MINI John Cooper Works (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
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

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2 out of 5

Buying new

A discount on a MINI JCW is very unlikely as dealers will be able to sell any they can get their hands on at list price. However, it might be worth turning the lack of floor mats into a deal-breaker - £50 for something that should be standard in any car, let alone one costing more than £20,000 - seems very tight-fisted.

3 out of 5

Buying used

JCW models will be far rarer than other versions of the MINI so demand will be quite high, which will shore up prices. However, it's important to establish what you're looking at - it is possible to buy an aftermarket John Cooper Works upgrade pack for the MINI Cooper S, which isn't the same car as the MINI John Cooper Works, and has 192bhp instead of 211bhp.

  • Interior MINI John Cooper Works (08 on)

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See 9 used MINI John Cooper Workss for sale, starting at £9,990

5 out of 5

Selling

With only limited numbers available in the UK, it should be easy to find a buyer and the MINI badge has a strong following. The JCW is well equipped compared to standard MINI's, but buyers may prefer cars with the Chili Pack. The convertible is especially desirable but enthusiasts will prefer the hatch.