The Mini Cooper S Coupe JCW Was the Most Exciting Mini Ever

Summary

This video reviews the 2013 Mini Cooper Coupe John Cooper Works, a model that stands out as the sportiest and most exciting variant in the Mini lineup, featuring a manual transmission and unique design elements. Highlighting its rarity and performance-focused nature, the review delves into the car's design quirks, features, and driving dynamics. With just over 52,000 miles, this specific car is up for auction on Cars and Bids, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of Mini's sportiest heritage. The review covers everything from the car's distinct looks and practicality trade-offs to its spirited driving experience, concluding with a detailed Doug Score evaluation.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The 2013 Mini Cooper Coupe John Cooper Works is highlighted for its sportiness, featuring a manual transmission and a unique two-door coupe design.
• 📈 This specific Mini Cooper Coupe is up for auction on Cars and Bids, boasting over 52,000 miles and representing the pinnacle of the Coupe John Cooper Works lineup.
• 🔨 The Mini Cooper Coupe was part of Mini's effort to diversify their model lineup beyond the traditional hatchback, including variants like the convertible, SUV, and the more peculiar Coupe and Roadster.
• 🛠 The Coupe’s design is noted for its steep windshield rake, sloping Fastback roof, and integrated roof spoiler, making it distinct but somewhat polarizing in appearance.
• 💥 Performance-wise, the JCW model houses a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 208 horsepower, delivering a nimble and engaging driving experience despite its modest horsepower.
• 🛩 Unique features include an active rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics, sports suspension, and central exit exhaust, emphasizing its sporty ethos.
• 🏆 Interior quirks include a giant circular speedometer, toggle switches for various controls, and ambient lighting with selectable colors.
• 💧 Practicality is compromised with no back seats and a smaller cargo space compared to the standard Mini Cooper, making it a niche choice for enthusiasts.
• 🚲 Driving the Mini Cooper Coupe JCW reveals its precision steering and agility, offering a fun and connected driving experience ideal for enthusiasts.
• 🔍 The Mini Cooper Coupe JCW's unique blend of performance, distinctive design, and interior quirks make it a hidden gem for driving purists, despite its practicality drawbacks.

Q & A

What years was the Mini Cooper Coupe sold?

The Mini Cooper Coupe was sold from 2012 to 2015.

Why did the Mini Coupe and Roadster have slow sales?

The Mini Coupe and Roadster had slow sales likely due to their unusual design which didn't appeal to many people, as well as losing practicality compared to the standard Mini hatchback.

What made the Mini Cooper Coupe lighter than other Mini models?

The Mini Cooper Coupe was lighter than other Mini models at around 2700 lbs due to its small size - it was over a foot shorter than a Honda Fit.

What was distinctive about the climate controls in the Mini Coupe?

The climate controls were arranged in the shape of the Mini logo, with the circle in the center and the 'wings' on either side.

Why did the Mini Coupe have a rear cup holder with no rear seats?

The Mini Coupe had a rear cup holder because the center console was shared with other Mini models that did have rear seats.

How much cargo space did the Mini Coupe have?

The Mini Coupe had a decent amount of cargo space due to its hatchback design, more than you might expect for a two-seater sports coupe.

What was good and bad about the manual transmission?

The shifter had excellent feel, but the clutch pedal had a bad nonlinear engagement point, which is common on BMW vehicles.

Why did the Mini Coupe lose practicality compared to regular Minis?

The Mini Coupe lost practicality due to not having rear seats and having less cargo space than the Mini hatchback models.

What was the DougScore of the Mini Coupe?

The DougScore given to the Mini Coupe was 49/100, which was near the bottom compared to similar sporty vehicles due to its low practicality.

What made the Mini Cooper Coupe fun to drive?

The Mini Cooper Coupe was fun to drive due to its lightweight design, precise steering, and energetic powertrain, even though its performance numbers weren't outstanding on paper.