MINI John Cooper Works conquers the roads again with two models – a hatchback and a convertible, which combine racing performance and urban charm. A powerful petrol engine, a bold design and a tradition that comes from the legendary racing driver John Cooper.
When you think about MINI, an iconic little car appears before your eyes with exceptional agility and playfulness, almost like a go-kart on steroids. Now imagine squeezing 228 wild horses into this cute packaging. That's right, MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) it's back – and while it might look like something your grandma would be happy to park outside her country house, the next moment it's out of your sight, leaving you in the dust.
Performance that will delight petrol engine enthusiasts
Let's start with the heart of this beast: a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbine that produces 231 horsepower (170 kW) and as much as 380 Nm of torque. This means that the petrol version of the JCW, in both hatchback and convertible versions, offers enough power to launch you from the city to 100 km/h only 6.1 seconds (hatchback), while the convertible does it in 6.4 seconds. You may not be on a race track, but the feeling will certainly be similar. For those who love you hear an audible response, let us reassure you - the central exhaust system emits just right hoarse sound, to make you feel like you're on the track.
Top speed? 250 km/h for the hatchback and slightly less for the cabriolet – 245 km/h. Although you'll be limited to 50 km/h most of the time in city traffic, the John Cooper Works will feel like a lion in a cage, when waiting for a free road or highway.
Design: Karting on the road, elegance to the eye
Of course, the MINI impresses not only with its performance. New ones John Cooper Works wearing a traditional two-tone black and red body that screams for attention. Up front, you'll immediately notice an aggressively designed bumper with larger air intakes and an enlarged grille that not only looks bold, but also helps cool the engine. At the rear, a sporty diffuser and a raised spoiler make sure you look good even when you're overtaking.
JCW it wears special 17- and 18-inch wheels designed specifically for this model, which are truly the cherry on top of this dynamic ice cream sundae. Although the basic appearance of the MINI is preserved, accessories such as red decorative details and specific JCW logos, give a whole new meaning to sporty elegance.
Interior: A place for speed enthusiasts
If the exterior wasn't enough for you, the interior will convince you JCW experience. At first glance, you are greeted by a sports steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters, while the racing spirit is continued by seats upholstered in black and red fabric with a checkered pattern. The feeling of being in the cockpit of a racing car is further emphasized by the steering wheel with special markings and the black and red dashboard.
The large screen infotainment system, which includes all the latest technologies, including Apple CarPlay connectivity and wireless charging, is located in the center of the dashboard. Practicality and comfort are provided by the premium Harman Kardon sound system, which will provide complete acoustic pleasure even when you drive at full throttle on the highway.
Price and market
If you want one of these little monsters, you'll have to shell out around €31,200 for the hatchback version, while the convertible will be a bit more expensive with a price starting at €35,200. That's not a lot of money for a small car, but with the MINI JCW you get a lot more than just a car - you get a piece of automotive history and the feeling of being part of a racing heritage.
Conclusion: Is the new MINI JCW the right choice?
The performance, style and unmistakable feeling of driving the MINI John Cooper Works make this car unique. Is it the most practical car on the market? Probably not. But if you're looking for the perfect combination of city driving, top-notch entertainment and a touch of nostalgia for your racing days, this is the right choice. Still small, but now even more dangerous.
And another tip - if you don't mind the breeze in your hair, the JCW convertible is the perfect partner for summer trips. With the wind in your hair and a roaring exhaust, the MINI JCW is all you need for total enjoyment on the road.
