2006 Mini Cooper S JCW Competition Package Road Test

Six straight questions

I thought the Cooper S Works GP was the top of the new Mini heap?
Unfortunately, only the U.S. and U.K. markets received that lightweight, race-prepped John Cooper Works model. Maybe to make amends, BMW

(Photo: John Leblanc, Auto123.com)

Canada decided to offer exclusive to Canada one, last full-blown model of the current car. The JCW Competition Package takes inspiration from the classic Mini's historic win at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and the JCW-equipped MINI Cooper S that successfully defended its Open Division title at this year's Targa Newfoundland driven by automotive journalist Jim Kenzie with rally veteran Brian Bourbonniere as navigator. One of the 64 exclusive Competition Package cars started this year's rally as the pace vehicle, but ended up competing in the Touring Class when the Mini USA's driver put their rally-prepared Mini Cooper S JCW Targa class car into the Newfoundland woods on the first day.

OK, so it's no Works GP. What does the JCW Competition Package add?
Obviously, you get the JCW Engine Tuning Kit, now producing 208 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. To balance out this newly found

(Photo: John Leblanc, Auto123.com)

power, a JCW Sport Brake Kit with larger 294 mm front brake discs and high-performance pad compounds in both front and back, along with a limited slip differential and dynamic stability control and the JCW Sport Suspension Kit with re-tuned struts and sprigs, and a 10mm lower ride height are thrown in as well. Outside, there's an aero body kit and two-piece 17-inch alloys and front and rear fog lights. Inside, fuzzy Alcantara leather is wrapped around the steering wheel and can also be found on the six-speed stick's shift knob, hand brake and roof liner. Each car will be uniquely identified with a sequentially labeled JCW Competition Package tachometer indicating the car's sequence in the exclusive production run. Basically, you're getting all the JCW goodies for $9,390 on top of the base Cooper S's $30,600 base price.

(Photo: John Leblanc, Auto123.com)

Can I get more?
Of course! My test car came with the $2,990 Premium Package featuring a glass sunroof, power folding exterior mirrors, heated front thrones, rain sensor with automatic headlamps, on-board computer, Harman/Kardon sound system and chrome line interior.

"Power folding exterior mirrors?", dude, what's it like to drive?
I had the JCW Competition Package during the last week of October while attending AJAC's Test Fest. First impression: here was a Mini that had enough power to utilize the full potential of the ground sucking chassis.

(Photo: John Leblanc, Auto123.com)

BMW Canada says with the JCW power upgrades, there are only gains of 40 horses and 28 pound feet of torque over the cooking Cooper S. But like the new BMW 335i, it definitely felt like more's under the hood. Kudos to the JCW's flowed cylinder head, larger-capacity supercharger and better breathing exhaust system. What really jumps out is the available grunt down low. With the Cooper S, you really need to get the revs above 4,500 rpm before you feel it in your back. With the JCW, the noted push starts as low as 3,000 rpm. Keep in mind, the JCW engine makes more torque from 2,500 rpm all the way to 6,750 than the regular strength S does at 4,000 rpm. At elevated speeds, fourth- and fifth-gear can now be used effectively, whereas in the S, after third-gear, the fun was kind of over. Zero to 100 km/h times drops about a half second compared to the Cooper S's 7.2. If anything, the JCW Competition Package feels even quicker than these numbers.