Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Cooper JCW

Hot Hatch

Sharp, agile and responsive – the MINI JCW has all the attributes that are needed to complete an emergency lane change. But how will it cope when we throw a simultaneous 70-0mph stop into the mix?

There’s certainly no doubting the MINI’s raw stopping power. In our first road test of the JCW, it achieved the best braking distance we’ve recorded for a hot hatch. And it excelled in our more extreme evasive test, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The MINI’s anti-lock system has a rapid and very efficient action, and the pedal remains reassuringly firm under foot. Better still, the stiff suspension set-up prevents dive under braking, and body movement is minimal.

The result is that the MINI changes direction and slows down well. Initial turn-in is very positive and braking strong throughout the lane-change manoeuvre. This combination of limpet like front-end grip and a stiff chassis means the MINI lifts its unloaded rear wheel through the lane change, but crucially this momentary loss of contact with the road doesn’t confuse or fluster the ABS system.

The MINI took 42.2 per cent longer to come to a halt in the lane change test compared to the straight-line stop. This increase is two-tenths of a per cent less than that recorded by the impressive BMW X6.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A3 Sportback

2024 Audi

A3 Sportback

57,774 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,697
View A3 Sportback
Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

33,073 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,697
View Niro
CX-30

2020 Mazda

CX-30

16,274 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £16,697
View CX-30
Yaris Hybrid

2025 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

14,195 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,000
View Yaris Hybrid

The MINI’s standard stability control system can take much of the credit. It does a very good job of reining in the natural tendency towards a tail slide that you get in a front-wheel-drive model when you apply the brakes mid-corner.

From the driver’s seat, you can really feel the JCW’s electronics working by braking individual wheels to tug the car back into line. The MINI is equally impressive with the stability control turned off. It’s a testament to the chassis’s agility and adjustability that, without the system, a timely and accurate application of opposite steering lock balanced the car, corrected the slide and still brought the JCW to a halt in just over a metre longer than a stability control-assisted stop. However, without the reassuring help of the active safety system, it was harder to return to the original lane and make the finish gate.

Even so, the MINI’s body control, sharp steering and poise meant that with its active safety systems turned off, it was far more stable than the non-ESP equipped Ford Ka.

With brakes that are impressively resilient to fade – even after repeated emergency stops – the MINI’s set-up is easily a match for its straight-line performance and sharp handling. It just goes to confirm what a great hot hatch the JCW is.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,172
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025