2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop Review: One Expensive Go-Kart
Fast Minis have been an institution for over half a century and have come to represent the small, but tenacious, underdog who nips at the heels of bigger, more powerful performance cars. Nothing much has changed in the 21st century, but these days the Mini Hardtop is seen as a premium subcompact and not a back-to-basics family transporter. The John Cooper Works is the hottest of the Cooper lineup and borrows its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine from BMW. The Mini is already a compromised vehicle, offering little in terms of interior space, and asking premium prices, but the 2019 JCW takes it even further, with stiff suspension, limited safety features and an asking price that steps on the toes of serious performance cars such as the VW Golf R. Yes it delivers an entertaining drive, but is it really worth the money?
What's the Price of the 2019 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop?
For what it is, the 2019 Mini Cooper JCW is an expensive little car, especially when compared to similar offerings from Honda and Ford. The Fiesta ST, one of the most balanced and best handling small performance hatchbacks of the last decade, starts at $21,340, which is approximately $10,000 less than the JCW. Nonetheless, Mini will charge you $31,900 for the entry-level Classic sub-trim, rising to $34,900 for the Signature. The top-spec Iconic, including handling fees of $850, will see you coughing up $39,900, which is almost the same price as the brilliant VW Golf R, which is more accomplished in nearly every way. Sure, the Mini brand has become a premium one, and most will buy because of the image, but as a small sporty hatchback with mild performance abilities, these prices just don't make sense.
2019 John Cooper Works Hardtop Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
151.9 in | 98.2 in | 55.7 in | 68.0 in | 58.5 in | 58.5 in | 2,845.0 lbs |
2019 John Cooper Works Hardtop Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Mini has stuck to the same script, and it pays off in the 2019 JCW: a stubby footprint, stiff suspension, and a low curb weight all come together to create a driving experience that can only be described as pointy and entertaining (insert go-kart reference here). The already stiff chassis is backed up by sport-tuned suspension, which, combined with a set of standard 17-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, delivers excellent mid-corner grip, which will gently push you to the outer edge when you turn in with too much eagerness. On the road, the JCW's stiff ride can be a bit too much for some, especially when fitted with the optional 18-inch rims, but this is all to be expected from a performance-oriented Mini, and enthusiasts will enjoy the fact that the Mini is always primed and ready to deliver an entertaining drive, no matter the speed.
2019 John Cooper Works Hardtop Interior
2019 John Cooper Works Hardtop Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop A Good car?
When you design a car for one specific reason, compromises have to be made, and in the case of the 2019 Mini John Cooper Works, it is quite noticeable where this little pocket rocket falls short, and where it excels. There's no getting around the fact that the 2019 JCW is a dedicated sports car, which means it has a stiff ride - and because it's a Mini, cargo space is also limited. The lack of active safety equipment on base models is a concern, especially when most competitors offer these as standard; but crash tests have proven that the Mini remains a safe car, and a reliable one at that, if you take its lack of recalls into account. The JCW does offer a highly entertaining driving experience, with enough power to keep you entertained, especially in the city, where its small size and light weight are great plus points. For a performance hatch, its light on gas, and Mini offers an impressive warranty, which gives some peace of mind for new owners. Mini has kept the flame alive by sticking to their classic recipe; it might not be the most practical car on the road, buts it offers a driving experience that's getting harder and harder to find.
What MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop Model Should I Buy?
For what it offers, the Mini JCW Hardtop is an expensive little car. The Classic is the cheapest model in the lineup, and for a good reason; it doesn't provide much in terms of features, and is punished even further by being cut off from most of the available options. At the other end of the lineup, the Iconic is treated to a few premium items, but it doesn't justify the $39,900 price tag. The best value for money will be found in the middle of the range; the Signature sub-trim, with an MSRP of $34,900, gets you more options than the Classic, including a set of 18-inch wheels, a head-up display, and navigation. Add the $1,000 active driver assistance package, and you've got yourself a JCW that comes in a few grand cheaper than the Iconic, but with most of its ability.
2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop Comparisons
2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop vs Mini Cooper Hardtop
The Cooper S is well-known as the gateway to more performance-oriented Minis and uses the same 2.0-liter engine as found in the JCW model, only it has been detuned to now deliver 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque; but, it doesn't feel much slower than the JCW Mini, especially around a tight track or in city driving environments. The Cooper S offers a more comfortable ride thanks to its softer suspension tuning, and matches the JCW in terms of build quality and practicality. It can't match the JCW's captivating driving experience and raw feeling, though. The Cooper S starts at $25,900 - exactly $5,000 cheaper than the entry-level JCW, which means you get more features out the gate, and an engaging driving experience that doesn't match that of the JCW, but won't be missed by most drivers. Bang-for-buck, the Cooper S takes the cake.
2019 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop vs Volkswagen Golf R
At its price point, Mini has been forced to compete with one of the best performance VW Golfs of all time. The Golf R is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that churns out 288 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque; that's way more power than you get in the 2019 JCW, and the way it delivers that power is more impressive too. The R will accelerate to sixty in the mid-four-second range, completely blowing the doors off the Mini. Not only is the Golf R faster, but it offers superior comfort, features, and practicality. The interior of the Golf feels more mature and well put together, and the infotainment system and overall features list impress. The R is also a safe car with the GTI variant scoring a Top Safety Pick Plus from the IIHS. In the $40,000 price range, the Mini simply cannot compete.