MINI John Cooper Works (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 28 July 2008

Last Updated: 04 August 2009

The John Cooper Works is the ultimate model in the MINI line-up and adds genuine high-performance and extreme looks to the already impressive car. Available in all three bodystyles - hatch, convertible and Clubman - the JCW models use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine as the Cooper and Cooper S models but tuned to deliver 211bhp. This gives it impressive pace and thanks to tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and sharper steering, it's even more fun to drive than the standard MINI - itself a great handling car. Fuel economy of around 40mpg and a superb value servicing package available from MINI dealers, means it needn't be expensive to run either.

4.5 out of 5

Other MINI reviews

4.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£22,455 - £29,925

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Used price range:

£10,568 - £25,368

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High performance with strong fuel economy, good ride comfort as well as sharp handling

Hatchback models aren't very spacious for passengers or luggage

Driving & Performance

Performance

5 out of 5
"All JCW models uses the same turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 211bhp and huge reserves of low down..."
Handling

4.5 out of 5
"The MINI's pin-sharp responses translate well to the JCW, with wider tyres increasing grip and an..."

Comfort

Comfort

3.5 out of 5
"Passengers fare differently depending on whether the hatchback or Clubman version is chosen. But the..."
Practicality

3 out of 5
"The hatchback version of the MINI John Cooper Works will feel small and cramped compared to rivals..."
Equipment

3.5 out of 5
"The John Cooper Works is the first MINI to come with air conditioning as standard - prior to January..."
Behind the wheel

4 out of 5
"The interior of the JCW has some distinguishing features over other MINIs, including a glossy black..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"Although more than £20,000 is expensive for a small car, the fact that the official fuel consumption..."
Green credentials

3 out of 5
"Carbon dioxide emissions of 165g/km are at the high end of the small car scale, but very low for one..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"Standard electronic stability control and six airbags ensure the John Cooper Works is one of the..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"We've heard of no major reliability problems with this second-generation BMW MINI, so the John..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2 out of 5
"A discount on a MINI JCW is very unlikely as dealers will be able to sell any they can get their..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"JCW models will be far rarer than other versions of the MINI so demand will be quite high, which..."
Selling

5 out of 5
"With only limited numbers available in the UK, it should be easy to find a buyer and the MINI badge..."