Tons of goodies
The 2009 MINI John Cooper Works is more than just a tuner design. It received many performance-enhancing components like a 208-horsepower engine (vs 172 ponies in standard S trim). The 36-hp gain might seem trivial but, when you factor in the compact dimensions of the car, it makes all the difference. The powertrain feels quite dynamic and lively, as the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds) will attest. It's also fuel-efficient, with an average of 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is simply wonderful to work with. It's sharp and the shifter is ridiculously easy to manipulate. The exhaust system is unmistakable, both in terms of sound and look (dual tailpipes). What's more, the suspension has been dropped to lower the center of gravity and improve on-road dynamics.
The car is extremely responsive. The flawless steering system allows outstanding thrills. The MINI John Cooper Works has been designed with driving excitement and go-kart handling in mind. Braking performance is just as commendable. Interestingly, the brake discs on this model are the same size as the wheels on the original MINI!
And don't let the retro looks fool you: it's a technologically-advanced machine using a host of sophisticated safety features from parent company BMW. Engineers have made no compromises to provide great peace of mind to drivers. To tell you the truth, they might have outdone themselves a bit too much, as the various electronic safeguards do not grant enough freedom behind the wheel.
Competition
Hot little hatchbacks like this one certainly don't come in waves. In today's market, worthy rivals include the Audi A3 TFSI Premium Quattro ($39,950), BMW 128i ($33,900) and Volvo C30 T5 ($32,195). The 2009 MINI John Cooper Works starts at $38,390.
Bottom line
The MINI is not rational by any means. For all its unique qualities, it's definitely not an accommodating or functional vehicle. The only reason to buy this car is to have a blast on the road. Few street-legal machines deliver as many thrills and chills as the MINI. In fact, the lone sad part about the car is the fact that I had to give the keys back to BMW at the end of the week.
photo:Bertrand Godin
The 2009 MINI John Cooper Works is more than just a tuner design. It received many performance-enhancing components like a 208-horsepower engine (vs 172 ponies in standard S trim). The 36-hp gain might seem trivial but, when you factor in the compact dimensions of the car, it makes all the difference. The powertrain feels quite dynamic and lively, as the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds) will attest. It's also fuel-efficient, with an average of 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is simply wonderful to work with. It's sharp and the shifter is ridiculously easy to manipulate. The exhaust system is unmistakable, both in terms of sound and look (dual tailpipes). What's more, the suspension has been dropped to lower the center of gravity and improve on-road dynamics.
The car is extremely responsive. The flawless steering system allows outstanding thrills. The MINI John Cooper Works has been designed with driving excitement and go-kart handling in mind. Braking performance is just as commendable. Interestingly, the brake discs on this model are the same size as the wheels on the original MINI!
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| This iteration receives many performance-enhancing components like a 208-horsepower engine. |
And don't let the retro looks fool you: it's a technologically-advanced machine using a host of sophisticated safety features from parent company BMW. Engineers have made no compromises to provide great peace of mind to drivers. To tell you the truth, they might have outdone themselves a bit too much, as the various electronic safeguards do not grant enough freedom behind the wheel.
Competition
Hot little hatchbacks like this one certainly don't come in waves. In today's market, worthy rivals include the Audi A3 TFSI Premium Quattro ($39,950), BMW 128i ($33,900) and Volvo C30 T5 ($32,195). The 2009 MINI John Cooper Works starts at $38,390.
Bottom line
The MINI is not rational by any means. For all its unique qualities, it's definitely not an accommodating or functional vehicle. The only reason to buy this car is to have a blast on the road. Few street-legal machines deliver as many thrills and chills as the MINI. In fact, the lone sad part about the car is the fact that I had to give the keys back to BMW at the end of the week.
photo:Bertrand Godin
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