BMW built the 2015 John Cooper Works Mini Cooper in a very interesting fashion. Despite it being the most powerful model in the Mini Cooper history, BMW did not start with its engine. Not surprisingly, BMW began from the bottom with one of the JCW’s best features, its brakes.
Unlike the 2015’s predecessors the new brakes for the JCW are not excessively touchy—they are smooth while still very responsive. When engaging the brakes, the John Cooper Works now glides to a stop as opposed to an abrupt halt, BMW clearly listened to its customers and responded to one of our biggest complaints. The refinement in the JCW’s breaks are not the only improvement however, as BMW has refined nearly every aspect of the new John Cooper Works. Even as powerful as the JCW is, capable of 236 lb-ft of torque, 153 mph and a zero to sixty time of about six seconds, the torque steer is no longer noticeable as it was in previous models, which is a great improvement.
Boasting 228hp, a 10 percent increase from the last JCW model, the 2015 JCW really packs a punch for its size and is more powerful than any of the Mini Coopers previously created. Even with its powerful two liter supercharged engine, the JCW’s gas mileage is still a great one. At an average of about 49.6 mpg it’s clear that Mini Cooper, when designing the JCWdid not forget about one of its most appealing features when designing a quicker, more powerful vehicle.
Inside, the JCW is quite comfy despite its tiny size. Even passengers over six feet tall can comfortably sit in the JCW thanks to the clever indentations in the ceiling of the car, which enable more headroom. It comes standard with leatherette upholstery that lines its very comfortable and supportive driver and passenger seats. Other features you can find in the JCW include: sixspeaker audio system, Bluetooth and auxiliary input. You can also opt for parking sensors, satellite radio, Harman Kardon audio system, Mini Connected infotainment system, 6.5 inch color display, voice recognition, Smartphone app integration and navigation. There are a myriad of packages and upgrades to choose from with the JCW.
Aside from surprisingly comfortable seating, the JCW’s interior has a striking, yet appealing, design. Very stylized and modern, its interior is accented with bold, shining red trims and slick black on the center controls. The eye-catching design is also found on the exterior, which dons an aggressive- looking grill, a low and wide stance and the same black and red color scheme. However, if black and red isn’t your style, the 2015 model also comes in the exclusive “Rebel Green” color, if you happen to get your hands on one.
If you want a sporty vehicle but don’t want to break the bank and don’t need any extra room, the 2015 John Cooper Works is a pretty good option. This car is definitely for those who like making bold statements and can get away with doing so in a small vehicle.
The MSRP for the 2015 John Cooper Works Mini Cooper is $35,350.
This column is by Grant Miller, publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He can be reached at 305-669-7355, ext. 216, or via email at grant@communitynewspapers.com.
