When I first took possession of the 2009 MINI John Cooper Works, my eyes nearly watered. For a race car driver, this machine is more than just a sporty model with head-turning looks; it embodies a prestigious tradition of racing success. Established shortly before the sad passing of John Cooper, basically England's version of Enzo Ferrari, the company that bears his name is now the high-performance division of MINI.
The second-generation MINI is not as small as some would have us think. Actually, when compared to the original, it's pretty big. Yet, there's the same unmistakable design. Overall, the car looks absolutely magnificent, even drop-dead sexy.
JCW upgrades significantly enhance the lines of the MINI. Several exterior features have been modified, starting with the bumpers. Also, the paint, roof, wheel, exhaust and body kit combinations are virtually infinite. It all works to improve both performance and styling, as evidenced by my black-and-grey tester. Construction is quite complex, particularly up front and near the hood where there are a number of joints. However, build quality is definitely part of the equation.
When you open the door on a rainy day, you'll see water dropping directly on the seat. Talk about a cold welcome! Nevertheless, the front buckets are snug and comfortable, allowing an exceptional driving position for enthusiasts. Given the size of the MINI and the proximity of the pedals, I had to stretch my arms a little to grip the steering wheel.
The dashboard brought me back to my childhood days. The styling is unique and the controls are laid out much like in a plane cockpit. The humongous circular gauge in the middle couldn't be easier to read. The same holds true for other instruments.
There's a reason the car's nameplate is MINI: the interior is minuscule indeed. Storage is limited and the cargo area is close to inexistent. That said, for a couple or single, folding the rear seat offers some interesting cargo possibilities. From a driver's standpoint, enjoying the MINI's true heritage and reputation means throwing practicality and all-around visibility out the window. But boy, what a looker!
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| JCW upgrades significantly enhance the lines of the MINI. |
The second-generation MINI is not as small as some would have us think. Actually, when compared to the original, it's pretty big. Yet, there's the same unmistakable design. Overall, the car looks absolutely magnificent, even drop-dead sexy.
JCW upgrades significantly enhance the lines of the MINI. Several exterior features have been modified, starting with the bumpers. Also, the paint, roof, wheel, exhaust and body kit combinations are virtually infinite. It all works to improve both performance and styling, as evidenced by my black-and-grey tester. Construction is quite complex, particularly up front and near the hood where there are a number of joints. However, build quality is definitely part of the equation.
When you open the door on a rainy day, you'll see water dropping directly on the seat. Talk about a cold welcome! Nevertheless, the front buckets are snug and comfortable, allowing an exceptional driving position for enthusiasts. Given the size of the MINI and the proximity of the pedals, I had to stretch my arms a little to grip the steering wheel.
The dashboard brought me back to my childhood days. The styling is unique and the controls are laid out much like in a plane cockpit. The humongous circular gauge in the middle couldn't be easier to read. The same holds true for other instruments.
There's a reason the car's nameplate is MINI: the interior is minuscule indeed. Storage is limited and the cargo area is close to inexistent. That said, for a couple or single, folding the rear seat offers some interesting cargo possibilities. From a driver's standpoint, enjoying the MINI's true heritage and reputation means throwing practicality and all-around visibility out the window. But boy, what a looker!
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| The front buckets are snug and comfortable, allowing an exceptional driving position for enthusiasts. |