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Hello JCW fans -
Been driving every day for a month, so it's time for a review! A brief story first. I was not in the market for a JCW and was completely happy with my 2019 Mini Cooper S Chile Red convertible. I went to my local Mini dealer (Mini of Ramsey -New Jersey) to get an oil change (Great dealership. I bought four cars from them so far with zero issues).
And while waiting for my oil change, I spotted the JCW on the showroom floor and I said to myself...'Damn....that is one good looking car'. The Rebel Green exterior + Chesterfield Malt interior + aluminum accents on the dash + JCW 18 inch rims + Red accents + JCW exhaust tips...screams 'BUY ME NOW'. So I asked the salesman about it and he said it was just sold. Somebody already put a down payment and was working on financing. I said to myself "some lucky guy is going to be very happy". Thirty minutes later my oil change was done and I was on my way. A couple of weeks go by and I was looking at their website (because my wife was interested in a new 2023 Countryman) and to my surprise ....the same Rebel Green JCW was for sale. I immediately called the dealership and it turns out the guy couldn't get financing and backed out of the deal. I got there in thirty minutes and bought it on the spot. "When opportunity knocks, open the door".
Now to the review.
How is it as a daily driver? I have a one hour daily drive to work on route 80 in New Jersey and it drives beautifully. The suspension in particular is outstanding. I saw some YouTube reviews of earlier JCW's and they said the suspension was too firm and would knock your fillings out. I can vouch and say the 2023 suspension is fabulous even with 18 inch run-flat wheels. It handles the potholes and road imperfections with ease. Not too harsh, not too soft. Just right. It rides even smoother than my old 2019 Cooper Hardtop with 16 inch non run flat wheels. Imagine that! The Chesterfield seats are also very supportive and complement the Rebel Green exterior really well. And now I have lumber support which makes them even better. No more adjusting my seat endlessly to find the sweet spot. Now they are perfect. The quality of the leather is top notch and the quilt stitching really sets it apart. The seats are beautiful and on a cold day they heat up quickly. Same goes for the butter-soft Nappa leather wrapped heated steering wheel. I haven't had a heated steering wheel for a while now and forgot how much I missed it. My 2019 Mini Cooper S had the firm JCW steering wheel and while it does look really good...the new softer one with heat feels so much better on a cold day.
How is the engine? With 228 hp on tap...it's very quick and more than enough for the public roads. I have been getting 23 mpg and it's been going up steady as it breaks in. It should reach about 27 mpg at some point. The JCW exhaust has a very nice mellow note to it....and gives off some nice pops and burbles when I floor it. Nothing annoying- just cool. I also love those shiny exhaust tips.
How are the brakes? The Brembo brakes are great and stop the car on a dime. Bigger brakes really enhances the overall driving experience - it's a game changer for sure. I had an occasional slight brake squeal when cold out side (only when turning and braking), but that has gone away now that they are broken in a bit.
How are the 18 inch Run Flat wheels? I love them. At first I was worried that the car would ride too harsh, but that is not the case at all. Rides very smooth.
How is the transmission? The 8 speed sport automatic is excellent. I do not use the paddle shifters (because the computer does a much better job than me) so I can't comment on that but the transmission is super smooth in all gears.
How is the wireless phone charger? The center arm rest has a wireless phone charger and works great with my Samsung Flip phone. If your phone is too big, it won't fit. But my flip phone fits perfect.
How is the stereo, navigation and connectivity? The 8inch touch screen and six speaker audio works great. It sounds very clear with no distortion. I like to use the Bluetooth audio streaming to listen to my YouTube play list. The navigation is very good and I no longer need to have my phone in front of me to use Waze. It also came with a free one year subscription to XM radio. Because my phone is connected, I also get updated news, traffic alerts and weather. My Verizon flip phone connects seamlessly and the calls are crystal clear. I can also check my text messages and emails on the 8 inch screen.
How are the safety features? It has just enough to keep you safe, but not so much to drive you nuts. The lane departure warning gives the steering wheel a gentle vibration to warn you if you drive on the line. The forward collision will light up in the dash if it senses that you are getting too close to the object in front of you. The high beam assist will turn on/off automatically. Nothing overly aggressive and no false positive alerts. Overall the safety software/hardware works very well. The rear view and side mirrors also have auto-dimming which works very well. Today's cars have blinding lights, so this is a very nice feature.
How is the auto stop/start? On my 2019 Mini Cooper I was able to permanently turn it off (it remembered my last setting). That feature was taken away. So I do have to turn it off each time I start the car. Not the end of the world. However, if you decide to leave it on, it does work pretty well and is not overly intrusive. But I prefer to keep it off.
How are the cup holders? They are slightly redesigned compared to my 2019 Mini and work great. They are located right where they belong - front and center. Gotta have my morning coffee while driving.
How are the steering wheel controls? I prefer the old ones on my 2019 Mini. These newer flat buttons are ok and do the job but occasionally you might brush up against them while making a turn and accidently increase the volume or even activate the cruise control. Not a deal breaker but you do need to be a tad more mindful of your hands on the wheel.
How is the digital dash cluster? I love it. At first I thought I would miss the gauges but I don't. The digital cluster is great during the day and night and very easy to read. I also have the heads up display and really like that it shows the GPS directions and music list so I don't have to look away from the road ahead.
How about the exterior styling? I love the new front grill with the JCW logo + horizontal red bar and the squared off rear diffuser. It gives it a nice aggressive look. I also like the blacked out trim around the head lights and tail lights and blacked out fuel door. The exterior paint is excellent and the hood stripes brings it all together. The fog lights have been moved from the front bumper to the inside of the head lights and work really well. The rear Union Jack tail lights are just so cool.
How is the convertible top? Nothing new here. The top is of very high quality and having the option to open it half way (sunroof) or all the way (top down) is great. Everything is tight with no squeaks or rattles.
How is the overall build quality. One word: Excellent. No squeaks, no rattles, no loose parts, no compromises, Everything works as it should and feels great. Mini didn't cheap out on anything. This is a premium automobile and it looks and feels like it.
Is it worth paying $47K for a JCW Mini Cooper convertible? Yes, it absolutely is. There is no other convertible on the market that is shorter in length than a Miata, holds four people, has front wheel drive, 228 hp, handles like a go-kart and looks retro cool. This has it all.
Last edited by michaelo; Dec 24, 2022 at 05:41 PM.
My pleasure. I hope more Mini fans buy one. It's a great car.
They are great cars.
My 1st MINI was a 2018 JCW in rebel green.
Pic:
Came with a 6-speed.
When I decided to leave CA I sold it because no MINI dealer where I was moving to.
But the BMW dealer here can do basic services. So I wanted another one but couldn't find any near me. Headed to Colorado where there were two but ended up buying an S in Merriam KS. My plan was to drive the S then as soon as I had the car registered to order a JCW then when it came in trade in the S. If I order the JCW after I have the S registered in my name I get a $2000 loyalty discount.
While obviously not a JCW the S is a fine car nonetheless. Not a 6-speed either but the 7-speed Sport dual clutch transmission is very nice.
Oh, pic:
Such a fine car I'm a bit reluctant to order a JCW and then trade the S in when it arrives. But I don't have room for 3 cars. And I like my 2022 BMW 230i.
But I think I will order a JCW. I really liked my 2018 example and with a 6-speed I like the simplicity.
Great review.
I just bought a 2023 JCW 3 door.
Your assessment is almost verbatim. Great ride quality, even with 18s.
I used to have an 05. This car us bigger and more solid. Transmission is great. Breaks great.
It does not feel as go cart like as the 05 but so many other areas are improved.
My 05 was too tender in the maintence dept. I bought another mini due to the improved durability.
I am glad I did they really are fun.
When I decided to leave CA I sold it because no MINI dealer where I was moving to.
But the BMW dealer here can do basic services. So I wanted another one but couldn't find any near me. Headed to Colorado where there were two but ended up buying an S in Merriam KS. My plan was to drive the S then as soon as I had the car registered to order a JCW then when it came in trade in the S. If I order the JCW after I have the S registered in my name I get a $2000 loyalty discount.
While obviously not a JCW the S is a fine car nonetheless. Not a 6-speed either but the 7-speed Sport dual clutch transmission is very nice.
Oh, pic:
Such a fine car I'm a bit reluctant to order a JCW and then trade the S in when it arrives. But I don't have room for 3 cars. And I like my 2022 BMW 230i.
But I think I will order a JCW. I really liked my 2018 example and with a 6-speed I like the simplicity.
Love your S in white. How has it been treating you?
