The Mini is perhaps the most technically adept of all our cars, and this John Cooper Works iteration proves the ultimate expression of the dynamic priorities of the Aceman. It’s hard to pin the car down from a practicality perspective – the words of editor Mark Tisshaw match my thoughts entirely when he said “I can’t work out whether it’s trying to be a big small car, or a small big car” of our departed Aceman E long-termer.
It’s more of a Mini-plus, with back doors and a mite more practicality to eke out some flexibility over an equivalent Cooper hatch yet no false promises to swallow up the family duties a 4 or a Puma could so ably perform.
It had better be good to drive to justify its drawbacks, then, and it’s undoubtedly the most excitable of this company. It’s only natural the JCW’s extra 100bhp over its opponents gives it considerable extra wallop in a straight line – enough, as we found at its launch, to result in some very boisterous dynamics merely in a straight line, never mind corners.
Today provides a vivid reminder. It feels prudent to toggle its natty Experiences switch down to Green mode, then, to not only calm things down but also better imitate the less potent Acemans you’re likely to cross-shop against the other two.
It feels a more likeable car immediately: its wheelspin and torque steer are ironed out and some real fluency is found over sections of road on which the 4 and Puma at times floundered.
While it never stops being firm, its damping improves with a bit of pressure, and this car’s purpose swells with speed. Sporty cars tend to favour being driven as such; this Mini all but demands it.
It flicks into turns with more speed and obedience than the others, and there’s more balance to play with from thereon. It lacks the Ford’s steering feel, but I’m not sure you’ll miss it, so quick and eager is the Aceman’s rack.
You’ll have to really crave its design and dynamism in this company, mind. It’s pricier and smaller, rides the toughest and simply won’t fit as many use cases. Minis, especially the hotter ones, have always represented a more esoteric choice, and being sat low and central in the Aceman, its driving position – more akin to a hot hatch than a handy crossover – and with that rich OLED dish to your left, is an arresting place to be.
