The Roadster

[Neil - TXJ]

I know its not on your list but you just know the Works Roadster is just going to sound great with the roof down popping and banging not to sure the SD will sound as good, but will look the part I’m sure.


Black Roadster JCW sports pack to me will just be the Dog’s nuts!

Personally I have no interest in the Works minis. I know a lot of people will disagree but I have more than enough power in the MCS. I have not had one instance where I wish I had more power better brakes yes but more power, no.

[ELFMAN]

Personally I have no interest in the Works minis. I know a lot of people will disagree but I have more than enough power in the MCS. I have not had one instance where I wish I had more power better brakes yes but more power, no.

I know where you're coming from Trigger, but I reckon it's all a question of Balance, and what you're used to. My R56 MCS was by no means underpowered when I bought it, but compared to my tuned R53 JCW 210, it lacked that visceral 'fizz' and top-end pull that I got from the old car. I'd say my car with the current tune is just about spot on for me and 'Works' in harmony with the suspension and brakes - all in all, it's how I feel it should have come out of the factory. You don't NEED more power, and you can upset the balance of the car with too much of it, but a bit more is just like adding some extra chilli to your fave recipe - it doesn't ruin the flavour and it makes the dish more interesting!

[Gismo]

I'm with the Elfman on this, also, within your 18 month waiting time the JCW Countryman will be out

[GCA3N]

Neil have you driven a works before? I think once you do you realise just how different they are. I guess it's all about personal choice and as you say most would never miss it. Having had that cooper s coupe for the day I could'nt wait to get back into my works but I guess I am used to the extra grunt etc.

[Mon the fish]

Personally I have no interest in the Works minis. I know a lot of people will disagree but I have more than enough power in the MCS. I have not had one instance where I wish I had more power better brakes yes but more power, no.

The suspension is the same, if you're after better brakes just upgrade your pad compound. The JCW Brembos weigh as much as John Prescott, and you can get the same stopping power from the R56 S brakes with a better pad compound.

There's a reason the TA Minis run the R56 S brakes over the Brembos

[ELFMAN]

The suspension is the same, if you're after better brakes just upgrade your pad compound. The JCW Brembos weigh as much as John Prescott, and you can get the same stopping power from the R56 S brakes with a better pad compound. There's a reason the TA Minis run the R56 S brakes over the Brembos

I agree with Mon's points - he knows what he's talking about - but if we're talking pros and cons of Works stuff, the actual Works Suspension (which ISN'T fitted as standard to the Factory JCW) is better, if not as good as Coil-Overs, and presumably (as we've discussed before) you can upgrade the pad material on the Brembos (and fit Braided Hoses?) to improve them further too? Arguably, the weight isn't quite as much of an issue on the road as it is on track - it isn't for me anyway. The Brembos do the business (always the first consideration) and look great, and even though the 'official' gear is expensive, if you prefer to 'keep it in the family' as I (mostly) do, it 'Works' for me!

[KenL]

Get a Cooper, the Roadster is all about the pose value!

I think it looks amazing, I could live with 2 seats but not sure I could live with a fabric roof as my only car.

[Neil - TXJ]

If money was no object, given the choice of a JCW or an S I would clearly choose a JCW but for the way I use the car the opportunity I would get to use that extra power is minimal, I struggle to use the full power of my S on a regular basis let alone a JCW. I could have a Veyron but it wouldn't make my 30 mile commute to work that much quicker

My car has been in for its service / recall for the last couple of days and I had a One as a courtesy car and yes I missed the power but it was still an enjoyable drive on the twisty bits and in some respects a more challenging car to drive quickly as making sure you are in the right gear is far more important. Reminded me of my old Ford Ka.

For me it ultimately comes down to what I consider reasonable value for money. A JCW roadster would work out £160 p.m more expensive than a S and £220 p.m more than a Roadster SD which over a 3yr contact is nearly £8k more. That is a lot of money.

The JCW is the better car but for 95% of the time I would not notice the difference and for that 5% it is a lot of money. Picking up on Kens point I could even convince myself that a Cooper would be sufficient, ultimately it comes down to personal choice and they are all good cars.

Greig - good challenge and you are right I haven't driven a JCW but I know it would be better but just not for me with the way I currently use the car.

It is a company car so making any changes to brakes etc is really difficult, getting winter tyres sorted was a nightmare. If I owned the car I would be taking Mons advice re brakes and fitting much lighter non-OEM wheels.

Thanks for your input everyone.

[stoney]

at the end of the day its still a hairdressers car ..............

[Neil - TXJ]

at the end of the day its still a hairdressers car ..............

Hold on, we are not going down that road again are we!!!!!!!