Auto Express Compares the JCW to the Fiesta ST and the Vauxhall VXR
Earlier today our colleagues at [Auto Express](http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/mini/91755/mini-jcw-vs-vauxhall-corsa-vxr-ford-fiesta-st) published a comparison between the new MINI John Cooper Works, the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, and the Ford Fiesta ST. While we don’t get the Vauxhall in the States, this triumvirate of cars appears to be on the shopping list of many hot hatchback enthusiasts across the Pond. Auto Express ranked these three vehicles on a series of attributes and the MINI came in second place. Let’s dive into the detail of the verdict.
With its racing heritage from the sixties and its millions of available configuration combinations, the JCW present a slight advantage over its competitors. In addition to that, the MINI is the only model proposing an auto transmission. For lovers of the clutch pedal like us it doesn’t matter much, but Auto Express appreciates the effort on MINI’s part. With a 0-60mph of 5.7 seconds, the JCW also fares much better than the Ford (6.4) and the Vauxhall (6.5). Although, the AT probably helps the MINI in that regard.
On the not so great side, Auto Express criticizes the price tag of the MINI. Prospective shoppers not familiar with the brand may have a hard time assessing the value brought by a $6,000 price difference with the Cooper S. This is even more accentuated when compared to the cheaper Ford and Vauxhall. While based on performance it makes sense to compare these vehicles, our opinion is that MINI and Ford or Vauxhall play in different spaces (niche vs. mass market). It would have been a good idea to throw the Audi S1 in the mix.
In the weeks and months to come, many comparisons involving the new JCW will hit the press, and we can’t wait to read them all. We will also bring you our detailed impressions after the JCW US Press Launch later in July.
<p>I read that earlier and thought the following comment was interesting, about: the “Missing raw charm of its predecessor”. Have to agree! beaten by a Fiesta? ouch!!</p>
<p>There is no shame in coming second to the Fiesta ST, which has consistently been number one, since its launch, in the hot hatch B-segment. However, there is less good news for the JCW, in the form of the Fiesta RS, said to develop at least 250-hp and, most likely, to have 4WD, all for around £22K and so cheaper than the JCW. The forthcoming VW Polo R, based on the same platform as the Audi S1, will also have 4WD, and again will be cheaper than the JCW.</p>
<p>Competition in the hot hatch, B and C segments here in Europe, is both plentiful and ferocious. “Competition improves the breed”, it is said, but does BMW have the political will to embrace 4WD for high performance MINIs, I wonder?</p>
<p>Definitely no shame. The Fiesta ST gets all sorts of accolades. When I decided to get something else and trade in my Mini, the Fiesta ST was on the short list. I ended up going diesel (328d) but on the test drive the Fiesta ST was one sweet ride.</p>
<p>I’ve talked to more than one former MINI owner who has switched to the Fiesta ST and not had any regrets. But Nick is correct, MINI is in a tough spot. The “Premium Compact” means that the competition will always be a bit cheaper, as they don’t claim that all the small cars are premium. And since MINI has a philosophy of building complete cars, they don’t really win on the paper spec comparos. When MINI first came out in 2001/2002, there wasn’t much competition in the market space, but now, that’s far from the case.</p>
<p>I think MINI put itself in a tough spot. The car they introduced in 2001/2002 was brilliant. I think it was improved with the R56, and then with the JCW version. I know it’s called “marketing”, but when they overhype the John Cooper connection and the victories from the 60’s they overdo it, and it borders on bragging. They set themselves high up, and along comes the Fiesta. I’ve been driving a ’09 JCW for over six years and I’m not even close to being tired of it.
I did expect a lot more from Gen 3, and I am disappointed with the way they look. MINI/BMW needs to take a serious look at their Design Dept. And yes, competition improves the breed, so get on with it!</p>
<p>I don’t disagree with you, but the Fiesta and Vauxhall are really ugly. The mini has its problems, but it has good lines as it always has. The proportions of the other two are dreadful.</p>
<p>You’re right!. I see Fiestas all the time and they’re ugly from all angles, and the interiors are not very inviting. We don’t have Vauxhalls here, but they look “generic” in pictures. The MINI has retained the good lines from/since the R50. From a distance it’s still a MINI. As I said, I have a ’09 Hatchback JCW that I drive everyday, and I liked the way it looked from day one. My disappointment is that each year the cars get “busier”, they add more vents, more creases to the sheet metal, over the wheel arches, under the grill, etc.,etc. Like if you can’t improve on it, tack on “Styling Fads” that you see in other cars. Same as the interiors. I haven’t seen the new JCW in person yet, but that center dial with the checkered racing ring on the outside, all the different forms, finishes, materials…… stop it already!. MINI’s Design Department needs to look up Dieter Ram’s “Ten Principals for Good Design” and print it in poster size. MINI deserves much better.</p>
<p>nobody has the nerve, or confidence, to leave the sheetmetal the same for as long as the original mini</p>
<p>Well, in todays competitive world it would hard not to “improve and evolve”. Never mind regs. But even the venerable 911 is constantly being updated. Some years are better than others, and they have released some ugly ones. Can’t remember the year, but those “amoeba headlights”….yuk!. Mini has to evolve. They’ve shown some “MINI” concept cars that looked promising,
and then they drop a bomb!. Look at the “spy photo” of the new Clubman interior shown this week. That’s not even close to what they showed on the “Concept Car” a few months ago, which looked great. It looks more generic with every revision. And those “half-assed tachometers”!?….</p>
<p>Dr. O wrote: “MINI is in a tough spot. The “Premium Compact” means that the competition will always be a bit cheaper,..’</p>
<p>And therein lies part of the problem. In 2001/2002 MINI/BMW did not classify or call the car a “premium compact” When they changed to that philosophy, they set themselves up (against future competition) from their original marketing strategy and philosophy.</p>
<p>While buyers in general do not want “cheap” materials and what quality, the Fiesta, VW and others offer a compromise of both. BMW/MINI have decided that that “premium” (i.e. a higher class of buyers) is more important to them.</p>
<p>I would still pick the personality, charm and new looks of the MINI over a Ford Fiesta , Volkswagen or Fiat…no comparison, no contest. Since I’ve had my 2015 Cooper S I’ve never been so happy to get behind the wheel of a car and drive. I gave my 2009 audi tt roadster to my husband…we’re both happy.</p>
<p>I too like my 15 Cooper S. I looked at a number of other cars from other Mfg but wasn’t enthusiastic by them. Now I don’t do track days or Auto cross, I use my MINI as a daily driver and an occasional motoring event.</p>
<p>There are a few things I don’t care for on the MINI (as a car and the Company) but there were more things I didn’t care for on the other vehicles.</p>
<p>I looked at: Ford Focus, Fiesta, Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra GT, VW GTI, Mazda 3, Audi A3 and a few others. I needed something who’s length was right for my need, had good drive-ability and handling, safety, plus a few other things. And MINI’s don’t look like every other car either </p>
<p>Ford: too many transmission issues, Dart: Trans and engine issues, Elantra – ok but still not convinced on quality of Korean car, VW – made in Mexico (not buying as long as they are), Mazda 3, good but at 177 + inches too long for my needs, same with A3.</p>
<p>I didn’t consider Honda or Toyota (not a fan). Here in the US, those other cars just didn’t meet my needs or had too many issues. While MINI has it’s own issues, the F56 was the best choice for me. The thing I’m not happy with is BMW/MIN as a company and their ongoing approach to things such as going more the way of other car Mfg and getting away from al carte options (Youinfication) and requiring person to get options only via a package, and to heavy on useless tech (also no oil drip stick, silly fuel gauge). Also the whole “premium” marketing (which includes $$$ when added just a few options).</p>
<p>BTW, I have absolutely no issues or problem with the look of the F56 tail lights 🙂 They are fine with me.</p>
<p>We don’t get the two door Fiesta Hatch in the US either.</p>