Mini Cooper JCW 2008 Review

While it is harsh to dismiss the first R53 version of the JCW as not being a success, it wasn't all it could so Mini owner's BMW have improved the breed for the new R56.

The last JCW was more of an retro-fitted parts kit, supplied through the John Cooper Works tuning arm, than a proper Mini model. The new car is the real deal with Mini taking control of the JCW brand and developing the road car - both hatch and Clubman - alongside its Mini Challenge racer.

That means the JCW earns its place at the top of the Mini heap, as the brand’s halo car, above the Cooper and Chilli models.

It is a natural extension to the brand given the strong racing heritage of the original Mini and John Cooper; the man who ran Jack Brabham to two Formula One world titles.

Mini is pushing the links to the Challenge racers hard, and with good reason. The engine is the same one found in the track cars.

The 1.6-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder powerplant produces 155kW and 260Nm; with a further 20Nm available on Overboost. It boasts new pistons, valves, turbochargers, intake and exhaust systems on top of the standard Cooper S engine.

But for all the power, Mini hasn't forgot that the world craves environmentally friendly cars. Fuel economy is an impressive 6.9l/100km for the hatch and 7.0l for the Clubman on the EU cycle and the engine already meets the EU 5 emission standards, that have still to be introduced.

The company has also gone to work on the car's handling and other performance measures. There are upgraded brakes, suspension, gearbox and a recalibrated Dynamic Stability Control system and traction control.

There is also a unique Electronic Diff Lock Control that works when the DSC is switched off.

While the car's has been toughened up, Mini is also offering a range of performance parts to let customers go even further.

Cross-drilled brake discs, an aerodynamic kit that includes a wing and rear diffuser, a strut bar and suspension upgrades are all on the options list.

Also available are interior upgrades that include racing seats, sports steering wheel, carbon fibre gear lever and handbrake and bigger, 18-inch wheels.

The JCW is based on the Chilli S model so the base package for the car is solid.

Prices start at $48,800 for the hatch and $51,300 for the Clubman.

The Cabrio version of the JCW won't hit the roads until the updated soft-top emerges next year. With the basic models due by the second quarter the JCW probably won't land on our shores until the middle of 2009.

Despite starting late in the year Mini Australia is expecting to sell 60 JCWs by the end of 2008 and is targeting 150 in 2009.

ON THE ROAD

What the Mini JCW lacks in style, it makes up in substance.

The biggest criticism of the car is the styling is under-whelming. Sitting inside the car there is almost nothing to really distinguish it from a regular Mini.

Granted the steering wheel is leather, there are sports seats, anthracite roof lining and a 260km/h speedo but they are very subtle touches and don't suggest a premium model. You don't even get special badging unless you pay extra.

But having said that, it is typically comfortable and stylish as we've come to expect from the Mini.

Things are improved on the exterior with 17-inch alloy wheels, bonnet stripes and JCW badges. But again you are left with the feeling that Mini could have taken things further. The optional 18-inch black wheels and aerodynamic kit give the car real presence but come at a price.

For a brand so heavily aware of style it is a surprising element to the JCW.

But while the styling is under done you can make no such criticism of the engine. It is brilliant; capable of pumping out 97kw per litre.

It's small size belies the fact that it is a powerful unit that is capable of taking the car to 238km/h and from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

It's not just the raw power too. It is smooth across the rev range and sounds great when you put your foot down.

The gearbox is also impressive. Despite being beefed up to cope with the extra grunt it retains the same sharp feel of the standard Mini six-speed manual unit.

As you'd expect for a sports model with upgraded suspension the ride is firm. The handling is direct and the JCW provides good feedback to the driver; especially when the Sports mode is engaged. While it can feel harsh on the rougher, open roads it work well on smoother tarmac.

To demonstrate this the launch program for the JCW included a stop-over at the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex for some racetrack laps.

On the track the JCW is impressive. For such a small car it provides big entertainment. The engine comes into its own when there are no speed limits to worry about and the brakes held up well to the punishment the track dished out.

The extra weight made the Clubman less predictable and stable in the rear in the high-speed corners. The hatch had no such problems and lived up to Mini's claims of go-kart like handling.

INSIDE VIEW

Price: Hardtop $48,800, Clubman $51,300

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder, 155kW and 260Nm

Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive

Fuel economy: Hardtop 6.9l/100km, Clubman 7.0l/100km both on combined EU cycle