Yeah I think you could be right. I still wouldn't swap my JCW for one though
In the current Auto Express there's info on the design of it. The guy who designed doesn't exactly look like I expected him to. It kind of looks like a car designed by Wayne Rooney... not a 50+ year old guy in a tweed suit
Yep, the Ford will come through as the winner, its much better set up then the Mini suspension wise, and with that Quaiffe Limited Slip Diff.. a proper one!!
But 25k+ for a Ford is still a lot of money
Unless it's going to be about fun factor and handling, I do not really see much value in pitting the JCW against two rally icons. Potential buyers are in very different target groups. People who buy an Impreza are not likely to fancy a MINI. The same can be said of Focus RS drivers. The Impreza and the Focus RS are in a different league, as they are true performance cars (which you will experience when taking out insurance). I would class the JCW as a "performance fun car".
(Apologies W44NE G for stealing the limelight)
What I am looking forward to is a test between the new Alfa Rome MiTo GTA and the JCW (or the rumoured JCW GP). The MiTo GTA is expected to be £2k less expensive than the JCW and looks as fab as a JCW or MCS (at least, in full GTA trim). Autocar - Alfa Mito GTA revealed
What I am looking forward to is a test between the new Alfa Rome MiTo GTA and the JCW (or the rumoured JCW GP). The MiTo GTA is expected to be £2k less expensive than the JCW and looks as fab as a JCW or MCS (at least, in full GTA trim). Autocar - Alfa Mito GTA revealed[/quote]
Oooh.. im liking that alot if they actually build it like that then i will be interested if its 2k cheaper than the JCW.. and a turbo so more power to extact to
If its a JCW, RS and STi, then they're all cars at the top of their game, with as much passion as each of the manufacturers can inject, so I reckon it's fair.
I'll be interested to read about this Ford revoknuckle front suspension (I think I got that right), as 300bhp is a lot for just two driven wheels.
And what do you reckon, shouldn't the R26R have been shortlisted, as it has this unique RenaultSport front suspension (with non-moving strut) as well?
Result and Quotes from the Group Test below...................
1st MINI JCW
A true great, the MINI JCW has narrowly edged into first place. Its engaging chassis never fails to entertain, no matter what the road. We absolutely love the feisty Brit – thrifty economy, low servicing costs and a tempting price are just the icing on the cake.
Our own figures record the MINI’s 0-60mph time at 6.2 seconds. This is just three-tenths behind the Focus’s official claimed time. Only at higher speeds does the JCW’s lower power output become more obvious, with noticeably less third gear urge than its rivals here. But it’s when tucked into a tight corner that the MINI makes most sense. Its superb front differential seems to work harder than the Ford’s, but it still allows you to accelerate out of bends with confidence. The lower weight also ensures the MINI is more alert when changing direction. Its handling is about hot hatch fun rather than raw speed, making it a joy on the road.
In addition, the JCW has the most precise gearchange. Using the six-speed lever, along with the perfectly positioned clutch and accelerator pedals, is very satisfying.
If the MINI can’t win you over on a test drive, it will when you do the sums. Priced at £20,780 in sparsely equipped standard form, it’s nearly £4,200 cheaper than the Ford and much less costly to run. On our demanding test route, the MINI managed only 26.8mpg, yet when cruising, its economy rises well above 30mpg.
Not only is the JCW one of the best cars in its class, it’s one of the most entertaining models on any budget!
2nd Ford Focus RS
Don’t think Ford has failed. The RS is a true performance car, and much more than a hot hatch. But all this comes at a price, and we’re not convinced those big bills can be justified. Still, for the ultimate fast Ford, look no further.
3rd Subaru Impreza STi
On any other day, the STi offers a wild ride. In this company, though, it was forgettable. The benefits of all-wheel drive will come to the fore in the slippery conditions of UK roads, but the Impreza isn’t worth the high asking price here.
Verdict
For pure, accessible driving fun at any speed, the MINI has to win. You can savour its playful chassis within the legal speed limit, and it has the added benefit of affordable fuel and tyre bills. You won’t stand out like the driver of the RS, but if you let your head rule your heart the JCW will be the better thriller.
Last edited by mab01uk; Feb 26th, 2009 at 05:56 PM.
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Another great result for a MINI It's quite surprising to see the number of recent "firsts" this great car has picked up - and also interesting to see that it's classed as a "budget" car in this particular test!
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