Skip advert
Advertisement

Mini JCW WC50 review

Limited-run John Cooper Works hot hatchback marks Mini's 50th birthday

Evo rating
RRP
from £33,000
  • Looks great and still an addictive drive
  • Where's the stripped out special?

Thirty-three grand. It’s a lot of cash for a Mini, comparable money to a basic-spec Porsche Boxster or a lightly used BMW M3, in fact.

The World Championship 50 is a special edition, built to commemorate the Mini’s 50th birthday. What we wanted was a stripped-out, more focused Mini, à la mk1 GP Works. What we’ve been given is a John Cooper Works with every conceivable option box ticked. No extra power, no dynamic tweaks, no dieting, just a whole heap of tarting up inside and out.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Worse still, the driving experience feels like it’s suffered. The JCW’s addictively hardcore character is still present and correct, but the car feels heavier and more prone to understeer, like it’s working against you rather than with you when you’re really pushing on. The ride feels firmer than normal, too, a pair of rather unsupportive sports seats not enhancing comfort levels.

The WC certainly looks cool from the outside, but given the enthusiasm with which most Mini owners attack the options list it’s likely only those in the know will spot it (a unique number on the wing and Mr Cooper’s signature on the bonnet stripes are the subtle tell-tales).

It’s a bit of a missed opportunity, then. The 250 buyers will doubtless be happy with their purchase, but in a post-R26.R hot hatch market, we can’t help being left wanting more. Especially for £33,000.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 1598cc, turbo
Max power208bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque192lb ft @ 1850-5600rpm
0-606.5sec (claimed)
Top speed148mph (claimed)
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025