Hankook Tire and MINI Collaboration: Comparative Test of 5 High-Performance JCW Models

An unusual test was conducted where an automobile brand and a tire manufacturer collaborated to precisely compare the driving performance of high-performance models. According to a video from the YouTube channel 'MOTline', Hankook Tire and MINI recently conducted a driving test using five models from the high-performance JCW (John Cooper Works) lineup through collaborative marketing.

Unusual Collaboration Between Tire and Automobile Brands... Comparing High-Performance DNA

The core of this test is to check what kind of driving characteristics appear when Hankook Tire's high-performance lineup meets MINI's high-performance division, the JCW models. The five vehicles used in the test were all MINI JCW models, consisting of a lineup reflecting different lifestyles. In particular, all vehicles were equipped with Hankook Tire's high-performance tires to minimize variables.

Looking at the tires installed on each vehicle, the Ventus Evo was mounted on the MINI Aceman, and the iON Evo All Season tire was mounted on the MINI Cooper Electric John Cooper Works. The remaining MINI Cooper Internal-Combustion JCW models were equipped with the Ventus Evo lineup. The cast compared items such as ride comfort during high-speed driving, wind noise, road noise, handling, and driving stability.

EV vs. Internal Combustion Engine, Differences in 'Grip' Revealed in Slalom Test

The most notable section during the driving test was the Slalom course. The cast analyzed the differences by driving the 'MINI Cooper Electric John Cooper Works' and the 'MINI Cooper Internal-Combustion JCW', which have different powertrains, in succession. In the video, it was observed that in the case of the electric vehicle model, the characteristic of more understeer (a phenomenon where the vehicle does not turn and is pushed outward) occurring during corner entry was observed due to the heavy body.

On the other hand, the internal combustion engine models showed movement where the rear part of the body follows stably during cornering. Regarding this, the cast evaluated, "The ability of the internal combustion engine model to withstand understeer is completely different." In particular, noting the role of the tires, they analyzed, "Because high-grip tires like the Ventus Evo hold the grip of the front wheels when steering is applied, the movement of the car is sharper." It was explained that the iON tires also showed high sportiness despite being all-season tires, but there was a difference from the limit of the Ventus Evo, which is a high-grip tire.

Final Choices Divided by User Perspective... From Aceman to Cooper

Evaluations of driving performance were sharply divided depending on individual driving tendencies. In terms of high-speed cruising, the MINI Aceman received high scores. One cast member commented, "The Aceman has better ride comfort than the MINI Cooper Internal-Combustion JCW, and it is well-set enough to be used as a family car." In particular, they described the acceleration unique to electric vehicles as "a feeling like being sucked into space."

On the other hand, cast members who emphasized stability chose the internal combustion engine models. Along with the opinion that "the MINI Cooper Internal-Combustion JCW was the most stable," feedback followed that in the case of the electric vehicle models, the handling felt unstable or difficult during high-speed driving. As a result of the final vote, the Aceman and the MINI Cooper Internal-Combustion JCW models were respectively picked as top rankings depending on individual driving preferences, showing that the criteria for automobile evaluation can change according to an individual's lifestyle.