Mat Watson tests the new Mini Cooper JCW: this hot hatch has a big problem

The Mini Cooper JCW is a bit of a unicorn, because it’s the only front-wheel drive, three-door hot hatch with a petrol engine left on the market. But is it any good, or would you be better off buying something second-hand like a Ford Fiesta ST?

Well I spent some time reviewing the new Mini Cooper JCW to find out. There’s plenty to like about this car, but it ultimately left me feeling a bit cold.

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New Mini Cooper JCW: things I like

Let’s start with the positives, because there’s plenty to like about the new Mini Cooper JCW.

1. It looks great

I didn’t really like the way the old Mini JCW looked – it always seemed a bit blobby and overstyled. This new one is a much better-looking thing, and I especially like the rear end with those triangular LED lights.

2. It’s properly quick

The Mini Cooper JCW is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 231hp, and it feels rapid. Sometimes it does struggle to put its power down, but when you get a good launch it’s actually quicker to 60mph than Mini claims.

I managed to do 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, which is over half a second quicker than the official time. This did take me two attempts though, because the first time around the stability control went berserk and killed the power.

3. It’s reasonably practical for its size

I need to preface this by saying the Mini Cooper JCW isn’t going to suit a family of four as an only car, but for a dinky hatchback it’s actually surprisingly spacious. The rear seats are big enough for adults on short journeys, while the boot, despite only being 210 litres in capacity, can fit three carry-on suitcases.

New Mini Cooper JCW: why I was disappointed with this car

I adored the first Mini John Cooper Works from the early 2000s. That 1.6-litre supercharged engine sounded great and it loved to rev, and it handled just like a go-kart. Sadly this new car, despite having a dedicated Go-Kart mode, misses the mark.

It’s not that you can’t drive it quickly. There’s plenty of grip and the engine is more than powerful enough, but the suspension is so firm that it feels like it’s constantly fighting with you. Something like a Toyota GR Yaris is firm, but it starts to work with the road as you go faster. The Mini just throws you around like a ragdoll over every bump.

The aggressive nature of this car does make it feel like an occasion to drive, but day-to-day it would get on your tits – I almost got out with jogger’s nipple after my B-road blast.

I think you should consider the new Mini Cooper JCW. It’s a good-looking and fast hot hatch which handles reasonably well, but if it were my money I’d buy a used Toyota GR Yaris instead.

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