MINI JCW: Sibling rivalry

The new F56 MINI John Cooper Works represents the current peak of the MINI performance mountain. Sitting at the top of the range in terms of power (170kW) and price (from $47,400 for the manual), this third-generation JCW also boasts impressive equipment levels. But can this on-paper prowess match the hardcore 2013 Works GP2 for driving fun?

With its combination of specification and straight-line promise, there’s a lot to like about the F56 MINI John Cooper Works… Even before you’ve even seen it in the flesh.

For this third-generation JCW, MINI has plumped for power. Using the latest Cooper S’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as a base, the JCW extracts 170kW from 5200-6000rpm; 29kW up on the Cooper S.

Even more impressively, it pumps 320Nm from only 1250rpm and remains on that plateau until 4800rpm shows on the tachometer. That’s 40Nm more twist than the Cooper S, in part thanks to new JCW-specific turbocharger, pistons and exhaust system.

For the record, the updated 2.0-litre is the most powerful production engine ever seen in a MINI.

As you’d expect, the increased power comes at a price. The new JCW hits showrooms priced from $47,400 (plus on-road costs) for the six-speed manual transmission variant ($10,450 above the Cooper S manual), or $49,950 for the six-speed ‘Steptronic’ self-shifter employed in the tested example; a $9555 increase.

Besides the engine spec, the JCW gains significant standard equipment, highlighted by 18-inch light alloy road wheels (standard-fit in Australia, and fitted with run-flat tyres), Brembo brake package, dynamic damper control, head-up display and sports seating.

DAB+ digital radio and an 8.8-inch centre touchscreen with split-screen capability, sat-nav and reversing camera are standard and there are also front and rear parking sensors, park distance control and LED headlamps fitted.

Despite that comprehensive equipment suite, MINI engineers have built on the advanced lightweight construction of the latest MINI range to achieve an unladen weight of 1220kg (auto) or 1205kg (manual) – competitive in the modern premium hot hatch space.

There’s little doubt that the JCW hits high marks for performance and practicality. But can its dynamic package match our favourite hot MINI, the 2013 Works GP2, on a gnarly country road?

Stripped out and firmly focused, the limited-edition GP2 eschewed many creature comforts in favour of outright response.

Only 55 of the global 2000-strong production run made it to Australia, but if that sounds piffling, consider that local demand achieved that figure; we were only set for 30 at the initial Works GP2 announcement.

Outside, the Works GP2’s racing bent is clearly on-show. There’s a carbon rear wing, diffuser section, side skirts and aggressive front-end treatment highlighted by the bright red, hungry brake ducts.

The red theme continues with massive Brembo brake calipers peaking out from behind the flow-formed 17-inch alloys. Beyond the aesthetically-obvious enhancements, there’s also under-body panelling to aid aero and manually-adjustable suspension, which offers three distinct settings.

The interior follows the edgy Works GP theme. A massive, brace (red, of course) occupies the space where a second seating row normally resides, aiding stiffness and response. There are no navigation or fancy parking sensors here, but there is a slick six-speed manual gearshift, and a ‘GP’ driving mode switch for even rawer response. Indeed, perhaps the only sop to occupant comfort in the 1160kg (unladen) beastie is the pair of heated Recaro seats.

Underbonnet, there’s a 160kW iteration of the previous MINI Cooper S’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot. But while it moves close to the latest JCW on peak power, its torque output of 260Nm (or 280Nm on overboost) falls well short.

For all this tinkering, Works GP buyers were asked to part with $56,900 (plus on-road costs). What price exclusivity?

On approach, the new JCW’s purpose is well-defined by its specific alloy wheel and aero package, the front clip being particularly aggressive. Flip the door handle and (switchable) ambient lighting welcomes you.

Specific John Cooper Works sports seats offer firm side bolstering and good adjustment, but the relocation of the classic MINI speedometer from the centre console to a more mainstream behind-wheel location ceases a much-loved tradition.

Still, the large circular console section now houses an 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen and its surround adds its own lighting character. For example, turning the dual-zone climate control temperature dial clockwise shifts the strip lighting from blue to red.

There’s a barking depth to the 2.0 litre’s engine note as you hit the start button before it settles to a comfortable idle. The Servotronic auto shifter allows for manual gate shifting, as well as providing access (at its base) to one of three MINI drive modes in the JCW; Green, Mid and Sport. The option to shift via steering wheel-mounted paddles is also available.

The gearbox itself is a pleasure to use, with none of the initial creep that can affect the dual-clutch transmissions found in some JCW opposition, but all of the energy when asking for crisp upshifts. It should also be applauded for delivering a ‘proper’ manual mode, refusing to change-up or down until instructed to (unless you slow to a crawl), though oddly the automated rev-blip on downshifts lacks acoustic aggression and doesn’t really aid engine braking.

Being able to hold a longer gear, especially in the greasy conditions we encountered during our test, assists in maximising the JCW’s traction and strong torque delivery.

At times, there’s almost too much muscle in the lower gears as the tyres and electronic differential trickery work hard to put that grunt down; traction is at a premium and a limited-slip differential would be welcome, especially in the wet. You soon learn to attack corners a gear higher and use the torque. This tactic has the JCW hooking out of corners with purpose… And easily pulling away from the Works GP2.

Comfortable enough in Green mode, the JCW’s best ride/handling compromise on Aussie back roads is the appropriately-named ‘Mid’. It automatically sharpens damping, throttle and steering response to a fine balance, although run-flat tyre noise continues to be an issue at highway speeds.

Brief forays into Sport offer stiffness close to – but not at – the Works GP level, even in its own middle setting. Sport biases each parameter towards immediacy, though its incessant tautness is best suited to the smooth confines of a racetrack, and the electrically-assisted steering’s artificial weighting dilutes the feedback present in Mid.

Braking, thanks to those bespoke Brembos, is strong and consistent.

Slipping back into the hunkered-down Works GP2 – seat heaters on – there’s an immediate rawness felt through its controls.

The six-speed manual’s shift action is as sweet as anything on-sale today and the ratios well-chosen, adding to the racer vibe as crackles emanate from the central exhausts.

There’s decent throttle response, but the Works GP lacks that shove-in-the-back torque of its younger sibling.

Instead, it’s the ride that will send you to the chiropractor. Never less than resolutely firm, the Works GP still finds purchase over bumpy surfaces, although it can run out of suspension travel on larger bumps. The very same bumps are soaked by the JCW.

Mostly, however, the Works GP has you doing your best split watermelon impression with its ferocious steering response, interaction and litheness. In period, it was referred to as a go-kart, but the Works GP is actually more subtle than that.

What’s more surprising is that the new JCW can blend GP2 levels of back-road pace without resorting to racecar rudiments… And you can even keep the rear seat.

This latest hot MINI’s cracking engine, electronically-adjustable driving modes and sheer fun factor seems to hit the bullseye… A mix of modern convenience with genuine back-road enjoyment.

Thanks must go to ClubMini (Peter Williams in particular) and member Anthony Gomm for the loan of his immaculate Works GP2

2015 MINI Cooper JCW pricing and specifications:
Price: $49,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Output: 170kW/320Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (EU claim)
CO2: 133g/km (EU claim)
Safety Rating: Not yet rated (MINI Cooper, four star (ANCAP))

Related reading:

>> MINI Cooper JCW 2015 Track Test

>> John Cooper: A MINI story
>> MINI JCW is auto-only... for now
>>

Video

>> MINI’s with the works