I used to think my mini had torque steer, and I would still say it has a touch, but your right, it just follows grooves in the road for the most part. Wet conditions, if you have the right tires, honestly its good
I just got the Mini S 2024. Couldn't justify the extra $$ for the JW. Didn't like the pop-up display so went with the signature trim. What is nice, the display behind the wheel shows what gear you are in, so I don't mistake 1st and reverse at stops. When you stop on an incline, the brake stays engaged for a second or 2 so it doesn't roll back when taking off. Good video, TY.
@@BrianMakse Definitely! It’s definitely a game changer. I owned a 2021 Cooper S manual and now a 2024 JCW manual. The rev-matching on both were great for the feeling of the driving experience.
@@BrianMakse I have, however, for daily driving, having that feature is much appreciated in my book. Others might not feel the same, but, thanks to MINI, it’s more viable than ever to have a manual as a daily in 2023!
Im a manual hatch driver. So much so I bought an M2 competition and sold it to buy an 18 Fiesta ST and never been happier. I have a 23 JCW 2 door on order to sit along side my Fiesta and cant wait. 2 door hatch is my favorite and this is pretty much the only option remaining. I do wish it could have been spec’d with some of the Cooper S silver wheel options. I despise black wheels but choose a light color to contrast them.
I’m curious which car is more fun to drive? I owned a second generation mini copper s and it was the most fun car I have driven. Just considering fiesta, versus an older mini or perhaps the new JCW manual. Thanks
@@BrianMakse you must get one to test. The 0-100km as claimed by bmw at 4.9sec in reality is around 4.4sec-4.6sec that's what most journalists are getting. It's a lot of fun
I’ve just test driven the auto, and have to say the shift is stunningly smooth and instant using the paddles. Haven’t driven a manual, so I’m no torn. Have you guys also driven the auto?
Even though I am a 100% RWD guy a well sorted FWD chasis always says to me that the driving experience has been high on the development list of priorities. Great review. Also Rebel Green with Union Jack rear lights is an interesting concept.......purely from an Irish perspective that is :)
@@BrianMakse Few people in Ireland will buy them, mainly due to the cost, around $60-65k. Also yes the union jacks is something I'd want to change if I bought one!
Thanks Brian, really nice comprehensive review. I also like hot hatches. I've had a 2011 Cooper S Hardtop for 11 years, manual transmission of course. Is it fun to drive? Absolutely and the go kart comparison is not hyperbole. I need a back seat about one week per year so this tiny 2+2 configuration fits my needs. The downside; at 82,000 miles I've spent twice as much on repairs as I have on my 1999 Isuzu Amigo with twice as many miles on it. I've gotten a little tired of the Mini after 11 years so I've had my eye on the Hyundai Veloster N, actually lusting after it as I'm ready for a change, plus after my maintenance experience with the Mini the ten year/ 110k mile warranty on the Veloster had me. Obviously I keep cars for a while and I was going to wait until the Mini was on its last legs and then I was going to buy the Veloster N but unfortunately the 2022 will be the last year of that car. Cars have become so brain numbingly boring that a field that used to be wide is now a thin sliver. People more than ever seem to see cars as just something to get from A to B, not something to be enjoyed. I saw a millenial driving a Veloster and asked him how he liked it. I wanted to know about the acceleration, handling and if it was fun to drive. Instead he told about how his phone and MP3 player interfaced so nicely with it. So far I'll still wait until my 2011 Mini is on its last legs and then with so few interesting choices left I'll consider a JCW Mini Hardtop and will hope to negotiate an extended warranty. Oh well, guess I'm a dinosaur. In my mind I'm in a TR4 on the Pacific Coast Hwy.
Glad you enjoyed. Agreed on everything. The Veloster N is quite the weapon. At least three episodes here on this channel. This Mini JCW is much more premium though. I know which one I'd want to own out of warranty....
Fair review. I’ve got the 2011 version of the JCW. Always a willing partner in hooliganism, plus hatch practicality. Ditch the run-flats straight away (Contis for me) and have at it. Save them there manuals my friends!
Why do you “need manual transmission”? Have you driven auto with paddles? I live in NY and deal with a bit of traffic daily, so not sure what to pick. Please explain
Well, this is going to be a little pedantic, but this is a channel for drivers, so we advocate for the manual gearbox above all. I live in downtown Toronto and drive a manual. My wife also daily drives a manual. The automatic is perfectly fine, but it’s not quite at the same level of driving engagement.
I swear that I responded a while ago. The auto is fine, they did a good job with it. This is a channel for driving enthusiasts, so we go for manuals over autos when given the chance.
Great review really informative. I just ordered one in rebel green all over. Only 5 more weeks to wait. At least then I can stop watching endless reviews. 😂
Good looking car and you driving the manual makes for a great video. I agree that pop up heads-up unit is cheap and not needed. Every Mini should offer a manual. That visor on top of door is so weird 🤣. This or a Civic Si?
The side visor is a cool somewhat "signature" feature of Mini - though in some markets where they have right hand drive (UK) it's not there which I think is even more odd. This or Civic Si may come down to a few things - 1) cost - this will arguably be more expensive than a Civic Si based on options. 2) exterior styling - most that like the Mini styling may not care for the Honda's and vice-versa. 3) interior fit/finish - since BMW owns the Mini brand the late models seem to be nicer on the inside compared to the Si but it's somewhat subjective. and finally 4) the gearbox - I'd likely give the nod to the Civic Si - the Mini's doesn't suck but Honda has "game" in that area. I'd also look at long-term costs and if you're into tuning it would likely be a better choice to go with the Honda - all of that said I'm a Mini owner, have a 2018 JCW 2 door Hardtop (F56), a '23 Clubman S and have a 23 Clubman JCW on order so I'm biased but in my opinion you really can't go wrong with the Honda if it ticks all your boxes.
3000lbs, HUD, tall manual shifter, black wheels, small cargo, augmented sound, expensive... Would purchase in a heartbeat! Side note: front license plate looks horrible esp on the mini...maybe one day our provincial gov't will rid of it. "Hey I got an idea about new, blue license plates that may be, er...wait a second"
That Go-Kart feeling "overrides" a lot in terms of things that normally shouldn't be in the HH equation. You can option away some of those things or make changes after you take delivery but still. I've NEVER seen someone drive a Mini (especially a JCW) and NOT smile at least a little bit when driving.
How could you not have mentioned the horrendous rev hang this car has? I ordered a '21 JCW in the same color, but sold it less than a year later - couldn't take the horrible rev hang.
"I got a real thing for hot hatches"? um perv kidding aside, always liked the mini with Man trans cool looks fun to drive and classic I would buy two if they made a trd pro version. Thanks brother excellent review as ever. You should run for PM and bring back the Manuals?
Would take the more affordable, better driving, more fun Veloster N over this. The Mini gauge thing looks aftermarket and likely to break off if you sneeze too hard
I'm a fan of the Kia / Hyundai products and the N or GT ones in particular (I've not owned an N but have owned several other trims of both Hyundai and Kia) and while the stats / numbers might be in the Hyundai's favor there's the smiles-per-mile in the Mini - it's very much like some motorcycle brands and the "if I have to explain - you won't understand" sort of thing. In terms of quality and interior materials - I think others have commented about that. The new digital dash of the Mini does sort of look out of place when you're used to regular analog gauges but you do get used to it. If you're going to spend time on a track I'd probably pick the Veloster N too but for daily duties I'd go with the F56 (2 door) JCW. For my son's car we were going with a '23 Forte GT but couldn't find one at the time for under MSRP + about $3000 (USD) so looked at other options and found a used 2018 JCW - he (and I) couldn't be happier.
I've always thought these were cool and unique, but the price is a killer. It's basically the same price as a SS Camaro and the performance is nowhere close. Even if a BMW 4 cyl is okay with you, you're still only ~$4k off a Supra. How could this possibly cost as much to build as one of those?
The current Mini is built to a higher standard than the Camaro, hence the higher cost. The interior materials are of much better quality, fit and finish. On the exterior, the sheet metal is better as is the exterior paint. The Camaro has rattles, leaks, fuel pump failures...typical GM problems. The Mini has none of these issues.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 I love how people's impression of Mini fit/finish/quality is of an R chassis Mini from 2005 (and 200k miles). It's true too that (almost always) that $ for 0-60MPH makes for "better" - better bang for the buck (IMO) would be a Mustang GT - that said I have a '23 Clubman JCW on order - I completely recognize that it's only a slight bit better 0-60MPH time than my 2011 Mustang V6, however, the Clubman (even a "S") would be more fun as a daily and better for what I need....
I used to think my mini had torque steer, and I would still say it has a touch, but your right, it just follows grooves in the road for the most part. Wet conditions, if you have the right tires, honestly its good
Very little torque steer on a decent road surface. They've got that front suspension geometry pretty dialled.
I just got the Mini S 2024. Couldn't justify the extra $$ for the JW. Didn't like the pop-up display so went with the signature trim. What is nice, the display behind the wheel shows what gear you are in, so I don't mistake 1st and reverse at stops. When you stop on an incline, the brake stays engaged for a second or 2 so it doesn't roll back when taking off. Good video, TY.
The S is a lovely car in its own right. Enjoy!
Really loved the review, but, in sport mode, the F56 JCW does, in fact, rev-match. Other than that, loved your expertise and commentary 🙏🏻😁
I don't recall that this car did that. Might have to try another one!
@@BrianMakse Definitely! It’s definitely a game changer. I owned a 2021 Cooper S manual and now a 2024 JCW manual. The rev-matching on both were great for the feeling of the driving experience.
@@samlee3681 well, we believe in rev matching by the driver on this channel. Have you seen our heel-and-toe episode?
@@BrianMakse I have, however, for daily driving, having that feature is much appreciated in my book. Others might not feel the same, but, thanks to MINI, it’s more viable than ever to have a manual as a daily in 2023!
Im a manual hatch driver. So much so I bought an M2 competition and sold it to buy an 18 Fiesta ST and never been happier. I have a 23 JCW 2 door on order to sit along side my Fiesta and cant wait. 2 door hatch is my favorite and this is pretty much the only option remaining. I do wish it could have been spec’d with some of the Cooper S silver wheel options. I despise black wheels but choose a light color to contrast them.
I’m curious which car is more fun to drive? I owned a second generation mini copper s and it was the most fun car I have driven. Just considering fiesta, versus an older mini or perhaps the new JCW manual. Thanks
I liked the mini but definitely preferred the ST. I ended up selling the mini after about 1 month. The fiesta just felt lighter and more nimble.
I got a JCW 2022 Clubman All4 love it 🎉🎉 very underrated little car
That's one I haven't tried! That's gotta be a blast!
@@BrianMakse you must get one to test. The 0-100km as claimed by bmw at 4.9sec in reality is around 4.4sec-4.6sec that's what most journalists are getting. It's a lot of fun
Great video! Just reserved a 2024 1 to 6 edition and should be getting it before the new year...last of the Mini manuals!
Good stuff! Congrats!
I’ve just test driven the auto, and have to say the shift is stunningly smooth and instant using the paddles. Haven’t driven a manual, so I’m no torn. Have you guys also driven the auto?
I never put anyone in the back, the rear seats are always down and I got tons of space, snowboard, golf clubs..tons of bags...easy
Even though I am a 100% RWD guy a well sorted FWD chasis always says to me that the driving experience has been high on the development list of priorities. Great review.
Also Rebel Green with Union Jack rear lights is an interesting concept.......purely from an Irish perspective that is :)
Thanks, this thing is a blast do drive. (Do many Irish buy these?)
@@BrianMakse I can see it being a problem for some on both sides of the divide 😂😂
@@BrianMakse Few people in Ireland will buy them, mainly due to the cost, around $60-65k. Also yes the union jacks is something I'd want to change if I bought one!
@@OzzyM1998 kinda tough to replace those tail lamps! Still a great car.
Thanks Brian, really nice comprehensive review. I also like hot hatches. I've had a 2011 Cooper S Hardtop for 11 years, manual transmission of course. Is it fun to drive? Absolutely and the go kart comparison is not hyperbole. I need a back seat about one week per year so this tiny 2+2 configuration fits my needs. The downside; at 82,000 miles I've spent twice as much on repairs as I have on my 1999 Isuzu Amigo with twice as many miles on it. I've gotten a little tired of the Mini after 11 years so I've had my eye on the Hyundai Veloster N, actually lusting after it as I'm ready for a change, plus after my maintenance experience with the Mini the ten year/ 110k mile warranty on the Veloster had me. Obviously I keep cars for a while and I was going to wait until the Mini was on its last legs and then I was going to buy the Veloster N but unfortunately the 2022 will be the last year of that car. Cars have become so brain numbingly boring that a field that used to be wide is now a thin sliver. People more than ever seem to see cars as just something to get from A to B, not something to be enjoyed. I saw a millenial driving a Veloster and asked him how he liked it. I wanted to know about the acceleration, handling and if it was fun to drive. Instead he told about how his phone and MP3 player interfaced so nicely with it. So far I'll still wait until my 2011 Mini is on its last legs and then with so few interesting choices left I'll consider a JCW Mini Hardtop and will hope to negotiate an extended warranty. Oh well, guess I'm a dinosaur.
In my mind I'm in a TR4 on the Pacific Coast Hwy.
Glad you enjoyed. Agreed on everything. The Veloster N is quite the weapon. At least three episodes here on this channel. This Mini JCW is much more premium though. I know which one I'd want to own out of warranty....
@@BrianMakse Thanks Brian.
Enjoy motoring and be safe.
Fair review. I’ve got the 2011 version of the JCW. Always a willing partner in hooliganism, plus hatch practicality. Ditch the run-flats straight away (Contis for me) and have at it. Save them there manuals my friends!
Why do you “need manual transmission”? Have you driven auto with paddles? I live in NY and deal with a bit of traffic daily, so not sure what to pick. Please explain
Well, this is going to be a little pedantic, but this is a channel for drivers, so we advocate for the manual gearbox above all. I live in downtown Toronto and drive a manual. My wife also daily drives a manual. The automatic is perfectly fine, but it’s not quite at the same level of driving engagement.
08:29 You can achieve rev matching by using the cruise control. Great review!
What about automatic with paddle shifters? Same fun? Loss of power? I’m in a lot of traffic every day and I’m worried about that.
I swear that I responded a while ago. The auto is fine, they did a good job with it. This is a channel for driving enthusiasts, so we go for manuals over autos when given the chance.
Great review! Looking forward to drive to my mum for Christmas tomorrow with my JCW 😁
Thanks!
Great review really informative.
I just ordered one in rebel green all over. Only 5 more weeks to wait. At least then I can stop watching endless reviews. 😂
Congrats! Enjoy!
@@BrianMakseprobably the best car I’ve had. So much fun. So quick. The green looks amazing. Total head turner. 👍🏻
Thank you Mr Brian for this great video.
Glad you enjoyed!
Good looking car and you driving the manual makes for a great video. I agree that pop up heads-up unit is cheap and not needed. Every Mini should offer a manual. That visor on top of door is so weird 🤣. This or a Civic Si?
The side visor is a cool somewhat "signature" feature of Mini - though in some markets where they have right hand drive (UK) it's not there which I think is even more odd.
This or Civic Si may come down to a few things - 1) cost - this will arguably be more expensive than a Civic Si based on options. 2) exterior styling - most that like the Mini styling may not care for the Honda's and vice-versa. 3) interior fit/finish - since BMW owns the Mini brand the late models seem to be nicer on the inside compared to the Si but it's somewhat subjective. and finally 4) the gearbox - I'd likely give the nod to the Civic Si - the Mini's doesn't suck but Honda has "game" in that area.
I'd also look at long-term costs and if you're into tuning it would likely be a better choice to go with the Honda - all of that said I'm a Mini owner, have a 2018 JCW 2 door Hardtop (F56), a '23 Clubman S and have a 23 Clubman JCW on order so I'm biased but in my opinion you really can't go wrong with the Honda if it ticks all your boxes.
3000lbs, HUD, tall manual shifter, black wheels, small cargo, augmented sound, expensive...
Would purchase in a heartbeat!
Side note: front license plate looks horrible esp on the mini...maybe one day our provincial gov't will rid of it.
"Hey I got an idea about new, blue license plates that may be, er...wait a second"
That Go-Kart feeling "overrides" a lot in terms of things that normally shouldn't be in the HH equation. You can option away some of those things or make changes after you take delivery but still. I've NEVER seen someone drive a Mini (especially a JCW) and NOT smile at least a little bit when driving.
@vito no chance we'll get rid of front licence plates!
How's the reliability of the mini cooper?
My '14 has rev match in all modes
....you can still opt for an AUto trans if desired....
How could you not have mentioned the horrendous rev hang this car has? I ordered a '21 JCW in the same color, but sold it less than a year later - couldn't take the horrible rev hang.
"I got a real thing for hot hatches"? um perv kidding aside, always liked the mini with Man trans cool looks fun to drive and classic I would buy two if they made a trd pro version. Thanks brother excellent review as ever. You should run for PM and bring back the Manuals?
I'd run the country like an anti-dictator and Canadians wouldn't like it.
I’m feelin that color
Great cars 😊😊
Love d mini 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
Would take the more affordable, better driving, more fun Veloster N over this. The Mini gauge thing looks aftermarket and likely to break off if you sneeze too hard
Veloster is cool but discontinued
Mini is made of much better quality materials than the Veloster N hence the higher price. Also the Mini gauge is well made.
I'm a fan of the Kia / Hyundai products and the N or GT ones in particular (I've not owned an N but have owned several other trims of both Hyundai and Kia) and while the stats / numbers might be in the Hyundai's favor there's the smiles-per-mile in the Mini - it's very much like some motorcycle brands and the "if I have to explain - you won't understand" sort of thing. In terms of quality and interior materials - I think others have commented about that. The new digital dash of the Mini does sort of look out of place when you're used to regular analog gauges but you do get used to it. If you're going to spend time on a track I'd probably pick the Veloster N too but for daily duties I'd go with the F56 (2 door) JCW. For my son's car we were going with a '23 Forte GT but couldn't find one at the time for under MSRP + about $3000 (USD) so looked at other options and found a used 2018 JCW - he (and I) couldn't be happier.
Definitely drive an R56 mini manual and you will be hooked!! Nothing like it!! 2011 to 13 were much better built. Stay away from 2008-9
I've always thought these were cool and unique, but the price is a killer. It's basically the same price as a SS Camaro and the performance is nowhere close. Even if a BMW 4 cyl is okay with you, you're still only ~$4k off a Supra. How could this possibly cost as much to build as one of those?
The current Mini is built to a higher standard than the Camaro, hence the higher cost. The interior materials are of much better quality, fit and finish. On the exterior, the sheet metal is better as is the exterior paint. The Camaro has rattles, leaks, fuel pump failures...typical GM problems. The Mini has none of these issues.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 I love how people's impression of Mini fit/finish/quality is of an R chassis Mini from 2005 (and 200k miles). It's true too that (almost always) that $ for 0-60MPH makes for "better" - better bang for the buck (IMO) would be a Mustang GT - that said I have a '23 Clubman JCW on order - I completely recognize that it's only a slight bit better 0-60MPH time than my 2011 Mustang V6, however, the Clubman (even a "S") would be more fun as a daily and better for what I need....
@@Scotty_in_Ohio You are 100% right on the money.
This vs the 11th Gen SI
Answers to 'this car' or 'that car' drop after you hit that little '❤️ Thanks' button above.
@@BrianMakse done
@@BrianMakse??
@@caf0011 it appears y’all clicked the like button instead…
@@BrianMakse I clicked the subscribe and like button. Just wanted an opinion. No worries.
SUPER!!!!!!!!!!
couldn't get a new manual in australia🥲
Boo.