My FH5 Log: The ultimate Mini

Originally a tuning kit for the reborn Mini and then spawned into the ultimate Mini, the John Cooper Works GP is what happens when the people behind it turned this not-so-little compact car into the equivalent of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It's the ultimate hot hatch that can tackle through almost all corners of the earth like a vermin on steroids.

The R56-spec Mini JCW GP caused quite a stir since its unveiling and because of its race-inspired dynamics, it's no wonder it's been coined as the ultimate Mini. Fast forward to the F56 era, this is what the JCW GP looks like.

This is the reborn Mini John Cooper Works GP, which is based on the F56 Mini hatchback and one of the DLC vehicles in Forza Horizon 5. Despite its added size, the ultimate version of the F56 Mini tries to stay true to its predecessor by delivering unheard performance no hot hatch dared to be as wild and as hot as this.

Unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the F56 Mini John Cooper Works GP is by no means the most powerful and fastest Mini ever spawned. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine was boosted to 306hp of power and when mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission with mechanical differential lock, a far cry compared to its manual-equipped predecessor, it's capable of going 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 265kph. In addition, the JCW GP is packed with signature features such as lightweight forged wheels in exclusive format, unique aerodynamics, and a GP mode on the DSC, as well as other performance upgrades that made the F56 JCW GP capable of lapping the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under eight minutes. Up to 3,000 units were made.

The anticipation is what made my experience what is known to be the ultimate Mini in ages but despite the anticipation, there's something spartan about the F56 Mini JCW GP and that goes down to its mild and menacing dynamics. Put your floor down and it tends to pull some chaotic wheelspin starts and we all know that wheelspin kills speed. Aside from pulling some unavoidable wheelspin starts, this Mini is focused on too much grip, which is kinda painful to handle sharply through the bends. No matter how hard I corner, it always loves to understeer like crazy. It's like you're struggling to pull your mom while going to your favorite place.

Anyway, now that we got two generations of the Mini John Cooper Works GP, it's time to find out how much it has evolved, and to do that, let's conduct a dirty experiment somewhere near the Mayan ruins. Roll the tape.

And now the results...

JCW GP R56 - 1:41.902

JCW GP F56 - 1:37.231

What do you know? It took almost four seconds for the R56 JCW GP to evolve into the F56 JCW GP! Monstrous, I should say.

So, the F56 MINI JCW truly is the ultimate Mini ever made despite the drama involved. Sooner or later, it will go down in history as one of the all-time greats. All that motorsport pedigree Mini involved shaped this hatchback into the ultimate masterpiece you're seeing now.

Now, I was going to conclude this story but I have a dreamy idea. Since I've done experimenting with this Mini JCW GP on the dirt, how about I make things dirtier for the Mini JCW GP? Something dreamy...

Now that's what I'm talking about. Injecting a little "dreamy cute" image into this ultimate Mini. What can I say, it's a Mini after all and all good Minis deserve to have a cute image. Anyway, with the Mini JCW GP now packed with extra dreamy cuteness and some rather unnecessary upgrades, it's time to hit the dirt again but this time, with some added competition.

As one said, "motivation, energy, rise and shine, dreamy cute". Let's see if my dreamy cute JCW GP lives up to this catchphrase while getting itself dirty against the competition. Roll the tape.

It's a rough attempt but hey, we did it anyway!

What a way to end my little FH5 story about the F56 Mini JCW GP! Although I had a lot of struggling to handle this ultimate hot hatch, I am thankful that I got my dibs on this Mini, and with a little motivation, energy, rise and shine, it truly goes a long way. I had a lot of fun with it.

This is MINIMALISM at the top of the hot hatch food chain. Thank you, folks from Oxford!

Forza Horizon 4 - Year of the MINI Part 2

The Winter Playlist of the Series 9 update of Forza Horizon 4 brought us the last two of the four new Minis added in this update and having fought my way to obtain the latter half of the four new Minis of this update, feels like it's the perfect time to talk more about those Minis as part of its 60th year celebration.



The first one is not the kind of Mini you would want to drive it but for those who are fans of the Dakar rally raid cars are delighted to give it a go for a change. This is the John Cooper Works Buggy and its made in collaboration with the X-Raid team to compete at the 2018 Dakar Rally alongside the JCW Rally car. It has a 3.0L six-cylinder diesel engine producing 340hp of power and 800Nm of torque and a CFRP/Kevlar bodywork built to sustain torturing conditions like the ones in the Dakar Rally.



Last year, this Buggy never made it to the top spot at the Dakar Rally where the Rally version nicked the fifth place spot. But in the 2019 Dakar Rally, it became part of the top 5 finishers, which is rather impressive for a monster Mini like this but after checking things out, it's time to stir things up with the JCW Buggy to see if it lives up to its character.



After enjoying the JCW Buggy, I've check out the other one and it's basically a hot version of the second-generation Mini Countryman.



For starters, I don't even like the Mini Countryman because with so many cars to choose from in the world, there is a clear reason why some picked the Countryman because it's for the kind of person who has a lot of reasons why he hates ultra-expensive luxury cars. Given the choice then, I would have picked expensive luxury cars than this one. This, however, is the second-generation Countryman and after righteous indignation, it's starting to shave off the image of the once-hateful predecessor possess and made it even more Countryman than it was. In this JCW version with its ALL4 control system, 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque, and race-derived dynamics, it's a whole new kind of ball game for anyone who wants to batter up on and off the road.

This is definitely the Coutnryman I want to be with rather than the first one I remembered years ago and speaking of ball game...



...the all-weather, all fun to drive Countryman is all set up for a revue to remember, hence the image of a baseball-loving farm girl who is all kitted out for a revue audition, and with its battle dress ready, it's showtime for the most versatile Mini ever made as it takes on the dirtiest revue yet. It's showtime!



Now with all of the four Minis appeared in this series update, which one I think is the best? For me, the Mini I once hate is now the Mini I love to drive because of such righteous indignation. I'm talking about the JCW Countryman and it's like me, being Homer Simpson, backing off EA to get it. Needless to say, a Mini like this can be unappreciated at first but when it evolves into something different while staving off the image of the one they hate, they will love it and that is why the JCW Countryman is one of my favorite Minis I've obtained from this series update.

Happy 60th anniversary, Mini! Enojy these Minis while you can for the rest of the update!

Forza Horizon 4 - Year of the MINI

2019 marks the 60th birthday of the MINI and the recent series update features four additional MINIs new to the franchise. Having fought my way through this series' Spring Playlist, I got the first two MINIs new to the game; an ancient Morris Mini-Traveller and the new Mini JCW Cabrio.



First off, there's the Morris Mini-Traveller no one would really want to drive it in-game unless if someone's a big fan of vintage classics. Launched in 1961 and produced until 1969, this two-door estate derivative of the Mini features a double "barn-door" style rear doors fit for utilitarian purposes. High-end models of the Traveller featured wood inserts of the rear body. Under the hood, the Morris Mini-Traveller is powered by an 850cc 4-cylinder engine producing a small 45hp of power and it is capable of reaching a top speed of just 70mph.



Although I'm not a fan of vintage Minis like this one, I am willing to give this Mini Traveller a try since this is the year of the Mini after all so here goes...



After my time with the Morris, I went to a more modern MINI and yes, it's the long-overdue F56 Mini finally but the bad news is, they only offered us a Cabrio model.



Specifically the F56 MINI JCW Cabrio, of course. And while this is the kind of Mini you won't expect to appear in future installments rather than FH4, it's definitely better late than never because we've been waiting for the F65 MINI to come into the world of Forza since this car was launched five years ago.

Although this is basically the Cabrio variant, it's still the MINI JCW F56 underneath it and it has the 2.0L Mini TwinPower Turbo engine producing 231hp of power and meeting Euro 6d TEMP emissions standards.



Even though it has a different style and a different trim level, albeit a high performance, is it really worth the wait after five years now that the F56 Mini arrived in the world of Forza? I managed to take a crack at it and man, this Mini is like it was set into wumbo. You know? Wumbology, the study of wumbo. Here's how;



Hmmm, although being a wumbo, it feels as enjoyable as a Mini should be but whatever. At least I had fun with the F56 Mini.

So, with two additional Minis of this series update now under my care, there's so much Mini madness to expect later on in this series update so stay tuned and keep on playing Forza Horizon 4 for more.

GT SPORT: Classic little guys

The original Mini, the original Beetle, and the original 500; three iconic little cars emerged from the 20th century and no matter how much pop culture stardom these cars possess, their classic tastes never go out of style, especially when you take these three for a spin at GT SPORT.



Ah, the classic trio of city cars. When you look at these three together, it's like three good-looking senior citizens hanging out at the pub for a nice draft, chatting about the good old days in a rather friendly manner and it's great to see these three together again in GT SPORT.

There are different reasons why these three looked so popular probably because of the star factor they posses. Most like the original Mini because Mr. Bean drove one as well and it's not just Mr. Bean, the original Italian Job movie and The Bourne Identity gave a shine and scratch over the legendary British icon.

For the Beetle, you should thank Disney and Hasbro for its stardom because if it weren't for this car, Herbie and Bumblebee wouldn't exist and speaking of Bumblebee, it's great to bring the classic Beetle back for the Transformers prequel film starring, you guessed it, Bumblebee. Expect bringing some tissues, folks.

As for the 500, well, the only thing that took a shine on the Cinquecento is Lupin the Third and a character from Disney-Pixar's Cars. I'm talking about you, Luigi.



What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, is the three pillars of stardom; Mr. Bean, Herbie, and Lupin the Third. I know, it's not in order but such stardom really made these cars special even in today's times and here in GT SPORT, I'm driving these three icons to see which fared well. Having second thoughts, I traveled to Tsukuba and checking these cars out in a Best MOTORing method.



Okay, let's remember this right away because I've done this twice but if you need a quick refresher, get this; out of the three, the Mini has the most power while the Beetle is the heaviest of the three and the 500 is the lightest so on paper, their driving style do vary and while the Mini shows no problems in the handling department, the Beetle, because being the heaviest, can be slightly struggling to get round the corner, and the 500, because with so little power in so very light car, feels like it almost doesn't need a brake when it gets round the corner.

I know that the slow and steady will win the race but since this is GT SPORT, the rules of survival of the fastest shouldn't be ignored and with that, let's cue the tape.



After a quick lap round Tsukuba, here are the results;

Mini Cooper - 1:21.940
VW 1200 - 1:32.684
Fiat 500 - 1:42.259



History does repeat itself but it's undeniable that the original and British-made classic Mini Cooper is by no means the most iconic of the three timeless classic due to its motorsports pedigree and a very high popularity among car enthusiasts and historians. I appreciate how these three classic icons handle, although the 500 was the most surprising of the three (with thanks to Lupin the Third), but in the end, looks like Mr. Bean always wins the day. The untalkative weirdo has bested the Transformer and the master thief by a large margin and that really is a bombshell to end this day.

Mini Countryman (F60)

Once the Mini I am not very interested to have one not just for its hunk of sizing and the fact that Mini is becoming one with the crossover craze but for some backstories I only know about, the Countryman has underwent a full model change and it's now the biggest Mini ever offered, quite an irony demonstrated here, but as the name suggests, it was still made for the countrymen who want to treat this one rough, something reminiscent of the legendary Mini Moke of the last century. So, let's investigate the new model to see what's what.

2017 Mini Countryman

This is the brand new Mini Countryman, ladies and gents. And while it looks slightly similar to the old Countryman, it's now the biggest Mini ever offered, much to the dismay of Mini fans everywhere, especially me. With prices start at 26,500 Euros plus delivery, it's slightly more expensive than the Off-road look version of the Fiat 500X, its main rival. This could become a clear choice between the lesser of two evils here because while they're essentially larger than their originators, what matters most is the features at their disposal and I can expect that the new Countryman, being city car/crossover for the posh yuppies, delivers more stuff than the 500X.

2017 Mini Countryman

2017 Mini Countryman interior

Carrying more stuff aside, because this is the biggest Mini ever offered, the new Countryman is now slightly longer and wider compared to the previous model, so there's going to be some space in the inside, am I right? That added dimensions really put personal space to its advantage but the downside is that when you're driving it on tight spots in places like Italy or the one in Northern France, it's going to be quite a challenge to get it back on the road while getting stuck in the maze like a guinea pig. While it still has the dashboard of today's Minis, there's still some time to toy around with the connectivity features while you're at it before heading off to your points of interests.

What's under the hood, the new Mini Countryman offers a choice of petrol, diesel, and an all new PHEV variant called the Cooper S E. Starting with the normal Countryman variants, the most powerful is the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine from the Cooper S variant, producing 192PS of power and 281Nm of torque. The most efficient, as always, the PHEV variant called the Cooper SE. Thanks to its combination of the three-cylinder turbocharged engine, the electric motor, and the 7.6kWh li-ion battery, it promises a fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km and 49g/km of CO2 emissions while the electric range can be up to 40km. All models can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic but the Cooper SE is fitted exclusively with a 6-speed automatic.

2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

If you're a speedo boy, the Countryman you might have been interested in, probably, is the high-performance variant called the MINI JCW Countryman. Like all of today's JCWs, it's powered by a 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque as well as race-derived dynamics. Just like the JCW Clubman, the JCW Countryman comes with the ALL4 control system, which adapts to the road with the ideal blend of power distribution between the front and rear wheels. With either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic, it does 0-100kph in six and a half seconds and onwards to 234kph, which sounds quick for a crossover of that size. It can be yours for just 38,800 Euros so come on, don't be shy having a Countryman that goes like a rocket while it can go anywhere, well just about.

2017 Mini Countryman

So, what can I say about the new MINI Countryman, well this is still the MINI I'm not particularly interested with, it's still a mini SUV for those who think compact crossovers like the Fiat 500X, the Jeep Renegade, or the Mercedes-Benz GLA aren't that kind of type, although the GLA can make this one well-ridiculed just about anywhere. While this is very big for a Mini, the Countryman is all about the rough stuff it can do just to keep its MINIMALISM in check and while its sizing just can't squeeze through the tight gaps, its roomy creature comforts really surprises the customers as are the tech that flooded through it, although unsure what it is. You can thank BMW for the Countryman's full model change but for now, I have some moping up to do about those backstories.

Photo: MINI

New Mini JCW Clubman (F54)

2017 Mini JCW Clubman

Following the arrival of MINI's brand new and even larger than life Clubman, the one that doesn't even care even when parked alongside the five-door Mini except it has longer wheelbase and the signature doors at the rear apart from the loss of the previous model's club door from the previous model is gone, nothing says taking winter by storm by giving the Clubman a much hotter John Cooper Works model to spruce things up for the new Clubman.

Like any other John Cooper Works models, the new JCW Clubman is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque as well as race-derived dynamics but unlike today's JCW Minis, the new JCW Clubman comes with the ALL4 control system, which adapts to the road with the ideal blend of power distribution between the front and rear wheels. With its all-weather capabilities and when mated with either a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, it can get through 0 to 100kph in 6.3 seconds, making this a quick small wagon built to tackle just about anyone who's feeling under the weather.

While this is a quick Clubman full-stop, it still feels as bulky and mild as today's Mini and even when given with a sports suspension, Brembo sports brake system, Servotronic, and any other features fit under its body, it feels very easy to drive on track days but not good enough to squeeze through tight gaps on cities with tight spots that are deemed to difficult to squeeze through and takes a lot of reversing to squeeze it without damaging it.

If you're consider using it as a car fit for your next night out with your mates, it's still the same Clubman trait fit for you and your friends and because the rear space is slightly more than a normal three-door Mini hatchback, you can fit most of your shopping mall hauls while keeping your pals happy before going to the next point of interest after another, as long as they're not bothered by its sport-tuned suspension that gives them the jitters when you get through the bumps.

The JCW Clubman starts at 37,750 Euros and while this slightly too much for a hotter version of the Clubman, it doesn't hurt to have one in your garage if you want to take a break from driving fast cars on the open roads because if you got some social life with your pals, it doesn't hurt having a hot Clubman until one of yours got bothered by its race-inspired dynamics that will mistake you for a go-kart driver by any day.

Photo: Mini

The New MINI (F56) Convertible

It's been two long years since the new MINI took the world like a tsunami walk and even though this is an entirely new model designed from scratch, its enlarged dimensions no longer made it called the MINI, perhaps the funny word Wumbo would have sound better because its sizing is a MINI no more. Because the F56 MINI has been around for two years (and no video game in sight to feature it just like the BMW i8), another variant has been added and this time, it's an open-top version.

2017 Mini Convertible

The new convertible version features all the similar bits and bobs from the new MINI, only this time with a soft-top roof that makes you think you're somewhat special on a hot summer. With the roof opened, this four-seater compact makes it the ideal barkada trip car that can take you from one point of interest after another, as long as you don't make it to places with very heavy traffic because you'd better close the roof and the windows until you smell crud in your lungs.

Under the hood, the open-top version offers the same engine choices as the hardtop model. In the high-end Cooper S model, it comes with the 2.0L petrol engine producing 192PS of power and 300Nm of torque. The One, meanwhile, comes with a 1.2L petrol, the normal Cooper comes with the 1.5L petrol, D with the 1.5L diesel engine, and the SD with the 2.0L turbodiesel engine. Of course, like all good convertibles in the world, it's slightly heavier than the hardtop equivalent, meaning the handling isn't what you call...ahem...MINIMALISM.

2017 Mini JCW Convertible

Even the high-performance John Cooper Works model couldn't cut it. Sure, it's got a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque as well as race-derived dynamics, but because this is heavier than the JCW hardtop, there is a slight difference between how it behaves on the road and how it feels on the track. If you didn't bother about how either the normal Mini Convertible or the Mini JCW Convertible behaves in both sides, it's still a stylish go-getter that you can use it on the road. Think a husky bodyguard who ended up having an ambition to become a beauty queen at a beauty pageant. That sounds awkward, though, and in partial terms of awkwardness, having the roof closed is the main idea of awkwardness because that roof kinda spoils its flavor of the month.

Should you drive this one with the roof open while on a moving traffic, the new Mini Convertible is not so bad to have one because you get the urban lifestyle you expect on a four-seater convertible of that size. However, if things get a little soggy or dirty, you'd better off with a public transport rather than driving with the roof closed. Wouldn't recommend it though.

Price? The all-new Mini Convertible starts at 21,900 Euros for the One, up to 35,350 Euros for the JCW Cabrio with the Steptronic gearbox on, so it's slightly costly to own than the hardtop.

New Mini Clubman (F54)

If you ever thought that with the launch of the five-door Mini Cooper, you might expect that the Clubman will be gone for good but no way because that would be pretentious and silly. Anyway, even with the five door present in the lineup, Mini decided to regenerate the longer Clubman to become the most spacious Mini available to the market.

2016 Mini Clubman

Just like its normal Mini, the new Clubman is now a bigger, more roomier Mini, you can take loads of if you have a little hectic schedule to deal with. With a car like this, think about the stuff you'll do from your recently made to-do list whilst on your day off. One minor setback, though, and when you notice that when you park this car side by side with the normal Mini five-door, you will notice that there's not much difference between those two except for its longer wheelbase and the signature doors at the rear. The club door from the previous model is gone, meaning the new Clubman is an accessible Mini your friends could enjoy.

Of course, you still have the new Mini interior as seen in any other new Minis but because of its added dimensions to the new model, you'll have lots of room not just for the passengers but also boot space, which is fairly decent for the average courier man.

Like all new Minis, it's been utilized in BMW's UKL1 platform as seen on the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, meaning that it's a front-wheel drive car so it's as civilized as a salaryman. Sure, it's got a nice suspension setup but because of being too big for its size, it doesn't feel as fun to drive as any other Minis in the history books. It rather feels bulky every time you turn the steering wheel and understeer can be a bit of an issue for the Clubman.

The cheapest Clubman is the One, which is available at 21,900 Euros and what you get is a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine developing 102PS of power and 180Nm of torque. The most powerful version is the Cooper S, which has a 2.0L turbocharged engine that can go from 0-100 over the seven second mark. The most economical is the One D Clubman, which has CO2 emissions of 99g/km. Either way, they're all about choices for the new Clubman.

So, should you buy one. As mentioned before, the new Clubman starts at 21,900 Euros, which is somewhat more expensive than the five-door Mini offered in the lineup but in terms of ownership, it's somewhat average to the average buyer.

Photo: MINI

Mini JCW (F56) vs. Audi RS3 Sportback (8V) vs. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E OPC/VXR

Back when the new generation Mini was launched, the latest model is no longer a Mini in terms of size. It's more of a Wumbo if you ask them. Despite its go-kart handling promise that Mini delivers for the new model, it doesn't cut the mustard when it gets through tight spaces and it doesn't feel like what the old Mini does in its heydays.

2015 Mini John Cooper Works

So, what do we have here? I'm sensing jealousy from anyone who haven't tried this one out yet. Yes, this is the high-performance version of the new Mini, it's called the John Cooper Works, and for this new model, Mini claims that this is their most powerful car in the family tree, although I'm not particularly sure that this is their best bet in the world of hot hatches.

It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque. When mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, 0-100kph takes about 6.1 seconds and a top speed of around 246kph. That sounds like a quick car for a quick getaway from your nana's house but because all good hot hatches need to be good at handling, how was it? Is it better than the Cooper S any person had one?

Thanks to its track-honed suspension setup as well as Brembo brakes and special alloy wheels made specifically for this model, the new model isn't half bad to thrash around in the corners. Since this car is all about being a beginner's luck, any driver can drive one before getting advance through luxury sports cars and high-end exotics. Perhaps this is more of a crash course for those who are new to the track day scene, eh? What about taking on the city roads? Is it worth it? Well, not quite because since this is still a wumbofied Mini, your best chance is not to drive it on the tights because you'll be getting a hard time surviving on small spaces much as the normal new Mini does.

Yes, it might still be as big as the normal Mini, but to be honest, the new JCW mixes the things that are right with the things that are wrong so even though this is worth of a challenge, this is still a well accessible track day car you can use it anytime just as long as it doesn't get to situations that doesn't cut the mustard.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

If you're opening to suggestions that the new Mini JCW is lacking power, perhaps you should better off with this; the all-new Audi RS3 Sportback.

Think of the new RS3 Sportback as a posh version of its cousin, the VW Golf R, but unlike the Golf R, this new RS3 comes with a 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 367PS of power and 465Nm of torques. It's the most powerful hot hatch ever created by the Volkswagen Group, and even though this is more than the pre-facelifted A45 AMG, the currently-facelifted A45 AMG backlashed it with more power, which is kinda sad.

Anyway, because this is Audi's most powerful hatchback in the range, it's 0-100kph time is 4.3 seconds while the top speed electronically limited to 250kph or you can go for an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph, which is definitely a fast hatch full-stop.

Of course, good hot hatchbacks don't rely on straight-line performance, and how does the RS3 fare well as a track-day car? Sadly, it's very challenging. Even though it has a four-wheel drive powertrain, driving the new RS3 is like trying to survive a bull riding competition for years and when it sees a corner, best to prepare some painkillers over this one because it's too much grip and understeering can be a pain in the neck. If this car understeers, it's like you've got choked by an angry German who got his schnitzel messed up.

So, would you recommend it? Well, in terms of speed, the new RS3 is a clear bet but in terms of track day use, perhaps this new model warns the drivers that it will going to send them to the chokey. Man, someone's going to get choked by this hot hatch when it understeers.

2016 Opel Corsa OPC

2016 Vauxhall Corsa VXR

If it's affordability you're after, how about this? The new Opel Corsa OPC (Vauxhall Corsa VXR). Now, according to the pricelist, the new Mini JCW costs around 29,900 Euros while the new RS3 starts at 52,700 Euros. The newest version of the Corsa OPC/VXR starts at a very accessible 24,650 Euros (18,375 Pounds) and what you have here is a pocket rocket with very accessible handling that makes it popular among car enthusiasts.

Of course, its 2.0L turbo engine produces the least amount of power when compared to the new JCW and the new RS3, but unlike the other two, it's compact and nimble enough to cut through corners like a game of fruit ninja. Juicy.

It feels generous, it feels accessible, and when getting through the tightest of situations, it's not half bad at all. This is definitely the ideal hot hatch you can have if you're in a mood for some track-day fun.

So, what's your pick? Well, when you compare these hot hatches, chances are very random because a few might go for the new JCW, some might go for the new RS3, while most might go for the hot Corsa. Above all, the newest Corsa OPC/VXR is their best chance because even though it's not as powerful as the others, it's a very accessible hot hatch that you can use it all the time as long as they're not involved in any shenanigans on the city,

FH2 Storm Island: Manic at the classic Mini

For anyone interested in small but nimble hatchbacks offered in the world of Forza Horizon 2, the original Mini Cooper is still one of the best choices if you're in a mood for some David and Goliath clashes on and off the road, looking for something cheap and tough that can go places and outsmart the big boys. Between you and me, this old Mini isn't half bad to drive and improve at all. With the modern Minis are bigger and more German than what it used to be, there's nothing in this world that can beat the original, British-built, Mini Cooper.

Penned by Sir Alec Issigonis for its design, collaborated with John Cooper for its performance, and its stardom made it a star in its own rights thanks to Mr. Bean, The Italian Job, The Bourne Identity, and many others, this original Mini Cooper has won the fans' hearts out with its small sizing fit enough to slip through the bigger cars like if there's no one saw it coming. Even though it was made for housewives in mind, the original Mini made famous for its racing pedigree from track racing to rallycross, proving that small is great.

Sure, this Mini loves to take on challenges it can throw at, but what about challenges that are much tougher than it looks? Well, since I'm in a middle of my Storm Island survival, I decided to make my old Mini Cooper as rally worthy as it were during its golden days.



That getup reminded me of something but anyway, time to find out how my Mini survived Storm Island's worst...



Wow, even for a small size, the old Mini's not afraid of whatever nature's thrown at it, even severe weather storms. Looks like this old-timers still has the guts to win races, even at bad weather conditions. With two wins left before the Finale, my survival on Storm Island continues...

FH2 Storm Island: The Gauntlet #03

If you happen that if you won eight championships in your Storm Island journeys, that means you have access to the third Gauntlet event and should you win this Gauntlet challenge, you can advance to the next tier and continue on your quest to the Island Finale. For this Gauntlet, you'll be driving a MINI Monster Energy ALL4 Racing X-Raid onto the East Valley Rush race. Like most Gauntlets you've faced, the severe weather conditions and nighttime may hamper your visibility, thus exercising extreme caution while driving through the rough terrains as you need to prioritize different strategies to outrun your opponents in such an extreme weather.

MINI's ALL4 Racing is based on the Countryman, which is one of my least favorite Minis ever, in an effort to challenge Mini in the world of the Dakar Rally. Powering this rally raid car is a 3.0L BMW Twinpower Turbo Diesel engine developing 320PS of power and 800Nm of torque. Top speed is around 180kph. The gearbox is a Sadev 6-speed low-range gearbox suitable for rally raid in mind while coupled with an AP Racing Clutch and a Xtrac differential. The brakes are air-cooled in the front and air and water cooled at the back. The chassis is made of spaceframe and carbon kevlar body, resulting to a weight of 1953kg. With all of the essential equipment armed and ready, the ALL4 Racing is a Mini perfect enough for the rough terrains it traverses.

Okay, now let's see how did I fare this MINI well in this Gauntlet challenge.



With this Gauntlet cleared, I now scored 9 wins and I need three more to access the Island Finale. I have to keep going...

Gran Turismo 6: Mini Clubman VGT

Take a normal Mini Clubman Concept, strip it down, give it racing credentials, have it featured in Gran Turismo 6, and what do you get? This:



This is the new Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo, Mini's entry to the Vision Gran Turismo lineup, a series of concept cars that can be played on Gran Turismo 6 and by the looks of it, it looks more like the new Mini of today, only a little more shouty in the character traits.

 

Drawing inspiration from Mini's involvement in motorsports, the Mini Clubman VGT is built to be a Mini that can adapt through any racetrack it sees fit. The power output of the Mini Clubman VGT is said to have a 395PS of power output and it weighs a very light 1050kg, so the 0-60mph time is under the 4 second mark, namely 3.5 seconds, and it can flat out in over 180mph, meaning that this Mini's like a rocket.

It's not just the speed that makes the Mini Clubman VGT bewildering but the handling is superficial for a Mini, thanks to its low center of gravity and the wheels positioned far outside the body. It has better aerodynamics as well thanks to its split rear spoiler and a fully enclosed underbody.



I once tried it at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit and based on my experience, the Mini Clubman VGT doesn't feel like any other Minis at all, in fact, its starting to feel like the Minis of yesteryears when they pit these machines on the track and triumphed against the bigger racecars. It's kinda like the David and Goliath effect but in a spectacular fashion.

Although I don't find the handling to be as go-kart as they've promised but for a Mini, it's starting to show off its true character. It just starting to show what a real Mini can do, adapt through any corners of the track and show them who's the boss. When the pace gets pushed further, this Mini is not out without a good fight and it just keeps on going as it pleases.



The Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo has proven to be one of the best handling cars in the Vision GT roster and it expresses the ultimate definition of what a Mini should: NOT NORMAL. It shows that this Mini can be very adaptable on any corners of the racetrack as long as the driver meets up to its expectations. Get out there and try the Mini Clubman VGT by yourself on GT6.

More cars are coming on the Vision GT roster very soon!