Test-Driving The 2025 Mini Aceman John Cooper Works
2025 Mini Aceman JCW
I believe in the saying: 'Life's too short to drive boring cars'.
After passing my driving test, I made a beeline for a Daihatsu Copen, a tiny two-seater that looks like a Croc sandal. I didn't care that people laughed as I tootled past with the roof down, my head poking out like a protruding toe through a worn-out sock. I was driving something special.
A few years ago, I bought a Mini Paceman Cooper S, also known as the Countryman's ugly sister. It's good, but when I heard Mini was dropping the 'P' with its new model, my intrigue spiked.
I never tested the Mini Aceman. But I, of course, said yes when Mini asked if I fancied a go in its lightly spiced John Cooper Works (JCW) guise.
It doesn't take me long to become smitten with odd cars; it's usually love at first sight. Was that the case with the Mini Aceman JCW? I'm not sure, but hear me out. I like its startled face: its gawking eye-like headlights and its large mouth-esque plastic 'grille'—it's almost like it's seen John Cooper's ghost. But it didn't quite make me tingle the same way as the first JCW Countryman did.
2025 Mini Aceman JCW
From the side and rear, the Aceman JCW follows the Countryman's design cues but is smaller in size, and this got me, and many others, asking a question: Who's it for?
The answer is simple: like Mini's, but don't like the idea of cramming bags of shopping and a Great Dane in the boot of a three-door Cooper hatch? The Aceman's the one for you. Of course, you can opt for the larger Countryman with its 505-litre boot, but it's a bit more cumbersome.
The Aceman JCW shares a very similar interior with the JCW Electric three-door, but it has a loftier roofline. The pin-sharp touchscreen is filled with quirky animations and features, including a selfie camera.
Entry-level Minis are usually fun, but if you want to take pleasure to the next level, you'd usually opt for a Cooper S or the ASBO-inducing John Cooper Works (JCW). The latter's usually powered by potent and burbly engines that aid the Mini's already naughty character, but that's recently changed. You can still buy ICE versions, but Mini's upped its EV game, giving buyers a broader choice.
2025 Mini Aceman JCW
The Mini Aceman JCW shares its 254bhp motor and 54.2kWh battery with its low-slung three-door JCW sibling. This means a 242-mile combined (WLTP) range, 0-to-62 mph in 6.4 seconds and a 124mph top speed, but there's a catch. To get all 254 bhp, you pull back on an aptly named 'boost' paddle behind the steering wheel, which gives you 10 seconds of hair-on-fire mid-range madness.
Straight-line pace isn't enough for a JCW, many cars at the same price point can achieve those acceleration figures, instead, JCW's were always praised for their tight chassis and snappy brakes. But the Aceman variant has been left in the oven that little bit too long: its chassis is just too firm. A Porsche 911 GT3 almost feels Rolls-Royce-like in comparison.
The Aceman JCW is a compact electric SUV, and it should be able to traverse crumbling urban roads at 30 mph without bouncing its occupants through the sunroof. I noticed a slight improvement as speed increased, but I was always of the car fidgeting beneath me. Likewise, it doesn't like mid-corner bumps. Hitting these throws the car off course and largely dampens the fun factor.
2025 Mini Aceman JCW interior
Finding smooth tarmac drastically changes the Aceman JCW's behaviour. Its steering is tight and precise, and throwing its 1,800kg around bends is heaps of fun thanks to its grippy tyres. This, combined with snappy brakes, means it can be amusing.
Regarding range, my test car averaged 3.5mi/kWh over motorways, dual carriageways and country roads. Realistically, the Aceman JCW should return circa 180 miles in warmer weather over potholed roads and roughly 190 on slower routes.
Mini's injected the Aceman JCW with its zesty spirit. It's like a four-wheeled carnival; you'll never get bored of touching or looking at it. The Mini Aceman JCW also boasts great efficiency and has a decent range, and enough interior space, but it's simply too firm for most roads.
Follow me on Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
28 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Max Verstappen blames frustration for a 'move that was not right' after colliding with Russell
Max Verstappen said Monday that frustration caused 'a move that was not right and shouldn't have happened', a day after he initially seemed unrepentant over his collision with George Russell at Formula 1's Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen had been asked by his Red Bull team to give up a place to Russell following an earlier incident between the two drivers when he hit Russell's Mercedes. The race stewards ruled Verstappen had 'suddenly accelerated' before the collision and Russell said it 'felt very deliberate'. The stewards gave Verstappen a 10-second penalty which dropped him from fifth to 10th and left him 49 points off standings leader Oscar Piastri, who won Sunday's race. 'We had an exciting strategy and good race in Barcelona, till the safety car came out. Our tire choice to the end and some moves after the safety car restart fueled my frustration, leading to a move that was not right and shouldn't have happened,' Verstappen wrote on Instagram. 'I always give everything out there for the team and emotions can run high. You win some together, you lose some together. See you (at the next race) in Montreal.' Initially in the aftermath of Sunday's race, Verstappen had said that 'next time I will bring a tissue', responding to Russell claiming he set a poor example for young drivers. A series of setbacks The collision followed a series of setbacks for Verstappen, who had been in third and pressuring the two McLaren drivers in front before the safety car came out. Red Bull decided to bring Verstappen into the pits for fresh tires, even though the only ones he had left were slower hard-compound tires, a type that no other driver used. At the restart, Verstappen lost grip and was overtaken by Charles Leclerc, whose Ferrari made contact with Verstappen's Red Bull. Neither driver was ruled at fault for that. Verstappen then went off the track while defending against Russell and Red Bull asked Verstappen to give up the place to Russell, apparently because the team expected Verstappen would be given a penalty. The stewards later ruled they wouldn't have taken action against the Dutch driver for that incident. Risking a suspension Verstappen needs to be careful in the next two races because the penalty for the collision with Russell also brought him penalty points on his licence, taking him to 11 in the last 12 months. Drivers get a one-race suspension if they hit 12 points in a year. Two of those points expire at the end of the month, but until then Verstappen needs to get through the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix without any further penalty points. ___ AP auto racing:
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Study links preteen physical activity with better mental health later
At age 11, daily physical activity was associated with a 12 percent lower risk of a psychiatric diagnosis at age 18 for every hour of activity recorded, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study examined data from over 16,000 children born between 1997 and 1999 in Sweden whose families recorded their daily physical activity information at ages 5, 8 and 11.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Best and trusted bingo sites in the UK 2025
Bingo continues to be a highly popular game in the UK, combining easy gameplay with a vibrant social atmosphere. The market offers many operators, each with their own strengths in game variety, bonuses, pay-out speed, and user experience. This guide will help you understand the leading bingo sites available and provide practical advice on selecting the best platform for your needs. Mecca Bingo Lucky Pants Bingo PlayOJO Casino Virgin Games Casino Mecca Bingo stands out as one of the longest-established bingo brands in the UK, with a rich heritage both online and offline. The site offers multiple bingo rooms featuring classic 90-ball and 75-ball games alongside special jackpots and seasonal promotions. Its mobile app is highly rated, providing smooth gameplay on the go. Mecca emphasises community with active chat rooms and regular social events, appealing to players who enjoy interaction alongside their bingo sessions. Payment methods are straightforward, and withdrawals are reliably processed within a few business days. Lucky Pants Bingo Lucky Pants Bingo is known for its vibrant and user-friendly platform that caters specifically to UK players. It features a diverse range of bingo games, including classic 90-ball, 75-ball, and innovative variants like Speed Bingo and Emoji Bingo. The site regularly offers exciting promotions such as daily prize spins and affordable bingo tickets. Fully optimised for mobile devices, Lucky Pants ensures smooth and seamless access on smartphones and tablets. Players benefit from quick registration and a variety of secure payment options, including debit cards, Apple Pay, and Paysafecard, with withdrawals processed reliably. PlayOJO Casino PlayOJO Casino combines casino and bingo offerings with a focus on fair and transparent bonus conditions. Unlike many other sites, PlayOJO removes wagering requirements on bingo bonuses, which means players can withdraw winnings from bonuses without complicated restrictions. The bingo games selection is integrated seamlessly with the casino portfolio, providing a diverse gaming experience. The site's user interface is intuitive and responsive across devices, with 24/7 customer support available via live chat. Payment methods cover the full range of debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Virgin Games Casino Virgin Games Casino is part of the well-known Virgin brand, bringing a level of trust and quality to its bingo platform. It offers several popular bingo variants, including 90-ball and 75-ball bingo, supplemented by regular tournaments and jackpot games. The site is fully mobile-friendly and features a clean design that simplifies navigation. Bonuses come with wagering requirements, so players should review terms carefully. Virgin Games supports a broad array of payment options, with prompt processing of deposits and withdrawals, supported by attentive customer service. Selecting the best bingo site in the UK requires consideration beyond just brand reputation. Different players value different factors such as game variety, bonus fairness, pay-out speed, and user experience. Here are some key aspects to consider: A good bingo site will offer a range of game types, including classic 90-ball, 75-ball, and sometimes less common variants like speed bingo or themed rooms. Players who prefer a fast-paced game may enjoy speed bingo, while others appreciate the traditional formats with social chat features. Look for sites that regularly update their game library and offer special jackpot events to keep gameplay engaging. Bonuses are a major attraction, but should be scrutinised for wagering requirements and withdrawal restrictions. Some sites offer welcome bonuses and free tickets, but require players to wager bonus amounts multiple times before withdrawal. Others, like PlayOJO, provide no wagering bonuses, allowing immediate withdrawal of winnings from bonuses. Understanding these terms helps manage expectations and avoid frustration. Ensure the bingo site holds a valid UK Gambling Commission license, which guarantees compliance with strict player protection and fairness standards. A licensed operator uses secure encryption technology to protect personal and financial data. Sites with clear responsible gaming policies and tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, contribute to a safer gaming environment. Smooth navigation, fast loading times, and intuitive interfaces are essential for enjoyable bingo sessions. Mobile compatibility is increasingly important as many players use smartphones or tablets. Check for dedicated apps or mobile-optimised websites. Active and moderated chat rooms enhance the social aspect of bingo, which is central to the experience for many players. Convenient and reliable payment options influence your overall satisfaction. Preferred deposit and withdrawal methods vary, but fast processing, especially for withdrawals, is a key factor. Some players prioritise instant e-wallet pay-outs, while others prefer the familiarity of debit cards or bank transfers. Be sure to review minimum deposit and withdrawal limits as well. When it comes to bingo bonuses, one of the most important factors for many players is whether wagering requirements apply. Wagering requirements, sometimes called playthrough or rollover requirements, are conditions set by operators that require you to bet your bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit) a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings derived from that bonus. For example, a 20x wagering requirement on a £10 bonus means you must place bets totalling £200 before your winnings become withdrawable. Wagering requirements exist because operators want to prevent bonus abuse — that is, players taking advantage of bonuses without genuinely playing. For bingo bonuses, wagering means you must participate in bingo games (or sometimes other eligible games) enough times to meet the set multiple before withdrawing. While wagering is a standard in the online gambling industry, many players find it frustrating because it delays access to winnings and often complicates the withdrawal process. No wagering bingo casinos remove this condition, allowing players to withdraw their winnings immediately after meeting any minimum deposit requirements and without needing to 'play through' the bonus. This transparent approach simplifies the gaming experience and can be especially appealing to casual players or those new to online bingo who want to avoid complicated bonus terms. Immediate withdrawal: You can cash out winnings from your bonus without additional betting, giving players quicker access to their money. Simplified terms: No wagering means fewer rules to read and understand, reducing confusion and potential disappointment. Fair play transparency: Casinos like PlayOJO have built reputations around fairness by promoting no wagering bonuses, which increases trust. Encourages responsible gambling: Without wagering pressures, players can enjoy bingo without chasing bonus conditions, helping to avoid excessive betting. While no wagering bonuses sound ideal, there are some trade-offs to keep in mind: Lower bonus amounts: To offset the risk of immediate withdrawals, no wagering bonuses often come with smaller bonus funds compared to bonuses with wagering requirements. Fewer additional perks: These sites might offer fewer free tickets, spins, or other promotions that come bundled with wagering bonuses. Game restrictions: Sometimes, no wagering bonuses restrict the types of bingo games you can play or the maximum stake allowed per game when using bonus funds. Bonus expiry: No wagering bonuses may have shorter validity periods to prevent long-term bonus use. Among the UK's bingo operators, PlayOJO Casino is a standout for its commitment to no wagering bonuses. Their model allows players to receive bingo bonuses and immediately withdraw winnings without complex terms. This approach has earned them praise from players seeking fairness and simplicity. Other bingo sites may offer partial no wagering conditions or bonuses with reduced wagering, so it pays to compare offers carefully. Always read the full terms and conditions of any bonus to understand whether wagering applies and any other restrictions. Check the bonus terms explicitly for wagering requirements or 'playthrough' clauses. Look for phrases like 'no wagering,' 'wager-free,' or 'wagering not required' in the promotion description. Review the maximum withdrawal limits tied to bonus wins, as some no wagering bonuses cap withdrawals to manage risk. Consult player reviews and forums to confirm that the bonus operates as advertised. Choosing between wagering and no wagering bingo bonuses depends on your priorities: If you prefer larger bonuses and are willing to meet wagering requirements, traditional bonuses may offer more value but with added complexity. If you want ease of withdrawal and straightforward terms, no wagering bonuses provide peace of mind, though often with smaller amounts. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice and enjoy your bingo sessions without surprises. Reliable and timely pay-outs are fundamental when choosing a bingo operator. The best pay-out bingo sites in the UK are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring fair play and prompt processing. Operators like Mecca Bingo and Virgin Games have strong reputations for paying out winnings quickly, with clear withdrawal policies and minimal delays. Generally, e-wallet withdrawals, such as PayPal or Skrill, process within 24 hours, whereas bank transfers or card payments can take between two to five business days. Always verify withdrawal limits and processing times before registering, especially if you plan to withdraw large sums. Transparent communication from customer support regarding pay-outs is another positive sign of a trustworthy bingo site. Choosing a payment method depends on your priorities between speed, convenience, fees, and security. Many sites support multiple options, allowing flexibility. Debit and credit cards are the most widely accepted payment methods on UK bingo sites. Players appreciate the ease of using familiar cards for both deposits and withdrawals. Deposits via Visa or MasterCard are usually instant, allowing players to start gaming immediately. Withdrawal times can vary, typically ranging from one to five business days depending on the operator and card issuer. While generally reliable, some banks may delay or block gambling-related transactions, so it's advisable to check with your provider. Fees for deposits are rare, but some sites may charge withdrawal fees, so always check the terms. E-wallets have become the preferred option for many players due to their speed and high level of security. Deposits made via PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller are instant, and withdrawals are often processed within 24 hours, making them the fastest pay-out method available on most bingo sites. These services act as intermediaries, protecting your bank details from the site itself, which adds an extra layer of privacy and security. However, some bingo sites may have limits on e-wallet withdrawals or minimum amounts, so reviewing the payment policy is important. Setting up e-wallet accounts is usually quick and free, though some services may charge fees for currency conversion or withdrawals to bank accounts. Bank transfers provide a secure and straightforward way to move money directly between your bank account and the bingo site. Although less popular for deposits due to slower processing times, they are commonly used for withdrawals. The main drawback is the length of time it takes; bank transfers can take anywhere from three to seven business days to clear. This method is ideal for players who prefer direct transfers without involving third-party payment providers. Additionally, some banks may impose fees on incoming or outgoing transfers, so checking with your bank beforehand is recommended. For larger withdrawal amounts, bank transfers are often preferred for security and compliance reasons. Paysafecard is a popular prepaid card option that allows players to deposit funds without sharing banking or card information. It works by purchasing a card or voucher with a fixed amount from retail outlets or online, which can then be redeemed on bingo sites. This offers an excellent level of anonymity and control over spending since you can only deposit what's loaded on the card. However, Paysafecard is typically a deposit-only method, meaning you cannot withdraw winnings back to the prepaid card. Therefore, players need to set up an alternative withdrawal method. It's a good choice for cautious players or those without access to credit cards or e-wallets. Mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining popularity due to their convenience and security, especially on mobile-optimised bingo sites and apps. These solutions link to your debit or credit cards and use tokenisation to keep your card details secure during transactions. Deposits via Apple Pay or Google Pay are instant, allowing players to fund their accounts seamlessly from smartphones or tablets. Withdrawal options, however, are less commonly supported via these platforms and usually require a linked bank account or card withdrawal. These methods offer a smooth experience with biometric authentication like Face ID or fingerprint scans, enhancing security without adding friction. The best bingo site depends on your preferences, but top operators like Mecca Bingo, Foxy Bingo, PlayOJO Casino, and Virgin Games Casino consistently rank highly due to their game variety, bonus offers, and user experience. No wagering bonuses let you withdraw winnings immediately without meeting playthrough conditions, making them simpler and more transparent. However, they often come with smaller bonus amounts compared to traditional bonuses with wagering requirements. Wagering requirements mean you must bet your bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw winnings from that bonus. For example, a 20x wagering requirement on a £10 bonus means you need to place bets totalling £200. E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller typically offer the fastest withdrawals, often within 24 hours. Debit/credit cards are widely accepted and reliable, though withdrawals may take a few days. Always check the casino's payment policies before depositing. Yes, most top UK bingo sites offer mobile-optimised websites or dedicated apps, allowing you to play bingo games smoothly on smartphones and tablets.
