Mini Roadster Review: JCW Convertible - Full Review

Mini Roadster Review: JCW Convertible

Overview

Mini South Africa (BMW) seem to have ventured into a market where others have failed. Fortunately they have more models than just the Roadster, but it’s still an interesting car. They’ve removed the rear seats from the Mini Cooper (which you couldn’t get an adult into anyway), given it more boot space (but not as much as a regular sports car), and branded it the MINI Roadster.

Performance

The variant of MINI Roadster we tested was the John Cooper Works (JCW). The regular MINI Roadster S gives you 135kW and a bumpy suspension, but the JCW gives you 155kW and a suspension made of broom sticks.

Taking the small size of the car into consideration you’ll be correct to guess that the 155kW powering it really give it some shunt. You’re propelled from standing to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, which is plenty fast when the wind is ripping through your hair.

Economy

As with any car that’s fun to drive and has a turbo on it, the economy is bound to suffer. The Mini Roadster has a claimed average consumption of 7.2 L/100km, but in reality if you’re having some robot to robot fun in the JCW Roadster, you’ll more than likely see the 11 L/100km mark. It’s all worth it of course, few cars I’ve driven have delivered such an insane level of entertainment.

Tech

Incase you’ve been living under rock, MINI is owned by BMW, so what you’ll find in the cockpit is a good selection of tech. The big round dial in the centre of the dash acts as an LCD screen which is where the optional SatNav lives should you choose it on your car. It also acts as the MINI version of BMW’s iDrive system which is so popular.

After about 5 minutes in the MINI you begin to realise the similarities in the tech department, and it’s clear you’ve got the superb BMW gadgets in this hot little roadster.

Comfort

If you’re looking for an easy way to give your kidneys a workout, then the JCW Roadster is just the right thing for you. There is no ride comfort to speak of, you’re forgiven for thinking that you’re in a go-cart, with go-cart suspension.

However, this seemingly dire lack of ride comfort is made up for in the corners. There is no car on the market which I have driven, that is able to corner quite like the JCW Roadster does. It’s a near religious experience being behind the wheel of the MINI and sticking it into a corner. The short wheel base, stiff ride, and near perfect weight distribution make it something that needs to be experienced before it can be believed.

Practicality

It’s got 2 seats in the front and something in the back that vaguely resembles a boot. 240 litres of boot space is available in the MINI Roadster JCW, which is more than most MINI’s but not nearly as practical as you’d like.

Conclusion

If you’re young, adventurous, and keen to have some fun, then the MINI Roadster is exactly what you need. If you’re married with kids. Keep looking.

Please see more Mini for sale here