Review MINI John Cooper Works hatchback

"With 208bhp the John Cooper Works is the fastest production MINI yet, offering cracking performance in a desirable hot hatch package" The ultimate BMW-developed MINI comes in the form of the 208bhp John Cooper Works, the hottest production MINI yet capable of 148mph. The MINI JCW faces comeptition from the Renault Clio Renaultsport and Vauxhall Corsa VXR. With an exhaust note that crackles at idle like the 1959 original, ‘go-kart’ handling is matched to an engine that offers astonishing straight-line performance. An extensive options list means it's easy to personalize, with high quality materials featuring throughout. Excellent resale values and an economical engine means the performance MINI is a sensible, if expensive choice. Sharing many parts with the MINI Challenge one-make racers, the JCW provides cracking entertainment in a desirable hot hatch package. Drive4.8 /5 Few cars are this much fun to drive Sitting low, close to the road and behind a small steering wheel, the MINI is seriously rapid; feeling and sounding like a racing car thanks to its 208bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The JCW offers plenty of grip and traction, while the engine's impressive output creates some mild torque steer. Quick, accurate steering makes the MINI great fun around corners though, while upgraded Brembo brakes provide great stopping power. Comfort3.8 /5 The ride is firm and back seats are very small Despite the race-inspired chassis, the MINI is reasonably comfortable, unlike some rivals. Large 17-inch alloys do make the ride firm, notably over poorer road surfaces. There's lots of front headroom, the front seats slide back far enough for even the tallest drivers, offering plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel. The massive central speedometer is clear to read, offering a digital readout on the rev counter. Some of the toggle switches are difficult to read though, being mounted low on the central column. Reliability4.1 /5 Five star Euro NCAP rating The MINI has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, meaning lots of airbags and electronic stability control as standard. The Oxford built car isn’t without faults, but the strong dealer network offers excellent customer care. Expensive to replace run-flat tyres are a common customer complaint however, while some lower interior plastics wear badly. Practicality3.2 /5 Small boot and limited rear seat space Space has never been one of the MINI's strong points. The rear seats offer limited legroom, and the boot is full with just four carrier bags of shopping. The car comes with split-folding rear seats, allowing the 160-litre boot to expand to 680 litres, but compared to the 285-980 litre range of the Citroen DS3, the MINI's isn’t a practical choice. The interior also puts style first, with limited door bins and storage space. Value for money4.0 /5 Residual values are very strong On the surface the JCW starts at £22,330- but once it's customised with options this price easily passes £25,000. For a performance model, standard kit is disappointing, with just a unique bodykit offering visual clues to the performance. Inside the upgrades are also minimal, with proper buckets being a pricey option. The MINI counters this with great resale values thanks to a highly desirable image. Running costs4.5 /5 MINI offer the excellent 'tlc' package Thanks to a programme of fuel saving measures called MINImalism, the performance hatch is relatively economical, offering a combined cycle of 39.8mpg. Road Tax for a year is also low; being £165 and MINI offers the ‘tlc’ package-which for just £200 provides five years of servicing.