Worth a read none the less:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/li...-13930568.html

 

I don't think that guy should buy one.
He wouldn't be happy at all.

 

The article had some good points, as all articles do, but when you get down to it; whether you like a car or not depends a lot more on the subjective than the objective. Still, food for thought is always a good thing.

CROC 411

 

I have disagreed with writers before.

 

I wonder what his tire pressure was.

 

the best way is to test drive and judge for yrself.

 

Seems a competent critical assessment from an intelligent, articulate critic. With the best critics, you can always see what they're getting at even when you don't agree with them.

One of his judgements may be of particular interest to those who regret not having the Sport Button:

 

A lot of the review is positive, really.

"Too Expensive" is subjective... and is in comparison to other Euro offerings, which we don't have here.

Secondly, ride harshness over poor roads is greatly based on:

1. Where you live
2. Whether some roughness over poor roads is a worth-while trade-off for excellent handling on better roads.

Also, it may be that he would eliminate BOTH of those complaints by going with the Cooper S, due to the softer suspension and the notably lower base price-point.

Truthfully, the JCW *is* a niche vehicle, even more than the base and S Mini's. For the money, it's pretty small and not "fast" in a straight line... but for many "Mini people", they are the ultimate iteration of the Mini philosophy, so it's worth every penny.

 

I do kinda agree with his point on the steering feel with the Sport mode enabled, but I wouldn't call it "horrible". He seems to be a little over-dramatic with his criticisms. Could be he's just super disappointed that it isn't perfect, and his review contains elements of his tantrum.

Whatever. I bought one

 

Well, he is reviewing the factory JCW. If the JCW suspension is stiffer than the MCS, I'd have to agree with him. Other modern suspensions do a better job of smoothing the ride while maintaining excellent handling.

The JCW is expensive. And the MINI is large. That was something of a surprise to me when I test drove it. It is about 6" taller than my Acura Integra. I was almost put off by its height when I first test drove it. Compared to driving the Integra, it felt like I was in an SUV. I'm not talking about handling, but the ride-height and visibility. I was expecting it to feel like I was in a sports car, or at least a small car. It didn't. However, it was still the most fun to drive when comparing it to an Acura RSX, Honda S2000, and VW GTI. So, I went for it. Can't say I'm sorry about the improved safety engineering, though.

 

Funny, I was thinking the same thing myself.

It is entirely possible his editor asked for an opposition review: "Let's sell some copy. Go write a critical review of the MINI. Something that will have owners buzzing and shoppers applauding our 'honesty'. But not too blatant, eh?"

 

Although I have never driven the JCW he has some valid points. The JCW is much more expensive in Europe, you can about double the price he quotes and that would be the US base price $40,000. We in the US get the JCW at a bargain price. There are a lot more choices of good small cars in Europe in that price range while here in the US, what compares to the MINI? I'll also agree the steering feel in the MINI is not the best, it is rather vague I think with poor on center feel.

I'm hoping that someday there will be more car choices in the size of the MINI.