GP 2 Driver Takes F56 JCW for a Spin
Earlier this [month](https://www.motoringfile.com/2015/04/16/2015-mini-john-cooper-works-first-drive-live-on-periscope/), we had a chance to take the F56 John Cooper Works for a quick spin. Unfortunately, test-driving such a car in Boston traffic at 5pm is not the best setup to get a good feel of the most powerful MINI in the current lineup. However, friend of MotoringFile and GP2 owner, John, took the new John Cooper Works for an extended test-drive. Here are his impressions.
**Go**
Power delivery was impressive. Throttle response was instantaneous. This car has plenty of power and big torque. Shifts from the sport/auto transmission were equally quick. While in sport mode the JCW would downshift aggressively while braking. It was quite entertaining. Exhaust note was sporty. The “Active Sound” electronically enhanced exhaust note was noticeably deeper and louder on the JCW, to the point where you were aware of it being artificial.
**Stop**
The large 4 piston Brembo brakes were impressive. Marginally better than the R56 JCW brakes, if not quite up to the level of the GP2. Good feel overall, with decent feedback.
**Turn**
The F56 has BMW-like ride and carved-from-granite solid feel. The additional power and braking capability were somewhat let down by the 17″ all-season tires on the demo car, along with excessive ride height. I lost grip more than once during “spirited” driving in the twisties. Buyers may want to consider 18″ wheels and summer performance tires to better match the rest of the JCW performance package. I would definitely consider lowering the car, possibly with coil over suspension, and upgrade the rear sway bar for better balance.
**Other**
The F56 JCW shares most of the same fundamental features inside/out with the Cooper and Cooper S models. This demo was Thunder Grey with Chili Red roof. A very sharp color combination, though I may be biased. The JCW-specific cloth seats were comfortable. JCW rear wing looks good. Wheel arch flares are molded into the arches, not the tack-on versions found on the GP2.
Overall, this is a car worthy of the JCW badge. I know people have a range of subjective opinions on the looks of the new car, I won’t go into that. As a driver’s car, with a few small tweaks this will be a fun car for anyone to own.
<p>Thank you for this review! I have a JCW in that color combo coming from the factory in 3 weeks (also in Boston), so I’m glad to see someone thinks is a good combo.</p>
<p>I too have one on order in that color and am anxiously awaiting it, though it is a manual so I have a while to go.</p>
<p>I have to say thank you on not going into the looks of the new car. The driving is what I am interested in and you covered that well.</p>
<p>I cannot tell you how many people I have heard say that they would never buy an F56 just because of the tail lights. The tail lights???? Are you kidding me??</p>
<p>Looks are subjective for one thing, but I can honestly say that I don’t think there has ever been a perfect car in my eye, and I agree that the tail lights are a bit out there and with some of the other complaints. There is always something that stands out on a car that I don’t particularly care for, but those things are not going to sway my decision. If they did, I would be doing a lot of walking.</p>
<p>I want to drive the car, not look at it. The people behind me can look at those tail lights as I speed off laughing and having a great time.</p>
<p>It’s not like we are talking about a Pontiac Aztec here.</p>
<p>I, also thought that while short, that this piece was well written. Again, so that we can beat a dead horse, the tail lights and lower grille are NOT going to go away. Maybe with the 2017 or 18 refresh something MIGHT happen, but I don’t think much. Maybe the grille will be tweaked, but the tail lights, with all the government mandates, I think are here to stay.</p>
<p>The one area that I think that MINI has missed the boat with this car, so far is in the suspension department. I can’t understand why MINI doesn’t list the JCW coil over suspension on its sight, or better yet, make it an option from the factory. And also, yes it should be lower.</p>
<p>Other than that, I think that MINI has done a pretty good job on this JCW. With me, next year it’s between this JCW and the Bimmer 2 series. Still too close to call. My wife likes the Bimmer.</p>
<p>That M235i doesn’t have any awkward looking angles, and it’s much more rare than a MINI. I love my R56, but after driving the F56 I’ve decided my next car will have to be a BMW. It’s not just the looks, it’s the feel of the clutch, the size of the car, the interior design that takes away everything that was special about these cars, and finally, the fact that the Cooper S only has a tiny bit more horsepower, yet it’s slower and less fuel efficient than the R56.</p>
<p>Can’t wait to drive the JCW and compare it to the 128i with the Track Handling package.
Btw – <a href="http://www.bimmerfile.com/2014/08/01/bimmerfile-head-to-head-bmw-m235i-vs-bmw-1m/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bimmerfile.com/2014/08/01/bimmerfile-head-to-head-bmw-m235i-vs-bmw-1m/</a></p>