JCW ... Fifth Gear reviews

Fifth Gear...

A few years ago, while visiting one of my daughters over in Holland, I came across a TV show called Fifth Gear. I had never hear of it nor had I heard of it’s counterpart Top Gear. At the time I thought SPEED TV was the best thing going. While SPEED TV had some decent shows on it at that time it seems to be NASCAR driven now and, except for F1, a tad boring. I can now get Top Gear here in the states but on my basic cable I have yet to find Fifth Gear which I would prefer but that being said, it’s been a long time since seeing Fifth Gear and I really enjoy Top Gear, even with Clarkson’s continued slams of the USA.

This review by Fifth Gear covers price, handling, torque steer, ride comfort and gives it a excellent rating although they felt the price for the fun is expensive.

They said things like this...

"there will be a hot JCW version of every Mini model in the future"

"to go much faster, you'd need a Mitsubishi Evo or Porsche Cayman"

“there's more torque steer than we've experienced in a new car for some time”

"we love driving it, but the problem is, we love our bank balance, too"

Some excerpts...

“Talented Competition”...

“But, while the new JCW may look the part (more of which in a moment), that hefty price hike brings it into the reach of some seriously talented competition. Twenty one grand will get you into a Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R or Volkswagen Golf GTI, all three of which are bigger, more practical and just as talented in their own ways. Or there's always the brilliant Clio RenaultSport, which will leave you enough change for a family Caribbean holiday. Tough rivals, whichever way you look at it.”

“Does it do the job”...

“Those initial problems out of the way, however, the JCW is a seriously fast machine. Mid-range performance is devastating and, combined with the Mini's staggering road-holding, makes it a very rapid car to drive across country. To go much faster, you'd need a Mitsubishi Evo or Porsche Cayman together with a willful lack of concern for your safety and your licence. But, even then, the Mini driver wouldn't be that far behind and would probably be wearing a bigger grin.”

How they rated the JCW MINI...

Rating

The JCW has taken a major step up and it's a better driver's car than ever, but that price tag might put people off.

Specification
Model: Mini John Cooper Works Price: £20,995 Engine: 1598cc, turbocharged, petrol Power: 211bhp @ 6000rpm (155kW)  Torque: 206lb ft @ 1850rpm (280Nm)  Performance: 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, 148mph top speed Fuel economy: 40.9mpg (combined)  CO2 emissions: 165g/km On sale: 22 July

Check full article out here... Fifth Gear

Well if money grew on trees or if I ever win the lottery, I’m in.

Keep the shiny side up, RB

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