IT'S CHEEKY...

A typical California day... high 70's low 80's and a slight breeze.  Decided to take the JCW out for a spin today.  Windows and sunroof open, exhaust opened, some tunes going and driving on backroads.

I actually found myself with a huge grin on my face and hair a total mess.   Driving along in my automobile (name that tune), I started to think about not only this car but cars in general.  As we begin the migration to cars that no longer will give you the visceral fun and some requirements of being able to drive and not just operate a computer, I started to think that this version of the Mini Cooper (F56 in BMW speak), will be the last of it's kind.

The replacement Mini has been shown and although it will still be offered in both ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and Electric, the analog and visceral things that have made Mini a Mini will be history.

Although this F56 JCW is fast, handles well with their "go kart" feel, BMW build quality with better than average materials, etc... there are a lot of other small cars out there that will out perform and actually is somewhat comfortable to ride (VW Golf GTI, Civic Si, etc...), none seem to get the smiles and attention this one gets.

Granted, she's painted in safety cone orange (Solaris Orange), I get more cute girls and guys giving it a thumbs up along with car guys/gals with decent vehicles also giving me the nod of approval.

She may have 228hp but weighs almost as much as an BMW 2 series coupe (F22 and not that new ugly coupe) and thus 0-60 is okay at 6 seconds.  Mileage for this version is also OK at around 29-30mpg on average.

Like all BMW products, the entry price is ok.  This one started around $31,000.  But optioned out and being a limited edition "International Orange Edition" of which 500 were made (and not fully optioned out), this one stickered close to $44,000.  This was back in 2019.

Is it worth it?  Economically speaking.... NO.  There are other options out there.  HOWEVER, economics isn't the priority and the priority is having FUN.  I can tell you that this car delivers.

It's your last chance to get one of these things before it's gone.  BTW.... there are also versions with the millennials + anti theft device called a MANUAL TRANSMISSION.

KEEP ON MOTORING !!