MINI John Cooper Works Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Original ideas are a rare thing. Especially when it comes to automobiles. Usually, what is presented as new is derived from something that's been around the block a time or two and is simply redesigned or reinterpreted. Such is the case with the current BMW-owned MINI.

Clearly not a literal reissue of the original Austin Mini, the newest MINI only borrows its name and a lot of its charisma from the original. In fact, in terms of positioning, the two couldn't be more apart. Where the original invented the blueprint for front-wheel-drive economy cars that is still in use today, the current car can arguably be credited with establishing the premium small car market.

Known internally as the R56 MINI, and unofficially as the Mk-II MINI, this little car has a big premium feel. Now, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise, as the MINI is a product of the BMW Group, but a lot of the car's engineering work was done in England.

Everything about the MINI experience feels consistently premium. This is especially true inside the car where the first thing that will grab you is the MINI's playful interior design. Not exactly an ergonomic success, the layout can at times make you wonder what the designers were thinking. But inevitably, as you grow accustomed to its various interior quirks, you'll find yourself bonding with this charismatic little Brit.

From its Big Ben-sized central speedometer to the toggle switches that control various functions, everything about this car is unique. Even the starting procedure is special - especially if you're looking to extract every ounce of performance from the John Cooper Works version.

Here's the procedure: you slide the flying-saucer-like key into its slot, dip the clutch and push the "start" button. But to really get "motoring" - as MINI likes to say - you need to press the "sport" button, located down by the shifter, and the "DTC", or "Dynamic Traction Control" button next to it. One press of the DTC button relieves the traction control nanny that is overly eager to zap the MINI's power. Once that's done, you're ready to motor.

Once motoring, the little MINI will surprise you with its composure - not to mention its pace - as the premium feel continues. The ride is well controlled and completely acceptable given the JCW's mission as MINI's top-performing model. You hear thumps rather than feel them, as you would - perhaps not surprisingly - in a BMW 3 series.

Sure, you can find a couple of complaints in the choppiness of its short wheelbase over freeway expansion joints, or in the noticeable wind noise caused by the MINI's upright windshield, or even - if we're being extra critical - in its general lack of space. But overall, from build quality to material finishes to the entire experience, the MINI is not like any small car before it.

Eccentric but endearing, the new MINI may not reinvent the small car like its grand daddy did, but with its mix of personality, quality, premium positioning and smile-inducing performance and design, the 2009 MINI John Cooper Works is one very compelling little car.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

MINI John Cooper Works

Performance
- Acceleration: Hang on to the wheel and prepare for torque steer! - goes impressively quickly, though, feeling faster than it is
- Handling: Playful rear axle makes this one of the most fun front-wheel-drive cars available... once you turn off the stability control system
- Braking: Brembos don't have to struggle when they're charged with slowing just over 2600 lbs of car

Design
- Exterior: Conservative redesign of the first BMW MINI, but still quite nice - smile inducing and fun to look at
- Interior: An ergonomics nightmare that grows on you with familiarity - quirky design great to look at as well

Utility
- Comfort: Up front, no sweat, in back, less so - back seat ingress/egress not for the inflexible... don't throw out that hip!
- Space: It is called a mini after all - not truly a four-seater if you've also got to put things in it, but again, it's a MINI

Safety
- Dynamics: Eager to shake its butt when you're playing around, but stability control keeps it in check during normal driving - super easy to maneuver around obstacles
- Technology: Airbags galore, stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, yadda, yadda... you can't beat physics though, so don't crash

Value
- Price: The single bad piece of news... "They want how much for a car this small?!!?" Incredibly, though, you'll think it's worth it after you live with it
- Mileage: As usual with turbocharged cars (especially light-weight cars), stay out of the boost and reap the rewards

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Premium feel, spunky character and cheeky design will have you treating it like a pet and loving every bit of it
- Fun to spank: Once you send the stability and traction control systems on a break, fun, fun, fun to be had... for a front-wheel driver anyway

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.6 liter, turbocharged inline-4
Power (SAE): 208 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 2000-5300 rpm *on overboost*
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 2655 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.4 @ 99 mph
Top Speed: 147 mph
Mileage: 26 city / 34 highway
Base Price: $29,200
Competitors: Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si