The Mini John Cooper Works has a reputation for hot hatch fun on a reasonably affordable budget. The new model arrives, however, with no increase in power and the lack of a manual option. All is not lost as the JCW version still benefits from sportier upgrades and the quirky design of the base model. Both the hatchback and convertible are available now, starting from £31,200 and £35,200 respectively.
Performance Upgrades are Minimal
While performance isn’t everything in a hot hatch, particularly at the more affordable end of the market, the new Mini John Cooper Works has just 231bhp. This represents an increase of just 3bhp compared with the previous generation, while the convertible has exactly the same power output as before, at 228bhp. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now has 380Nm of torque, an increase from the previous JCW. In this context, there is little improvement, but the souped-up models have 74bhp more than the Cooper C models.
This translates to a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds for the hatchback, which is the same as before. Meanwhile, the convertible completes the acceleration in 6.4 seconds. The hatchback also has a top speed of 155mph, 3mph more than the pricier droptop.
The disappointment for diehard Mini fans continues with the absence of the manual gearbox. The John Cooper Works is only available with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The manufacturer also claims that the famous ‘go-kart handling’ will remain, thanks to sportier suspension and a racier chassis.
Boy Racer Written All Over
While the performance may not live up to expectations, the new Mini John Cooper Works has all the looks required for a hot hatch. The option for a single-exit, centrally-mounted exhaust, alongside a sporty black rear diffuser gives the rear a mean look.
The hatchback gets 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, as well as Chili Red and the rear spoiler. The John Cooper Works Convertible offers the same (although obviously without the spoiler) and both models have the option of Jet Black or Chili Red mirror caps and red brake calipers.
Quirky Interior Gets Bolder
The interior of the new JCW model takes the core aspects of non-performance Minis and mixes them with the sporty design from which the exterior benefits. The knitted dashboard can be had with a chequered flag design, something that can also carry over onto the synthetic leather JCW seats. Other sporty touches include the stainless-steel pedals and an exclusive steering wheel.
The interior still focuses on the circular central infotainment display, which now features a JCW mode to show performance data. The new model receives Level 1 specification as standard, throwing in a head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and a Harmon Kardon sound system as well as a few other nice-to-haves.