with the Nav Plus Pack. I was told that the price has been adjusted to take this in to account. Can anyone confirm?

[@DavidBrown-bc4fu]

That’s correct about the digital dash - I’m not sure about the screen though

[@eletaone]

@@DavidBrown-bc4fu all good. I caved and put my order in yesterday anyway :)

[@ERICtheLATE]

These over the pond uploaders hurt me feels with these not sold in Mid-American-Continent specs. 😭

[@nfsdanz]

Thanks for the review Stef. What did you think of the steering weight ? Is it light enough in mid mode for easy town driving ? (My girlfriend is interested in getting a Cooper S)

[@patherl1]

My mum has been using my f56 as a daily last 3 weeks and loves it. Shes 59 and doesn't have any issues with heavy steering, so I'm sure your girlfriend would manage :)

[@StefABtv]

Yeah it’s very usable mate

[@nfsdanz]

@@patherl1 @Stef ABtv thanks guys :)

[@scottrenton636]

I’m not sure where you can buy the face lifted JCW for £28k, but if you could I reckon I’d be off to my local dealer this afternoon! 😂

[@daniel-j-harris]

From Mini themselves...

[@benny_mc]

That standing start was laggy as....!

[@DavidBrown-bc4fu]

With regards to the Mini Cooper S, does anyone one know how they’ve put the power down to 176bhp yet retained the same 0-62 figures as before? I’m stuck to picking the cooper s in reality due to occasionally needing 5 doors. UPDATE From Mini.... "So yes, there is a decrease in BHP from 192 to 178, but a boost function has now been added to the MINI Cooper S models. This means that a temporary increase in power is available for short periods of time. Therefore the drivability remains very similar to pre-11/20 built vehicles. And it is due to this that the acceleration times remain unchanged

[@chrisfox7460]

Petrol particulate filter.. messing EU scrotes...

[@DavidBrown-bc4fu]

In the tech data from 2020 the engine is listed as 192bhp. The 2021 listing has it as 178bhp. I completely understand that the reduced bhp is due to going from European EU6 to EU6-RDE2 compliance. My question is... the performance figures are identical - How can a drop of 14bhp still give exactly the same torque, 0-60 and top speed figures?! I can see the slight drop in CO2 emissions, which I guess is what the new regulation is all about, but how is performance not affected? Not mechanically inclined (obviously) but could someone who is explain this to me please?

[@latlak]

@@DavidBrown-bc4fu I read about it on a German BMW blog. Apparently it has 178hp all the time, but when temperatures are fine, you can get an 18hp boost, which lasts up to 20 seconds. So in theory, it has 196hp. I really don't know why they didn't clarify this. Never mind, you already found out.

[@DavidBrown-bc4fu]

@@latlak thank you, it was a massive mystery to me before finding out. I’ve ordered one so was a little bit concerned at first

[@caffeineisking8132]

There is absolutely no comparison between this and the abarth for quality. This mini has better quality plastic under the car than the entire dash of an abarth

[@Countrystock]

Want one.......one day 🤞

[@robertlloyd7493]

Plus it has more room for Rolo 😄

[@StefABtv]

That is does

[@Petrolhead_1]

I just had a JCW (auto) test drive and I have an Abarth (manual) . Best quality materials In the JCW but it’s not a better experience than the Abarth. So…Italian Scorpion Wins for me.

[@StefABtv]

Both are great cars