Is the 2023 MINI Cooper S Hatch Really Worth £30,000? And What Makes a "MINI" Anyway?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2023
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Today on the channel, very overdue I drive the third generation MINI Cooper S. Now having had a number of facelifts, how does the car compare to the legend that revived the brand 20 years ago?
#MINICooper #JohnCooperWorks #FamilyCar
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I don't get the obsession with electric seats. Manual seats are much faster to adjust and less prone to breakage.
Yep and they're a lot heavier and more costly to produce too. I'd never spec a car with electric seats unless it's the only option
Unless its a luxury car.
A lot of us have normal sized hands, that cannot fit around the side of the seat to start turning probably the stiffest dial known to man
@@BigHumz155unless it has the quick release handle. Used to luv those.
Agreed. Along with electrically adjustable steering wheels and electrically operated tailgates.
This guy is one of my favourite reviewers. Detailed, unbiased and knowledgeable. Keep up the good work. :)
I had a company car which was a Mini. A 2021 Mini One with the 105hp 1.5 and a manual gearbox for the last 2 years. Even though it was the base version, it was such a joy to drive. Put a smile on my face every single time I drove it. Best driving car I have had until now and I think I’ll miss it for a long long time.
What do you have now?
@@klasseact6663 I have a Q3 45 TFSIe - plug in hybrid. Is more practical, comfortable and way more powerful but drives like a boat compared to the Mini
My son had the same car. Great driving experience. My daughter has a Fiat 500S, no comparison
I work at plant Oxford on these. And I’ve always wondered why they sold so well considering the price and how cramped they are inside. Saying that I’m also very happy about that as it kept me in a job (for now) 😂. Do drive very nice tho!
I’ve got a F56 Cooper S, pretty much spec”d it to JCW standard tho.. I removed the back seats and whacked a K-bar strut in.. I agree it’s kind of pointless having back seats if you plan on having an adult in the back haha
@@AJAJ-uw8cj I'd "rear seat delete" too but there are times (rarely but do happen) where I need to get a third human in the back - someone in the front WILL have to ride the dash though or conduct an amputation prior to embarking....
As 6’2 adult, i fit perfectly in the r56 mini. I’m super comfortable too.
@@charles-davidberube1174 I'm 6'7" and I fit wonderfully in my f56 JCW, which is rare. Although the rear seats are expectedly pointless :) But who cares, it's a two door.
@@lukebatarseh1387 exactly! The 2 seats in the back are just extra extra storage 😂
Really glad to see Jay take on more subscribers he's got a classical style of british review without alotta gimmicks outside the expected and appreciated the dry humor and wit. I expect him to go far.
Here's hoping you are right!
Fun little quirk with the ambient lighting in the mini, press and hold the switch to change colours for a few seconds and it activates “disco” mode as I call it and will cycle through all the available colours
Sold our R53 Mini today. Had wonderful times in it. Love the complete package of looks, handling and sounds. Done almost 60k km's with it and there has not been a week where I have not giggled. In closing, thank you for your video's. I enjoy them alot and you reminicing in this video of the R53 had me nodding along in agreement. Browsing the classifieds allready for the next bucketlist car.
“Somewhat problematic” is the nicest thing anyones ever said about the r56 powertrain
I agree with everything you covered in this review. My 2022 Cooper S (same moonwalk grey but different wheels) is now a year old. My gripes too are around the build quality; a few annoying rattles emerged within a few months of ownership and is not what I expect from a car in this price range. And yes, I too wish it made more noise from the twin exhausts. Lovely little thing nonethless.
I have a 2014 S, 3 door, manual. My car pops and bangs thanks to no emissions. I am 5'11 and I can fit behind myself no problem. Yes the boot is small. I LOVE the way the 3rd gen looks, short, wide and lowwwwww. I love my car, and its a base S! no heated seats, no big screen, no H/K audio, and no dumb sun roof. I would buy my car twice if I could
The price is crazy now, I paid 21k for my cooperS in 2019, roll forward 4 years to when I was offered the obligatory “upgrade” it was 29k for the exact same speced car,
I get the feeling instead of making electric cars cheaper they’re increasing ICE car prices to make them seem cheaper
Inflation
One could argue that the '23 / '24 is a "better car" but IMO (and I own 4 MINIs with a 5th on the way) it's not $8k better. Seems to be a common theme - I bought a Kia Soul Sport in 2009 (2010 model year) with every option available and bought a Kia Soul! (fully loaded) in 2018 so 9 years later and paid $27k - prices on cars are nuts....
but now you get less power ;)
They are trying to make the transaction and manufacture of ICE cars more and more onerous. You’re spot on with that speculation.
You should drive the earlier (Say 2015/16) version of this shape of mini, they felt a lot more fun in my opinion, they always crackled and popped off throttle and felt a lot more fun, the post 2017 PPF and 2020/2021 facelift toned it down even more, they are still relatively fun to drive, but not as they used to be.
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I’ve got a very late 17 plate manual 4 door,says it’s got 192bhp they have since added more emission stuff to lower the power a bit.The extra doors plus the boot is bigger than the two door I think it covers all bases and is great fun around country roads 😊
I have the same car as you, 67 reg 5 door Cooper S, wonderful car
@@drewhender3999 Nice,mine is a week off 18 reg just missed out on the Union Jack back lights which I’m not sure if I like or not but the manual gearbox is superb,I tried the auto and it lost the hot hatch feel a bit for me but was still brilliant.
I am thinking of getting one for my wife
@michaelpegasiou4531 last week of 2017 for mine as well! Yes I'm still considering retro fitting the union Js as my last car had them
@@adogmcdizzle I'd highly recommend them
I bought my wife a 2019 5 Door, 60th anniversary Copper S, DSG equiped version. I drive a 450 bhp HSV Track Ed, with 570nm, rear drive, 6 piston 390mm AP racing brakes. Yep it’s a fantastic car, you won’t see one as they only made 150, mine is number 90. HSV spent a considerable amount of time tuning the suspension. So yep, not only does the car stop and accelerate to 100 in 4.5 seconds. It’s rear wheel drive and handles brilliantly, both on the road and on the track. Every time I drive it, I hold the alcantara steering wheel, listen to the bimodal, exhaust burble in sport and I grin, love that car! At the time the reviewers gave it 9.5/10 & I agree. After 40 years of car experience including 3 years as a passenger in a new 1973 BMW 3.0 si, 3 years in a brand new manual Porsche 928, 3 years in a 733i as passenger and driver, 10 years and 200,000 owning a 735i Sport V8, I’ve owned 10 Alfas and spent 5 years selling Peugeot’s. I’ve driven many many cars that I don’t own. Having said that 5 years of driving my wife’s Cooper S. What do I think? First thing, change the tyres to Michelin PS4’s, secondly the brake pads to ATE Ceramic….then you have a car that’s set up well. Personally I don’t think there is a requirement for active suspension. The standard set up is great, the only time I’ve ever heard rattles is it there is something loose in the car, for instance my sun glasses case did not have the press stud closed and rattled! It’s not the car, it’s your belongings! The Sport mode makes a big difference, much faster shifts from the DSG and it automatically turns off the stop start, you also hear more of the exhaust. However if I really want to drive it hard, I push the leaver to the left and drive the car manually with the paddle shifts. It’s an nicely torque endowed little engine and always feels ready to go. When you need to get on it, it goes…hard. I smile driving this car and regularly. Sorry don’t agree about the Mini magic, I think this current Mini is the best Mini by a mile! My wife and I love it and for what we paid, we think it’s a bargain! Nothing better than cruising in summer either, roof open, Harmon Kardon cranking, sun glasses on, you shouldn’t be able to have so much fun, then pull into the a tight car park at the local Malvern Central in our case and we can park with ease….do our shopping then head back out for the fun trip home. Our daughter often tells us to take the long way home! We feel very fortunate to own and drive the cars we do! I’ve been seriously surprised at how good this Mini is, I don’t think we are the only ones, Mini sells close to 300,000 cars a year!
Great review. Funnily enough i know someone who went to a dealers the other day and said he was shocked by the new prices (he currently has a 19 reg Copper S) I've got a 17 reg manual Cooper S and it's brilliant! Probably the last great Cooper S before all the emissions stuff ruined it 😞In sport mode it make some very impressive pops and bangs on the overrun! Agree on the tyres, fitting some Michelin Pilot Sports made a huge difference.
Have the same car (F56 2017 Manual) and it's brilliant indeed!
In the US most Minis come with run flats. Is that the same in the UK, or do you get standard tires as OEM?
@@evilkoala666 Mine didn't. I think it was an optional extra that the previous owner didn't take up as got mine when it was 18 months old.
@bensharpe2013 I'm jealous! Over here run flats are standard (I'm almost positive) and most people hate the ride quality on them.
I drive a 23 3door hatch JCW and I love it, motorway cruising is brilliant, but traction is always an issue and doesn't give me the confidence to floor it sometimes.
But the pull from 30 to 70 gives me such a grin every time. I've never found the limits of the steering and I've got confidence in that on B roads.
Love my car and don't plan on changing.
ditch the runflats and the confidence should be better. I have an '18 JCW F56 and a '23 JCW F54 (Clubman) (along with 2 other MINIs with a 5th one on order) - the best upgrade (IMO) is to get better tires (tyers). My '18 needed new tires so I replaced with new wheels and tires and the difference is very remarkable.
Scotty is right! If you’re on run flats, run away from them! The drive will become 80% more comfortable and the drive dynamics will come to life!
Unfortunately it’s an insurance included lease and I’m not allowed to change the tyres!
@@theowldrinksambrosia you’re always allowed to change your tires. You might need to bring back the car on a certain type of tire but during the lease, you can change. If you really can’t change them, you got scammed in the contract…
Great review, felt nostalgic recognising all the different villages along your road trip, used to travel those back roads to Bury St Edmunds lots as a kid.
I love how James just casually pops an existential question into his review. That's next level spice, good sir.
I like to mix it up :)
Love my 2016 and I made the changes he mentions and it made her perfect to me. This review just confirmed why I don’t want to ever go any later than a year or two. That’s as much change as I’m willing to embrace and still be able to keep the fun and aesthetic I love best as a nimble daily workhorse.
Excellent review . Well done
Fun little car. Would love to get myself a clubman. Great editing. Keep up the good work.
I had the 2016 Mini Hatch JCW and in 4 years of ownership it never broke down and no rattles even when the H & K sound system was cranked up. I kind of regret letting it go but it was nearing 100k miles and I was getting a bit bored of it. I normally change my cars annually or biannually at most so that shows how much I enjoyed it. Our Mini replaced the Fiesta St and although the Fiesta was a brilliant drivers car we reckoned the JCW was in a different class. It of course should have been as our dealership told us that as specced new it would have been a £40k car.
We have a 2017 Cooper S manual 3 door. my youngest learned to drive in it in normal mode and my wife and I drive it in sport mode. It is such fun to drive but I have no hesitation letting the kids drive it. Lovely inside, but little room in the back seats - but with the seats down I can fit our two big dogs in comfortably for them. All we've done to it is swap the rear lights to the Union Jack lights (they look so much better) and added a CarPlay / AA box behind the dash - and it now looks and feels modern too!!!
Oh and no creaks and cracks even after this long - but plenty of pops and bangs in sport mode....
First time Mini owner here. I purchased the S version for my wife last week and I’m very impressed with the way it handles, the interior and everything you get in such a little car. We absolutely love it
First one of your videos that I've watched and I like your presenting style .... Subscribed 👌🏻
Know what you’re saying about three door hatch , looks great , but recently bought my daughter a Cooper five door and the rear room is far superior to the Cooper S I used to have .
I moved over from a Paceman Cooper to one of these. This is one the nicest cars I've had the pleasure of driving day to day 😊
Wife’s been driving minis since 2003 when we bought her first, a blue cooper with chilli pack, white wheels and white bonnet stripes. I was gobsmacked when she came home one day to announce its great round roundabouts 😂 That was a win!
Many have come and gone since and now on her third Clubmana new 71 cooper S. I have to say, I do like the car and can really pick it’s feet up. The interior quality feels equally as good as my M2c and is really quite practical. She loves it and that’s all that matters in our house…. Unlike all the cars I have which she hates 🤷🏻♂️
Re space in the back it's not as bad as you'd think. If the driver and passenger are willing to give up a bit of comfort then it can easily be done assuming no one is huge. I drove up to the lake District with 3 passengers from Essex, with me being 6 foot, 1 being 5'10 and the others 5'7 and it was a surprisingly comfy ride. Great vid tho JM!!
My 2007 GTI was an automatic DSG. It was terrific. I ordered the DSG as my son couldn't drive a manual. Now he can so all my cars are manual. Thank you VW for making the DSG!
Brazil carried on the VW Beetle for years after it was axed as did the South Africans with the Golf MK1, with production only ending somewhere around 2009...
As for the new Mini, I worked at a used car dealer in Johannesburg in 2009 that bought the supercharged Cooper S version by the dozen and we always sold them within days of them hitting the sales floor, then they released the turbo charged model and at first they sold really well but eventually the enthusiasm waned when it became clear that they were nowhere near as robust and reliable as the supercharged model...
I drove both many times and as much as I like the supercharged model I found the turbo model much more entertaining to drive...
Lovely review! Even though I'm a Saab guy, I adore my 2015 Cooper SD. Driven 25k miles/40k km since March and love it. Very economical with the 2.0 BMW diesel, but yet sporty.
I love my old R56 10 plate dooper. Smart money is on the dirty diesels. So much value for money and great mpg with a fun drive.
By the far the most definitive review I've seen of the latest gen Mini Cooper S. Thanks Jay. I did actually test one recently, I found myself reaching a similar conclusion to you. The only thing I had more of a problem with was the steering weight. I felt that it was needlessly heavy in all of the modes.
Glad I got it right! Thanks for watching
the steering and gearchange in the r53 was also very stiff, not saying this is how it should be but atleast it could be argued they stuck to tradition.
Definitely a well-worded and accurate review. I recently traded in my 2010 R55 Clubman for a 2020 Clubman S ALL4 and the new Mini is definitely missing that rally car feel. It definitely feels more refined and planted on the road, less in your face loud revving around corners. I miss it terribly but I couldn't keep up with the issues that kept needing repair.
I try to think of it the same way Jay posed - the new Gen is still a great car, just a different kind of Mini. I have to say it's a whole lot more comfortable than my old Mini. I no longer wince when I hit a big pothole!
Very comprehensive review. Thanks again Jay! Any chance you'll do a review on the newer F54 clubmans?
Not sure if you directly mentioned it but you can get the cooper s with 16” alloys rather than 17 or 18”. The 16s give you a ton more sidewall and its really comfy. You don’t really notice the difference visually but your rear end will thank you. Tyre options a limited though.
I learned to drive in the third Gen mini , and I got to say , I fell in love , the steering feel is stellar
Wife just got a 2024 convertible S in 6 speed manual. I also echo the concerns about the lack of traction. The addition of front LSD would be much appreciated, but the OEM Hankook tires that came with the car are probably one of the worst OEM tires I've ever used. Bone dry day, coming out of a slow corner getting on the gas in 2nd gear at 3000 rpm, maybe half throttle I can get the traction control to go off. It felt as if it has the dry grip of dedicated winter tires. I think I'm going to replace these tires soon, as they are letting the car down badly.
As a F56 owner, I can tell you that this is in fact magical to own and drive every day.
Have owned two F56 minis and an R53 Cooper S when they were new. I have also owned an Abarth 595. My current F56 is a JCW, the last one was a Cooper S like the test car. I think they are a well built, refined product, that provides a reasonable level of engagement, and in spite of the premium pricing, you will enjoy decent residual values. They aren’t space efficient, but for two people, it is a convenient car. I agree that the Cooper S is the sweet spot model - more than enough performance.
We love our MINI Cooper S 2022. ❤️ 9,3/10
I agree that it would’ve been nice to hear some pops and bangs in sport mode.
Otherwise it’s perfect. Even the dual clutch gearbox. 😎
We also have a 2023 MINI Cooper JCW and that’s even nicer. 9,5/10.
Both without pops and bangs unfortunately.
But both extremely fun and addictive to drive. 👍😎
I have just bought my third Mini, a 2020 Cooper S Sport manual ; it 's totally wonderful! It will do me nicely!
Best review of the F56 on TH-cam. Thanks.
This is the best video so far including the opening script, top gear esqe.
I had the F56 JCW as my last car which always put a smile on my face. Always looked for an excuse to drive it. Probably worth the extra couple of grand in my opinion.
Yezzzzzzzz - Thank you James... I have a 2017 Cooper Clubman... surprisingly roomy and an excellent winter car (believe me - I live in Sweden) ... I love it so much I even named it Charlie... I drive it like a total CHAV sometimes - because I was born and raised in Essex
I think it’s a crime that the sporty coopers aren’t going to come with a manual. Fine for the normal ones but if it’s a sporty model ie an S or a JCW it should be an option the main reason you pick one of those over the normal one is because you want the mini fun factor and that comes with a manual box imo
Nice to see recognition of the b1066, one of many great b roads in and around Long Melford/ Glemsford 👍. And your favourite bit of road (on the way into Hartest) is a great stretch
My 2014 S does does give some pops to the exhaust in Sport…..plus more aggressive blips to throttle when downshifting (manual). I had a sunroof in a previous version which did the double tilt of the two panels but I was equally confused with my current one until I discovered that this feature has been dropped, the rear panel is fixed….
My wife has a 72 plate Cooper S. You mention you got some wheel spin. I too notice this on spirited acceleration. The cure is to turn on DSC (Dynamic Traction Control). One would have thought it would have been on by default but it is not. Apparently DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) allows for sone wheel slippage/spinning to aid stability. The manual does not mention turning on DTC for "spirited" driving, but it does recommend it for driving in snow, on gravel/loose ground or when using the launch control (not tried the launch control, but the traction control works well). To turn it on you need press the DSC button; Traction is then displayed on the dash. and the DSC OFF light is on. Pushing the button again turns both the DSC and DTC off, press it once more to turn the DSC back on. DSC is automatically turned on if there is a puncture or cruise control is selected. Oh yea and it is a fun car to drive. They used to have pops and bangs on the early ones but they stopped that with these, but I find the exhaust note is quite sporty when using the performance.
Good review. Waiting for '24 JCW 2 door hardtop to be delivered. Had an S2000 and selling my base Cayman 987.2. It'll be my first car I've specced out from factory :D
I though that didn't look much different to the OH's 2016 Cooper S! They've got good mileage out of that platform. Competent is the word as it's not THAT incisive to drive. In it's defence, we plan to hold onto it for a long time and it looks capable of doing the job. Possibly we'll appreciate this level of fun in years to come.
We have a 2018 Cooper S and I have remapped it, makes such a difference - almost up to 300hp with a few bolt ons and a reflash. Did have ti upgrade the clutch though !
Movie reviews by JayEmm would be awesome.
Great review mate, I switched from first gen Mini One (R50), to last gen Mini Cooper S (F56), and as you said, the first gen Mini R50 is amazing, Mini as it should be, and this one, well, it is BMW series 1 with better looking chassis and design. That is why, I bought the last Mini Cooper S with amazing 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder BMW B48 that makes 192 hp.
And you are not stupid, you can only open the first panoramic glass roof. We bought Cooper S as a daily driver, as our BMW Z4 is not for that. :) So it is ok, with reasonable miles per gallon, or l/km, you can go around 10l / 100 km, and thit is ok for a 2.0 turbocharged car. And it is good for road trips, we took it for a 1000 km road trip to Tusckany and it was very useful on narrow Italian roads, not like Fiat 500, but very good. :)
From my experience so far, around 13.000 km we did this year and still going, it is very good car. I have few remarks, for instance, the gasoline indicator is stupid, when you pass the lower half, it goes like crazy and in a no time you are on reserve. And you can find seats a little bit harder. Overall, carzy at is sounds, BMW Z4 E85 is much more comfortable than Mini Cooper S. :) But S mode, and stock exhaust with poping sound, it is really nice. And in S mode, model before this got overboost and also, exhaust becomes louder, but this was changed.
Couple things that seem a surprise in your review:
-My 2017 Cooper S had 19x bhp out the door, tho I have an NM power module which gives it a little more. Surprised to hear the later gen 3 models have 17x bhp.
-Also surprised to hear your opinion on Sport mode. I find it's night and day with the throttle response, and outside of bad weather, I always use it. I have a manual tho, so maybe that's the difference there? Either that or another change over the past 6 years.
-I also get tons of exhaust burbles with throttle lift off in 2nd and 3rd gear. I think those are increased by being in Sport mode and the addition of my NM power module.
minis after 2018 got their pop and bang removed. My 2014 goes crazy!
Yeah, my 2017 stock sounds quite good! @@ISR403
We have a cooper S Sport DCT and completely agree with everything you said! It’s a second car for me and I have to be in the mood to drive it. It’s really good but somehow doesn’t realise it’s full potential. Ours rattles and is on Dunlop Sport Max tyres and scabbles for grip. Great review!
Im driving a mini 2023 for work. I know that perhaps it is not worth the money compared to other cars. However, there are damn good fun!
Just got the 24 plate with all the jcw options. Beautiful car and very quick
I have a 22 S. I took a while looking at options…with Mazda’s 3 looming as a viable option. But, frankly the Mini was the fit for my needs of a fun, economical, and practical commuter. Two seats suffice. Absolutely, the right choice for me.
Definitely looking at a cooper s for my next car. Are the back seats usable if you really have to? Like for a short journey? I don’t take rear passengers often but idk if I could deal with the size for when I need to!
@@youraveragejoe1honestly, under 5’5 is possible but not comfy at all
I bought a Clubman JCW in 2018 for 57.000€ in green and red. Still regret that I sold it ..... I loved this car
I think sports mode transforms the throttle response a lot. My 2018 ones does. In mid mode feels a bit flat. Handling is average after coming from a clio 200 mk3.
I have to say I love the looks of this mini and I love the interior apart from the over used Union Jack and I agree with Jay there needs to be a better sound coming from the exhaust and the drive needs to be bit more exciting
Considered trading in a 2019 cooper s with works pack for this and the sales lad started the 2019 car and was wowed by the exhaust note and few other comments he made was enough to walk away and keep the 2019 for now !
Nice one James. You drive a car that doesn't excite you and offer a couple of small ways to improve it. BMW will be watching, listening and hopefully taking action based on your honest opinions. 👍
Modern day BMW accept constructive criticism? That'd be a sure sign the apocalypse was nigh. More likely they'll respond with some nasty quip on social media.
@@Beer_Dad1975Haha, I hear you. They DID lend him the car though, didn't they?
@@autobahnproven Most likely their hubris is such that they believe it is faultless 🙂
5:00 Having had a high speed crash in one of these(2015 JCW) I am thankful for where the extra 5 inches was added lol
Marvelous!!!
Full Sport Mode … toggle sport button & push shifter into DS
Add quicker shifts and exhaust burble
That terrier comment was A+
DTC usually stands for Diagnostic Trouble Code. Which - in my experience - you get plenty of on BMWs, as standard.
Yawn, totally original joke there. Boring.
@@Chris-jt4ux unfortunately I'm not joking. The facelift F10 I bought at 2 years old, approved used, was easily the worst car I've ever had.
We got our first mini at the end of summer last year, a 2022 Cooper S (looks almost just like the one here) and have absolutely loved it. We got a good deal I feel on it when we got it with how car prices were at the time. I will totally agree with on your big complaint and is one of the things I am about to correct. I want different wheels, our's has the same ones as this car, with some proper tires as I have found the traction issue the same as you. Part of me wishes a bit that we would have got a JCW but I still think it's a blast to drive and a fun car to have.
I do have a bit of a soft spot for Minis. The very first car I ever drove was a Mini. It would be around the late 1970s and it belonged to the mother of a school friend. It was a green pick-up, and she would take me and my friend to a private road and teach us about clutch control and braking and gear changes and the like. Very fond memories. She would also take us for days out next to a river, me her two boys and herself in the pick -up. "How?" you might ask, given there are only two seats in a pick-up. Of course two of us rode in the open back. How else.
I had a 2017 with adaptive dampers and now a 2021 (a much higher spec) without them and honestly it's hardly noticeable. I've now got H&R springs fitted to this one and it's just about perfect now imo.
I have a 16 plate cooper s and I love it. Came from an NC mx5 and while I miss the folding roof the extra power, 2 back seats for kids, bigger boot and suspension not from a 4x4 its been a nice change. For only 189bhp it’s a hoot.
Cooper convertible
Cooper just as much fun as an mx5 too!
@@StrawPerson-xq9ko I find it a lot more fun but the stock NC suspension is so bad it really lets it down. I am sure if you went coilovers and maybe a BBR 200 kit you’d have the mx5 pull ahead again. One thing I do hate is the tyres. I really need to get better ones it does chirp and traction gives out way too early.
@@mikemayers8672 JCW convertible might be my next car.
@@mikemayers8672 i could see a JCW convertible as my next car.
Excellent review. I owned an f56 cooper S with the JCW pack and I agree fully with the "competent" description. It didn't really feel like the previous R series models at all, which is a good and a bad thing. Then I got a JCW F56 and that's really worth the extra money if you like a sporty car that makes you grin a lot hahah. The 8-speed gearbox is better and thrilling in sport mode, the brakes are way better, the electronic differential makes it way better off the line and cornering while doing higher speeds, the adaptive dampers are a must, etc. For most people the S would be enough, but from the performance side it feels really limited from factory to leave room for the JCW. The S is a competent car, but the JCW feels like a MINI should without losing that added refinement the F series has.
Still got a couple of 60's Mini's, including a 65 Cooper now with a Swiftune engine. That's Mini fun. Don't really get the new stuff. Bit dull. Love the video as always.
I believe you said that on the Clubman, both front and back halves of the sunroof open up. I have a 2017 S, and only the front part opens on it. The good news...I really like your video! I'm fascinated by the history of Mini, how there are "purists" who are, understandably, upset that it's just not the same car now. And yet, BMW has (or have, as the British might say) managed largely to retain a mystique about the brand, for a lot of us. Oh --- and I also lament the demise of the manual shift! I've always driven manual, always will. (Sport mode, please.)
Any updates on the S2000? Was looking forward to your build as i havent seen anyone attempt what you are trying to do
Green mode decouples the gearbox and it’s fun to use on a long hill. The F56 is a better car than it’s predecessor in almost every way but the R56 although slower seemed more engaging. Wonder if the next gen will bring back some of the liveliness of the R56.
Definitely more reliable but the r56 has aged amazingly, when you compare it to other cars of its age it looks modern. Especially the LCI models post 2010, and the bmw diesels which are bulletproof. I think the second gen looked the nicest but had reliability issues whereas the r53 looks horrific but is the most mini to drive, and the third generation f56 is a much more pleasant and easier car to live with, but nowhere near as fun. It’s just a toss-up between what your preferences are but I myself would take a nice spec LCI r56 over the average f56 or even Cooper S r53 any day of the week.
I nearly bought one but picked up a GR Yaris instead. I do have a 71 Beetle in the same colour as the one on the start of the video though.
Reminds me to book my tickets to Scaresville
I had a 66 plate cooper s diesel with the automatic as a company car. It was a great car, comfy on the motorway and sporty enough on the twisty bits. The dealer though was horrendous. They just wouldn't service the car. Amber warning light comes on, and they said they could book it in, in 12 weeks time. Red warning light comes on, dashboard warns "do not drive the car" and they still cant service it. Mini breakdown rescue service have to come out and service it on my driveway. It then had to go to the dealer for a firmware update (which they couldn't do for 12 weeks), and they kept the car for 3 days just to update the firmware. This happened every time the car needed a service. The built in electronic service log built into the car however showed that service had been carried out much more frequently than it actually was. If it had been my car, I'd have started taking it somewhere else, but as a company car the lease company insisted that it go back to the same dealer. If you're ever thinking of buying one with a full dealer service history (especially if that dealer is Williams Manchester), be aware that the service history may be completely false.
Until c.2019 I was classic Mini through and through - the very thought of having a 'new' Mini was laughable.
I didn't want to like BMW Minis.
Then I drove a 3rd gen Cooper hire car for a few days, kinda loved it a bit tbh.
I was never going to afford one of those, but the 1st gen Cooper S has been a bit of a bargain for a while now, and I totally love my R53!
They really did capture the spirit and essence of the original Mini.
Love my F56 as had for 4.5 years. Ok as second car. Having said that it was fine for both our girls whilst at junior school age. Always puts a smile on my face on my 60 mile round trip commute. Yes it could be a little comfortable, but there again its a mini not a Golf sized car or bigger. Economy when driven sensible will still return an accurate 50+mpg. Only now is it starting to cost me money (clutch/flywheel, BCM, battery, alternator......all wear and tear really)
Like your vids...there's something they a lot people miss with the Green Mode...try this I set my cruise at 75mph...and then set it to Green Mode...and then set your display mpg...I've gotton readings up to around 60mpg...really surprising...I have a 2014 Mini Cooper F56s...6 6spd tweaked to about 280hp...with 165 thousand miles....to understand a Mini you have to drive one...always a smile on my face...Peace
I meant that a lot
I really enjoy your take on the cars that you review but felt compelled to comment on your views regarding the safety of classic MInis. It is a commonly held view that they must be unsafe but times were different when they were made and they dealt with crash safety in a different way. I know this from experience as my nieces classic Rover Mini Coopper was hit by an BMW E46 at high speed when it was over taking on a blind bend. It took the front end off the Mini but she walked away without a scratch. It may have had no no crumple zones or air bags , and the accident was horrific, however It's light weight meant that it was knocked out the way and the shape of the shell gives it strength and the cabin was not compromised. She may have been very lucky but 2O years on she still has its replacement , a run out model Cooper S PAC , and daily drove it until very recently as it was outlawed due to the low emission regs in Edinburgh.
Would love to see a review of an i20N some point if possible. Bit cheaper and would like to see if it’s any more exciting:)
Basically James, you should have got your hands on a JCW, you'd have had less complaints about it, the last one i drove infected my brain, i love the thing, it popped and banged it actually frightened me!
22:50 I have the Pirelli P7s on my '23 Cooper SE and as you said, they aren't great. 😂 Those are also lacking for grip and especially when the weather is now colder those are noisy as hell. Otherwise I'm loving the car (excl the short range...) and I totally agree with your notes about the interior, stereo, seats etc. 🙌🏼
Same here my friend, I own a 2023 SE and I am already modifying mind.
You should try the straight Cooper. I have a 5 door Cooper Resolute edition and it causes me grin all the time, especially in Sports mode. I have driven vast amounts of minis and to be honest I think there is huge difference in the models. I even have got some Coopers Ss to crackle and pop. And while it goes without saying the John Cooper Works is the most fun whenever I get my hands on one, I still grin like an idiot when I come off a roundabout and join a 110km french dual carriage way and really open my little 5 door Cooper up with a pleasant growl and leaving most other cars as distant memories.
When you're talking about 1st gen BMW Mini, an R50, you're showing post-facelift, pre-facelift R50 had a different steering wheel, different central stack, different speedometer, and radio, no push-to-start button, even the hood hatch leaver in left-hand drive cars is on the passenger side.
Actually it's even worse..he's showing R56 generation interiors when talking about the R50/R53 generation. I'd expect better research coming from a Brit!
Sport Mode works great with adaptive suspensions. Have it on my F56 S 2017. Pops and Bangs and heavier steering wheel are other two things that changes in Sport. Definitely a lot different in comparison to the Mid Mode. But if you have the newer versions without AS and pops / bangs it could be pointless indeed.
It’s interesting that you mention the lack of childish grinning!
My wife has a 2016 Mini One (1.2 100 HP 6 speed manual job) and while it is incredibly competent for the size and even reduced power level it never has given me the grin factor of older minis that I’ve tried, but you then look down at the speedo and even on 15” wheels you find you’re carrying some surprising speed through corners without realising.
Also even the 100 HP 1.2 lights up the tyres a surprising amount even when dry, wonder if it’s just a platform thing perhaps?
Whilst i love my track slag naughty breathed on manual e46 330i i also love my r56 daily dooper. 80mph everywhere and returning nearly 60mpg. Complete with JCW factory fitted aerokit it flies along even if not the quickest car off the line. It's as much fun to drive as my dirty weekender but in a different way. I will replace my Dooper with an SD next. Mini's are great fun to drive. I would choose one over an mx5 any day of the week. Smart money is on the diesel.
One thing that bothers me with modern cars is the loss of hydraulic steering, I have a 2015 focus St and the steering on centre doesn't feel right.
My 2010 focus st felt direct and you knew where the wheels were pointed. The new car feels almost disconnected and anytime I drive my brother's old Skoda Octavia vrs I'm reminded of whats missing in my car.
I have a 2024 Mini JCW with 8 Speed auto. My first Mini. I absolutely love this car. Has every single option except radar guided cruise control or whatever they are calling it. My only regret is that I did not buy into the Mini brand earlier. I traded a 2021 GTI SE Manual for this Mini and I could not be happier. The GTI while more practical, had no personality whatsoever and was a bore. The rev hang between 1st and 2nd was not tolerable. Been driving manual cars since 1988 and the GTI manual made me very unhappy. I also had a 2012 GTI with DSG and much prefer the JCW 8 speed auto. My favorite setting in the JCW is mid mode with the Auto in Sport. Great combination. The Mini feels like a tank. Well put together, fast and comfortable. The ride is certainly firm even with the dampers in mid mode...its not for everyone. My wife doesn't enjoy it. I think the handling is outstanding on the Mini. I also have a 1983 911SC and quite honestly, get more enjoyment (at least at the moment) driving my Mini JCW.
Amen. I have a 2023 JCW - best car in its class. It does it all.
I test drove a mini back in 2002 whenever BMW launched them in USA and for whatever reason, didn’t like it. That’s a shame. Should have given them another try because I’ve wasted a ton of money on cars that never satisfied. The prior generations do have better proportions, I’ll admit that. But this current Mini leaves me wanting nothing. Such a huge personality. And not a touch sensitive button to be found. Sure you can’t adjust the dampers an infinite amount of ways like in a MK 8 VW, but frankly I’m happy about that. They are either firm, or not as firm. No crazy layers of menus to wade through. Like my mk 7.5 GTi, the info screen is where it should be, not some hideous iPad glued to the dash. For that reason, I ruled out Hondas, Audi, Mazda…on and on. I’ve seen all the reviews and anyone saying the auto in the JCW is not fun probably hasn’t learned how to properly use the sport A/M function. I briefly drove an S with DCT prior to buying the JCW because the JCW was in the showroom and I couldn’t drive it. The S seemed fine but I didn’t push it and can’t really compare it to the Aisin 8 speed. Sure in manual mode using the paddles it ain’t the fasted shift but it does what I need it to do. I wasn’t expecting it to shift like a PDK. I could go on and on about the car I’m so impressed with it. Check back in a year though, I seem to lose interest with new cars after about 18 months…..maybe not this time. I hope not because seems like I paid a small fortune for it.
Jay I own a 2012 Mini Cooper S R56 second gen with the N18 1.6 litre turbo petrol Peugeot BMW Prince engine. It is a well specc-ed up version with the Hartman Kardon system and all. It is superb. And honestly its engine sound and exhaust burble is very addictive. Especially on the overrun on a nice curvy downhill stretch of road. It’s a 6 speed Automatic Torque Converter gearbox with Manual mode. The paddle shifters are a delight as is the Sports Mode. Remember our operating conditions in India are very much harsher than yours in England. Normal Tubeless tyres work much better here than Run Flats. So I have Michelin Pilot Sports 4 tyres on my car. My car is still a treat to drive. Its proportions and size are absolutely on point vis a vis the new F56 3rd Gen. Sad to say that in my considered opinion the upcoming 2024 4th Gen is very ugly and bulbous. It is not a Mini any more, it is a Maxi. And you re perfectly right about these designers messing about with its looks and appearance and design just for the sake of messing about with it. Totally unnecessary.
Great review! I’ve got a 2017 Clubman S All4 6MT and I’ve got a few observations.
The fwd Cooper S models do tend to be a bit nervous on the front end and could use a LSD as you said. However the Clubman All4 puts its power down with no chirp, and the cornering is better at high speeds than the 2 door. The Countryman unfortunately feels a bit wooden and dull.
Also the power is under rated for insurance from what I’ve heard, and independent tuners have found the stock crank horsepower to be around 227, which would be right in line with your initial estimate.
Final thoughts, it’s probably not a bad thing to try the Clubman JCW to compare to this Cooper S.
These are a bit expensive here in South Africa, but I really like what it is.
So you need to pass by people like Evolve to give it some sharpness, put a sports exhaust etc. Gets you in the money level where you can buy a lot of nice stuff.