Like the Clio, the Mini John Cooper Works frustrates and delights in equal measure. On the positive side, the engine is utterly ballistic. Mini quotes 208bhp and 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds but, in reality, the Ayres Rock of a torque curve (192lb ft from 1850-5600rpm) makes it feel way, way faster. Few hot hatches pick up their sideskirts and headbutt the horizon like the irascible JCW. The downside is a considerable amount of torque-steer- for us the cause of much argument and consternation. Some hated the way the JCW forces the driver to make constant steering correction; others loved the increased level of interactivity and general naughtiness from the Mini’s nose. Crucially, underneath the Mini’s raucous torque-steering front end is a steady backline of information- directly proportional to speed- streaming from the road to the driver. Whereas the Astra and Clio surrender steering feel as you increase speed.
the Mini simply delivers more and more. The Mini has a neat little secret weapon among its considerable armoury too- an electronic differential lock that imitates the task of a mechanical LSD by redistributing torque across the front axle. When the JCW senses a spinning front wheel, it subtly applies the brakes to that wheel thus increasing traction. On our slippery Angelsey track, EDL proved to be a revelation; subtly increasing overall pace without neautralising overall feel.
