Originally Posted by
Coop1
Ok, now had test in new JCW courtesy of Eastern (good to see Eddie and William at the karting launch on the Friday night. Well done William on your place in final!).
Was a black with red roof and 18 inch wheels, steptronic, until manual arrives in few weeks. Did not have adaptive suspension and really don't think necessary. Standard sports set-up is excellent. Felt better planted/more pliant than my R56 JCW on regular setup, no-sports susp. Firm but not as harsh nor as twitchy. Steering set up is also good in sport. New standard JCW seats are way better than old. Not difficult mind. Power delivery seemed good even with tight engine. Off mark acceleration is certainly impressive and there are engineered pops on change-ups.
First time with flappy paddles and could easily get used to. Almost instant changes, way better than my left arm. Can keep in full nanny auto in town/jams and if you check spec the fuel consumption differences are huge and would hopefully translate (in relative terms) into real world usage. I honestly think that is the way to go. Slightly better 0-60 and lower carbons/tax is simply a bonus. Never thought would prefer an auto, but there we go.
The exhaust/engine note is spot on. Yes, there are not quite as many pops and bangs as the Challenge or Coop S with bi-modal exhaust but they still want way over £1,000 extra without the power upgrade that's also part of the Cooper S option. Simply not necessary in my opinion, others may disagree.
Overall, like all F56s, feels just that bit more sorted, fewer rough edges. Which, of course, can be a good and bad thing. Cabin ergonomics take getting used to but controls all inspire a bit more confidence.
As to whether would change now. Undecided. But that is not because I don't think the new model is great. It is. It's just that when I changed to current car I said would keep for at least couple of years. 19 months and 15k in it is barely run in and still counting down to first service. Also, I am certain there will be a slightly better finance deal/promotion a little further down the line.
As to colour, quite fancy solid pepper white or volcanic orange (both with black roof/mirrors) and black 17 wheels. Do not like the look or convex design of the 18 inch two-tones which also take up fair chunk of chili pack price. Most of other stuff on that pack I can live without. Seems it does not look as essential as the chili pack on the R56 which also got you bi-xenons, etc. Std spec without pack includes quite a bit (LEDs/seats/DAB). The black wheels over standard are only £75 option and only other stuff would like are armrest, stripes, privacy glass and rear sensors.
Also noticed that tank has for some reason dropped from 50 to 44 litres. Bit odd.
Anyhow, would be interested to hear thoughts from others who have been for test in new F56 JCW/are thinking about buying/have actually bought one....
Scott