Driving Experience of the New Mini Hatch JCW at Yas Marina Circuit
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Driving Experience of the New Mini Hatch JCW at Yas Marina Circuit
Mini Dubai, in collaboration with AGMC, hosted the inaugural driving event for the all-new Mini Hatch JCW at Yas Marina Circuit. This model is touted as the most powerful Mini to date and underwent various tests to assess its sporty performance.
Event Highlights:
- Dynamic Handling
- Racing
- Circuit Driving
The purpose of this event was to showcase the power and performance of the new model, comparing it to the less powerful Cooper S. Here are some key specifications:
- 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 228 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque
- Available in 6-speed automatic/manual transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds
- Available only in a 3-door configuration
In terms of driving experience, the Mini delivers what you would expect: power. It is indeed fast and smooth. The delightful engine sound adds to the enjoyment. However, there is room for improvement in cornering control.
The JCW accelerates quickly, but after reaching 5000 RPM, it feels a bit sluggish. Additionally, the gearbox is slow, which is quite significant in today's standards. The most concerning aspect was the handling during turns; I haven't driven a front-wheel drive car that slips this much. It also lacks stability during hard braking, yet it remains an enjoyable ride.
On the other hand, the Cooper S offers a balanced ride with smooth power delivery and good handling. It feels more stable on the circuit and during braking. However, it lacks the excitement found in the JCW, offering neither the spirited character nor the engine sound.
In summary, Mini has crafted a competitor to the Ford ST and Golf R, but improvements in control are needed. Perhaps an all-wheel drive option could address these issues.
