Devon takes a convertible with JCW turbo for a drive (used)

Mini has always been known for their retro styling and absolutely fun to drive vehicles. Throw the JCW in the mix and you've got a pocket rocket that's got the looks and the go, but with a hefty price tag near $40,000 can the Cooper JCW convertible prove to be a good buy?

Performance: There's only one engine to choose from in the JCW range and that's a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which produces 208hp. You can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. Picking between the two is a matter of taste. The turbo engine is swift and pushes the Cooper JCW from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds. On the highway the Cooper is a hoot to drive and never disappoints, around town the power is well controlled thanks to the readily available torque at low revs.

Ride & Handling: The Cooper JCW is a real driver's car, it will put a smile on your face. The chassis is well balanced and is greeted with nicely-weighted steering. The tradeoff however is the overly firm ride that can be unforgiving on anything but the smoothest of surfaces.

Refinement: The JCW has a well insulated roof and doesn't have much wind or road noise with the roof up. Even with the roof down, there isn't much wind buffeting as in most convertibles. The wind-blocker and dashboard mounted heaters add an extra bit of comfort to the journey, but then again this is a convertible meant to be driven fast so the wind-blocker may not be necessary.

Behind the wheel: There's a low slung feel to the cabin. You'll feel like you're sitting lower than you actually are. This isn't a bad thing due to the fact that this is a sporty car. Drivers won't have a hard time getting comfortable thanks to oodles of adjustments for the driver's seat and steering wheel. Visibility is compromised due to the ragtop, but parking sensors are standard and should take the sting out of that.

Space & Practicality: The front passengers will be able to find comfort with ease, while rear passengers will be confined for space due to the small rear seat, with the roof up it can be almost claustrophobic feeling. The boot is very small as well, but for a car this size and the amount of performance it offers. Most won't really care too much about that.

Equipment: The JCW trim comes well equipped for the money. You get 17-inch alloy wheels, JCW-logoed trims and of course the turbocharged 208hp engine. You'll have to pay extra for keyless start, rain sensing windshield wipers and a few other luxury bits that should be standard considering how much it costs.

Buying & Owning: The JCW is very expensive to buy, but is well worth every cent considering the amount of performance you get and the unique driving experience that is matched with it. Desirability will keep the resale value of the JCW high. Fuel economy is okay so running costs won't be too bad if you keep a light foot on the accelerator pedal.

Quality & Reliability: Some of the controls on the instrumental panel are rather fiddly to operate, but once you get the hang of them. They will become second nature to you. Many of the materials used feel well built and solid. Mini hasn't enjoyed the best reliability record, but in recent years Minis have been improving reliability of their mechanicals.

Safety: Even though the roof has been chopped off, the body structural rigidity has been improved. There are two pop-up hoops behind the rear seats in case of roll over. Front and side airbags are standard as well as stability control. A differential lock is also standard.

The Cooper JCW is a unique convertible. It's wicked fast with excellent grip and handling. You'll surely be greeted with a smile when you drive one. However, with all cars there are its negatives. The Cooper JCW isn't cheap to buy and ofcourse there is the utterly useless rear seats and small boot. If you can ignore these few little bits, the Cooper JCW is a great car and will hold it's value well.

Likes: Addicting turbo engine. Well balanced chassis with sharp steering. Top up or down, the JCW is a hoot to drive.

Dislikes: "Chick car" image, expensive starting price. Options can send the price soaring. Rear seats are utterly useless, some controls are fiddly to use.  

Devon M

Devon drives a Smart Fortwo for a day (Used)

The Smart Fortwo has been sold in Europe for many years and has finally graced our roads here in the U.S. It's not the largest of cars and it certainly does turn heads no matter where it goes. The Smart Fortwo is here to show that small cars are just as cool as larger vehicles. But is the Smart Invasion all just a hype?

Performance: There's only one engine available, its a 1-liter three-cylinder with 70hp. It's not the most refined engine, and isn't the most powerful. Performance is only so-so, but then you'll be missing the point. This car is aimed more towards urban use not highway driving. The Fortwo makes the most of its engine output, but a more powerful engine option would be desired.

Ride & Handling: The Fortwo has an overly firm ride. Things get even worse when you hit a bump. The suspension does very little to soak anything up, giving the passengers an unforgiving ride. Handling isn't good either for such a small car. The front wheels lose grip very quickly.

Refinement: The three-cylinder engine emits a distinct thrum whenever you touch the accelerator. The sound is far from unpleasant, but can make long highway journeys. The semi-automatic gearbox is the biggest let down. Shifting between gears is jerky and slow to respond, unless you ease your foot off the accelerator between shifts.

Behind the wheel: The interior is very well laid out. All the controls and dials are within easy reach of the driver seat. There are plenty of user-friendly buttons and dials. However, the driving position isn't for everyone because there's no seat height adjustment. The steering wheel is fixed, making the driving position awkward for some drivers.

Space & Practicality: Wide opening doors means getting in and out of the Fortwo is a breeze. There's plenty of room for two passengers, but cargo space is limited. The boot isn't massive, but there's plenty of room for a few bags. You'll have to fold down the passenger seat to squeeze anything more. The cabriolet roof retracts at the touch of a button. But you'll have to remove the roof bars for a full cabriolet experience.

Equipment: The Fortwo comes with a very large safety kit. The cabriolet adds power windows, ESP, and traction control to help keep the Fortwo stable under mixed driving. The Rev gauge and clock are a nice addition but cost extra. Optional leather seats and automatic headlights are reasonably priced and worth considering.

Buying & owning: The Fortwo fuel economy isn't all that impressive. There are rivals that are bigger and offer more in everything the Fortwo falls short in. Since the Fortwo requires premium fuel, your fuel bill may be higher than you'd desire. Resale value should be a worry, as Smart doesn't have much of a image in the U.S.

Quality & Reliability: Smart is built by Mercedes Benz. Most materials used are designed to last long wear and tear. However, the gearbox may cause some problems. Most owners have complained frequent gearbox faults in the JD Power Survey.

Safety & Security: The Fortwo has the most elaborate safety kit. Many features you'd have to pay extra for, or not even ask for are standard. An engine immobilizer means thieves won't be able to drive away with your Fortwo. However, Mercedes rejects deadlocks on safety grounds.

Likes: Small size means its easy to park, stylish inside out, cheapest cabriolet in the U.S.

Dislikes: Touchy brakes, jerky transmission, handling is sloppy, and the engine requires premium fuel.

The Fortwo doesn't have many strong points. The brakes are touchy, the transmission is jerky, and there's the engine that requires premium fuel. Even though there are rivals that are bigger, roomier and offer better fuel economy. The Fortwo has a charm that no other city car offers. It's stylish, easy to park and makes the most sense in tight urban areas. If your trip doesn't evolve highway driving, and want a car that stands out everywhere you go. The Smart Fortwo is the perfect car for you.

Devon M