Road test - MINI John Cooper Works

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The first-generation MINI Cooper S fitted with the John Cooper Works kit earned a reputation for its giant-killing performance. So how does the ultimate factory version of the British-built German baby shape up? We find out.

Why John Cooper Works?
John Cooper Works dealer and factory performance upgrades were available from The Cooper Car Company in East Preston for the first-generation BMW MINI. BMW bought the rights to the John Cooper Works name in 2006 and this time round, the JCW is being sold as a model in its own right.

Under bonnet changes
The biggest changes for the MINI JCW are underneath the bonnet. The standard 175bhp, 1.6-litre turbo from the Cooper S is given a workover, with a revised cylinder head, new pistons, more boost and a completely new exhaust which crackles and pops on the overun. The result of these changes is 208bhp, with 260Nm of torque (rising to 280Nm with the overboost function) yet the combined consumption is still only 40.9mpg.

Exterior and interior changes
It maybe based on the MINI Challenge track car, but just the special JCW badging, aero body kit and unique 17-inch alloy wheels differentiate this car from a Cooper S. Inside, the changes are harder to spot with the piano black dashboard trim, JCW kick plates, a 160mph speedo and a six-speed gearknob in red lettering.

Switchable traction control
New technology for the JCW includes switchable traction control, or Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) in BMW-speak. The system works like a mechanical limited slip differential. It can be left on for maximum stability, turned off partially for more wheelspin or completely deactivated for track fun.

What's it like to drive?
The Cooper S chassis copes with the extra power very well. The handling is entertaining and the steering, quick and accurate. Straight line performance is very impressive and the MINI JCW never feels less than very rapid. This is a driver's car and urges you to push it harder and harder, with the reassurance of the biggest brakes ever fitted on a MINI. Manufactured by Brembo, they give excellent stopping power.