[Fabio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Washy (original)

Says they are 17'' in the press release. I checked before i posted as I wasnt sure...

they look smaller than the ones on the challenge car, maybe its just the gap between the wheel arch that makes it look smaller..............just checked wheels on challenge car and they are definite 17 in

[DerekH]

I think Mini are pushing it with price have a look at new clio recaro's brembo the works 197BHP £15K not my cup of tea but far better value leaving out resale, as for no standard LSD of different body panels lazy and that's what i think they are being re all the engine and clutch problems we have had they could not care less

[The Overrun]

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB (original)

You get a new exhaust system with the current JCW kit? Not just the back box like the old kit?

the dealer kit doesn't give you a full cat-back exhaust like the stage 2 does

[Hugo]

Looks class, been in a Stage 1 with all the Works parts worth £29, beautiful car but I'm scared to the price of the full Works with all those parts.

I thought there would more donkeys out of it just 1bhp more than the R53, but it does have an increase in torque.

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

I think Mini are pushing it with price have a look at new clio recaro's brembo the works 197BHP £15K not my cup of tea but far better value leaving out resale, as for no standard LSD of different body panels lazy and that's what i think they are being re all the engine and clutch problems we have had they could not care less

But its French, badly made and will break down once a week with list of electrical faults. Plus you don't buy into a way of life and the secret society.

[mister.t]

I think the Clio 197 will be the Minis biggest problem until the 500 Abarth is launched (if its all its cracked up to be) I love the 197 - Great car and soooo focused on its aim - Deliver maximum driving fun. The JCW is gonna have to be something ultra special to justify the extra price. That wouldn't stop me from saving another £5k and not even considering the Clio TBH

[uberandreman]

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB (original)

I would have thought the JCW seats and kit would be included.

Ok.......so what is?

Super dooper JCW Challenge tuned engine..
Super dooper JCW Challenge tuned suspension..
Super dooper JCW Challenge tuned brakes..
Dynamic Traction Control.......whatever that is?

Still a lot of money for what you're getting.

Quote: Originally Posted by The Overrun (original)

Things that could be improved imo:

standard LSD and standard JCW 10mm suspension package with strut brace

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB (original)

You get a new exhaust system with the current JCW kit? Not just the back box like the old kit?

The Dynamic traction control acts as the LSD just a diffent system to stop wheel spin, as for the suspension its probably not the challenge suspension seeing as how you can upgrade to the JCW and reg sport suspension. Also they had an issue with the strut brace and the old JCW kit i think their was some banging or something probably a simaler problem

[jamesbeaumont]

Quote: Originally Posted by mister.t (original)

I think the Clio 197 will be the Minis biggest problem until the 500 Abarth is launched (if its all its cracked up to be) I love the 197 - Great car and soooo focused on its aim - Deliver maximum driving fun. The JCW is gonna have to be something ultra special to justify the extra price. That wouldn't stop me from saving another £5k and not even considering the Clio TBH

Since the standard mcs and the mcs with the works kit has beaten the 197 in every test I doubt this new model will have much trouble Remember the 197 suffers from lack of torque syndrome...

[Tommo]

Quote: Originally Posted by jamesbeaumont (original)

Since the standard mcs and the mcs with the works kit has beaten the 197 in every test I doubt this new model will have much trouble Remember the 197 suffers from lack of torque syndrome...

Don't believe everything you read, 197 is a very capable car and can afford to suffer (a relative) lack of torque with a screaming top end and a very good chassis. I do think the JCW will be a great car though if a little pricey when specced.

[Paul]

But aren't Clios, by definition, just crap cars? I know ours was, and I keep hearing it over and again. Unreliable and poorly built being the main two complaints (same as we had, and that was the previous body shape!).

[paa100]

I am slowly beginning not to care about any of these senisible arguments and am starting to drool. How do I explain to my wife I we will be changing our 4 week old Dooper Cluubman for a 148 mph post van? And how do I secure a July production allocation for September. Still, I am writing this my Iphone so I am clearly form rather sensible function or economic reason driven.

[Snowie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

But aren't Clios, by definition, just crap cars? I know ours was, and I keep hearing it over and again. Unreliable and poorly built being the main two complaints (same as we had, and that was the previous body shape!).

My 20 year old has an 07 plate Clio Rip Curl.
it has done circa 12K in 10 months without a squeak or a rattle, never been anywhere near the dealer.
Build quality has certainly improved dramatically - we are impressed with the spec and performance when compared to price.

takes me back to my old Renault 5 TS days when I was a teenager - memories of a missed spent youth. Now I am seen as an old fogey in a mid life crisis driving a GP.

Time moves on

[jamesbeaumont]

My best friend and my girlfriend have renaults, ones a clio and ones a megane, both are two years old. Theyre both falling apart

[Tommo]

Seems to be luck of the draw whatever you buy these days including mini's after reading some people's tales of woe on this forum. I do agree that our cars do seem to be better built than the Renault's though.

[uberandreman]

Just to add something to the mix MotoringFile.com has just said that the UK version is going to do all this at 40 mpg!!!!!! Thats better then my 140hp civic ex even when taken with a grain of salt. I know that thats with UK's gas saving on off thing when stoped but its still incredible and cant wait to find out what its going to be at here in the U.S.

Heres to MINI going crazy entry sport while still staying GREEN

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI JCW Officially Released (UK Version)

[The Overrun]

Quote: Originally Posted by mister.t (original)

I think the Clio 197 will be the Minis biggest problem until the 500 Abarth is launched (if its all its cracked up to be) I love the 197 - Great car and soooo focused on its aim - Deliver maximum driving fun. The JCW is gonna have to be something ultra special to justify the extra price. That wouldn't stop me from saving another £5k and not even considering the Clio TBH

too bad the seating position in the clio is rubbish, it doesn't has that go-kart feel like the mini has

[jamesbeaumont]

YouTube - MINI John Cooper Works (Clubman)

Sounds pretty good!!

[LMB]

It does sound good.

[DerekH]

Paul i have to agree with you old renaults were not very good and used to hate working on them but my client a driving intructer of many years has had the last 3 clio models and been excellent, and another driving instuctor has confirmed this, but i would not buty a clio personaly but then after the problems we have had with my wife's mini i can't see the cloi being any worse, i love the MCS but disapointed Mini have let the engine and clutch issue run on so long never mind will go for test drive of R56 JCW and judge value after tried the product lets hope they have sorted the rattle and new clutch does the trick

[paa100]

Quote: Originally Posted by jamesbeaumont (original)

YouTube - MINI John Cooper Works (Clubman)
Sounds pretty good!!

Where's my cheque book!

[DHA]

Just watching the videos on motoringfile and the engine one shows a strut brace in there. Feasible I suppose with the different air intake to the works kit???