"Premium" and "luxury" are similar but not the same. In the automotive industry, the two sometimes overlap. This is especially true for supercars. However, this is not always the case. "Premium" means that the car is rarer, and it has the effect of increasing brand value in a way that is different from "luxury." MINI's high-performance model, the "JCW," fits this bill. This unique presence is truly something that can be called premium.

Experience the MINI JCW's capabilities on the circuit

"JCW" stands for "John Cooper Works." It is a garage that built a rally car based on the MINI in the 1960s. A garage is what we now call a racing constructor. John Cooper Garage was a team that participated in Grand Prix races (today's F1) at the time.

They set their sights on the recently released MINI and tuned it, which went on to achieve brilliant results in the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.

With this background, a model with the name is still on sale today. It is a sporty tuned version of the standard MINI model. Of course, it is sold as a commercial vehicle for everyday use. However, it can also be brought to the circuit. In the UK, a one-make race called the "Mini Challenge" is held.

The other day I got behind the wheel of such a model. The location was the Cotswolds in the UK. It is a countryside town close to Oxford, MINI's hometown. The area is known for its manor houses and is popular with Japanese tourists.

I test drove four models at once this time, but the cars can be broadly divided into two types based on the base vehicle: a three-door hatchback and convertible that are high-performance versions of gasoline engines, and a three-door hatchback that is a pure electric vehicle and an electric-only vehicle called the Aceman.

The highlight of the lineup is the pure EV. Until now, JCW has used gasoline engines as its base vehicle, but this is the first time they have worked on an electric vehicle. It seems likely that we will see more of these models in the future.

There are many difficulties in creating a car based on an electric vehicle. The body is heavy, and it is difficult to determine the position relationship between the center of gravity and the roll center. Furthermore, the Aceman has a long wheelbase, so it is difficult to reproduce the characteristics of the previous JCW. This point was emphasized in an interview with the development team.

In fact, listening to him, although Aceman JCW is a confident product, the feedback from the media was mixed. The quick handling and fast-responding body of the JCW are its selling points, but the evaluation was that it has lost its "JCW-ness". In addition, the ride is not as stiff as before, and the longer wheelbase makes it more flexible on flat roads.

The technology and ideas of the new generation coexist with the playfulness and leisure of adults.

However, personally, I felt that this was a good thing. It gave me a new feeling that was different from the previous JCW. In other words, a comfortable ride has been added to the previously sporty setting.

I think this is true "evolution". If it is always heading in the same direction, it is "deepening", but if it is about finding newness overall, I think it is more appropriate to call it "evolution". And it is not a matter of which is the correct answer, but rather it is something that the development team should decide based on the times.

From that perspective, the gasoline engine car I drove this time is a "deepening," while the electric car is an "evolution." The know-how they have cultivated over the years has created a new flavor. Technical details aside, there's no doubt that each car is unique.

Of course, the MINI philosophy behind the creation of such a car is to always evolve with the times and surprise us in a good way, and the knowledge and BMW technology gained from developing the JCW to date will be incorporated into this. The latter will be of great help in terms of the number of models and the breadth of the field.

So, this time I'll be looking at the new generation of MINI JCW. As it's a popular model in Japan, it's bound to be a hot topic. It's obvious that the premium feel of the JCW will appeal to adults who have driven many different cars. It's compact, fun to drive, and premium, so even the most experienced car enthusiasts will love it.

Tatsuya Kushima

Motor journalist and columnist. Currently, he is the media site editor-in-chief and media business producer for the surfing magazine "NALU." She has previously served as editor-in-chief of many men's magazines, golf magazines, car magazines, airline in-flight magazines, etc. In addition to media activities, he is a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee, a member of the Japan Cigar Association, a Japan Boat of the Year selection committee, and the creative director of men's golf wear ``The Duke's Golf.''