MINI John Cooper Works

Nov 20 2008 Andy Richards

THIS blisteringly hot performer truly is a mini marvel.

The MINI John Cooper Works hatch is faster than most of its rivals. It accelerates from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of almost 150mph.

Being capable of those kinds of speeds, you would hardly expect it to be economical too but amazingly, it manages to be frugal. The hatch weighs just 1,130kg and, as such, can achieve 40.4mpg on average.

Emissions are also class-leading and at 165g/km it's very affordable in terms of road tax.

Those kind of stats take your breath almost as much as driving the JCW hatch does.

It truly is a great performer, it handles supremely, has impressive grip and, more important than ever nowadays, it is relatively cheap to run.

The JCW comes in Clubman and hatch form, and a convertible version is planned.

The John Cooper name is an extremely valuable and convenient commodity for BMW and MINI. While other brands search desperately for new ways of marketing their hottest hatches with a series of arcane initials, MINI doesn't have to worry - the name is right there, complete with reputation and motorsport credentials.

Since 2001 the Cooper Car Company in East Preston was offering MINI turning kits and accessories that allowed owners to 'pep up' their Cooper S. In 2006 BMW took over the John Cooper Works name and now it has its own 'super' MINI - a sort of M version of the standard Cooper S.

So the MINI John Cooper Works represents a perfect marriage - an established, popular car maker aligned to the romance and sheer history of a legendary motorsport name.

For the petrol heads, the JCW uses the same 1.6-litre engine as the Cooper S, which is already a very impressive unit, but it has been modified to deliver more power. The S pushes out 175bhp with a maximum torque of 177lb/ft but, with the modified engine, the JCW offers 208bhp with 191lb/ft of torque. Click on the overboost and torque increases to 206lb/ft.

The JCW features dynamic traction control, which increases the tolerance for wheel slippage before stability control kicks in. It means that the stability control only intervenes in extreme circumstances and is particularly useful in the wet or on loose surfaces, or should you drive recklessly.

It also features electronic differential lock control - a new system for MINI. This is similar to a limited slip differential and it means that you can enjoy a sportier driving experience if you want without the hand-holding of stability control. It's such a sexy, fun looking car, with John Cooper Work badges adorning the front and rear and 17-inch cross spoke alloys.

You also get the aero kit with rear spoiler and chromed side indicator grilles, chromed fuel filler cap, chromed door handles and a honeycomb black radiator grille.

The MINI was a top performer in the Euro NCAP crash tests and achieved the maximum five stars for adult occupancy protection.

It's also pretty safe if you are not in the car too: one of the main reasons for the Mini's redesign was the imminent arrival of tough new pedestrian safety legislation that requires space between the bonnet and engine to allow for compression.

You get six airbags - front, side and curtain - as standard. There's also a host of safety systems to help keep you out of trouble: dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, hill assist, electronic brake distribution, corner braking control and anti-lock brakes. There also an Isofix child seat attachment on the rear seat.

The cabin is a little cramped, but what do you expect in a MINI? The seat is also a little too firm for my taste, but, thanks to steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, you can easily find your best driving position.

FAST FACTS

MINI John Cooper Works

Price : £20,995

Mechanical : 208bhp, 1.6-litre, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels

0-62mph : 6.5 secs

Max speed : 148mph

Combined mpg : 40.9

Insurance group : 15

C02 emissions : 149g/km

BiK rating : 16%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 6yrs anti-rust