2021 Mini Cooper JCW track review

Can the hottest Mini hack it on track?

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 031
Gallery25
7.0/10Score

Things we like

  • Torquey engine
  • Strong brakes
  • Chuckable size

Not so much

  • Inert chassis
  • Should be quicker
  • Expensive

The name John Cooper is synonymous with competition. As a tuning guru in the 1960s, his work helped the Mini succeed on the world’s racetracks and rally stages, so it only seemed right that we examine whether the latest Mini Cooper JCW lives up to the legend.

It’s been around a few years now, the current generation of JCW, and while the interior and technology has had a number of updates, the mechanical specification has remained the same.

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 026
25

Not that there’s much to complain about with a 170kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in a car that weighs just 1220kg when, as here, fitted with the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox. Classic big-engine, small-car philosophy.

It backs this up with whopper front stoppers – 335mm discs with four-piston calipers – 18-inch wheels with Pirelli rubber and your typical strut-front/multi-link rear suspension set-up.

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 027
25

Certainly, when it comes to stopping and going, the JCW does the business. The engine produces peak torque from just 1250rpm and that spread continues all the way to 6000rpm.

Combined with eight close ratios there is tremendous flexibility and while the outright punch isn’t outrageous – MINI claims 6.1sec from 0-100km/h – it still feels quick enough.

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 056
25

There’s no limited-slip diff but traction is pretty good, especially as the engine’s breadth makes third an option on corner exit. Conversely, jumping on the brake pedal almost stands the JCW on its nose, allowing for very late braking.

Its size pays dividends around the tight Bryant Park circuit and while the steering wheel rim is typically BMW fat, its action is responsive and accurate. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really come together into a cohesive whole.

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 070
25

The chassis lacks character or any sense of fun on track. All the constituent parts are there but when you turn into a corner the front end is the fuse and there isn’t really anything you can do about it.

Previous Minis had a feisty, lively personality – almost to a fault at times – but they were always jinking and dancing around. This current JCW is much more serious, refusing to entertain the idea of rear-end involvement.

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 059
25

As a result, you drive the Mini from point to point and it’s stable and confidence-inspiring in the process, but it doesn’t give you any options and as a result, there’s no real reward or incentive to push harder.

Nor is it particularly quick. Compared to the Hyundai i30 N DCT, a car of very similar price and identical power-to-weight ratio, the Cooper JCW trailed by more than three seconds around the short Bryant Park lap.

Motor Reviews C Brunelli 211125 MINI JCW 014
25

It’s not bad by any means, with a strong engine, powerful brakes and decent grip, but it doesn’t have the playfulness of its predecessors. It needs more John Cooper Works magic.

Leaderboard

RTR Ford Mustang:1:06.0sec
Audi RS5 Coupe:1:06.7sec
Lexus RC F Track Edition:1:06.8sec
Hyundai i30 N DCT1:08.7sec
MINI Cooper JCW:1:11.8sec

Specifications

Body:3-door, 4-seat hatch
Drive:front-wheel
Engine:1998cc inline-4cyl, DOHC, 16v, turbo
Bore/stroke:82.0 x 94.6mm
Compression:10.2:1
Power:170kW @ 5200-6000rpm
Torque:320Nm @ 1250-4800rpm
Weight:1220kg
Power/weight:139kW/tonne
Transmission:8-speed automatic
Suspension:struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar (f); multi-links, coil springs, anti-roll bar (r)
L/W/H:3872/1727/1414mm
Wheelbase:2495mm
Tracks:1485mm (f/r)
Steering:electrically assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes:335mm ventilated discs, 4-piston calipers (f); 300mm solid discs, single-piston calipers (r)
Wheels:18 x 7.0-inch (f/r)
Tyres:205/40 R18 (f/r); Pirelli P7 Cinturato
Price:$54,850 + ORC
7.0/10Score

Things we like

  • Torquey engine
  • Strong brakes
  • Chuckable size

Not so much

  • Inert chassis
  • Should be quicker
  • Expensive
Scott Newman
Contributor
Cristian Brunelli
Photography
Josh Robinson
Videography
John-Paul Beirouty
Videography
Matthew Bourke
Videography

COMMENTS

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.