Another JCW review this time by Paul Mullet at MINI2. Paul really gets into the details of the JCW package and how it compares to the MCS in day to day driving. Here's an excerpt:
“Put simply, this is the best MINI I have had the pleasure to drive so far, and not by any small margin either. It takes the standard MINI Cooper S, a fantastic car already, and gives it a nice healthy shot in the arm. The results are remarkable really. So much so, that I think John Cooper Works have actually achieved their 'bonkers' idea of giving you a 200bhp MINI and still offer you a refined and well mannered drive at the same time.
The thing that really grabs me about the John Cooper Works S is the fact that in every day situations it offers improved driving characteristics over the standard MINI Cooper S, while offering real punch and useable power when you want to have some big, foot to the floor, corner munching, hill eating, fun! In day to day driving I found the car more responsive on pick-up, be it when it's been warmed, or when it's starting from cold in the morning. The car is very smooth, all the way from idle to the rev limit. Any small flat spots have been ironed out, and the power just feels like it's always there if you need it. I cant help feeling, even as a proud Cooper S owner myself, that this is the car that the Cooper S should have been. And maybe that's the biggest failing of this car. It doesn't feel 'raw' or 'aftermarket' in any way shape or form. If you'd not driven an S before, or even if you have, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is how they all should feel.”
You can check out the full review at MINI2. Well done Paul!
<p>I have no doubts in my mind that the JCW package for the Cooper S turns the car from “MCS Lite” to “MCS the way it should be”, but unfortunately I find this package to be extremely expensive and overpriced for what you get. Many current MCS owners feel the same way about it. Sure, you get a full BMW/MINI warranty on it and it has the chance to increase the future resale value of your MCS due to “Rarity” but still I find it to be very long in the tooth and the pocketbook. If MINIUSA lowers the price another $2K I might be interested, but at $4,500 + 10 hours labor (Some say it could take up to 13 to install it) it is out of the realm of my possibilities.</p>
<p>Nice amount of power but for what..? In a country with 75MPH speed limits?</p>
<p>I think I am going to enjoy my upcoming 2004 MCS “Lite” much better and if MINIUSA ever reasons that the JCW is a blatant ripoff for what you get, them I might get interested in it again.</p>