When MINI introduced the new John Cooper Works 3-door hatch and its convertible derivative last year, it topped off the most significant model line renewal – consisting of a mix of ICE-powered and electric-only models – in the brand’s 65-year history.
With MINI set to become an all-electric brand by the early 2030s, the latest JCW hatch will likely be the last internal combustion-driven derivative that will revere the legacy of racing legend John Cooper in the truest sense. As such, it is set to become an icon in its own right and a collector’s item within the MINI owners’ fraternity.
Developed under the model code F66 and in parallel with the battery-electric J01 MINI Cooper, the latest JCW is heavily based on the previous generation model and, as such, is still built at Plant Oxford in the United Kingdom, together with the petrol-driven Cooper C and Cooper S models.
Still, it introduces updated styling with design elements similar to the Cooper EV models and this, in combination with special JCW bits, such as the large octagonal front grille with three-colour John Cooper Works logo, wide air vents, bonnet stripes (optional) and horizontal JCW-specific daytime running lights, makes it more attractive than its predecessor.
The rear, characterised by an aerodynamically shaped junior WRC roof spoiler, sporty black rear diffuser and a centrally positioned tailpipe that further underlines the car’s spirited character, and the JCW looks best when viewed from this angle. On our test unit, exclusive optional 18” rims (17” is standard) and a contrasting red roof rounded off the sporty exterior design.
MINIMALIST AND PURIST INTERIOR
The purist design of the interior, based on the classic red-and-black JCW colour scheme, now also follows that of its EV stablemates and is an improvement over its predecessor’s layout. It is centred around a BIG, well-designed, round screen with a high-quality glass surface and a high-resolution OLED display, the JCW sports steering wheel and the typical MINI toggle bar with knobs for the starter, gear, brake, experience, and volume.
The lower centre console provides storage and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The infotainment system is quite user-friendly, with touch or voice control for additional options, including climate, media, telephone, and navigation settings. However, due to the JCW’s sporty and hard suspension settings, it was nigh on impossible to change settings by touch control on undulated road surfaces while driving. More physical buttons, please!
IMMACULATE HANDLING
Powered by a reworked 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol engine delivering 170 kW (the same as in its predecessor) and 380 Nm of torque (60 Nm more than before), the new, slightly heavier JCW (it weighs 150 kg more) is still fast, and with quick turn-in steering and impeccable chassis balance, it still handles like a big go-kart.
With Go-Kart mode selected to optimise power delivery and the gearing of the dual clutch auto transmission, the JCW scoots from 0-100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds (MINI claims 5.9 seconds) and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. However, the artificial engine noise detracted from the experience, although one could appreciate the downshift pops and bangs.
The braking system with Chilli Red callipers ensured precise and safe braking. Although Go-Kart mode turned the hatch into a hooligan, it was less wild and more demure in the other experience modes (Core, Green, Vivid, Timeless, Balance and Personal), making it easier to live with.
LAST WORD
The latest MINI JCW 3-door is still a real fun car, and a superhot hatch in the true sense of the word. Even so, its suspension is just too taut for our bumpy, pot-holed roads: Driven sensibly and kept to supersmooth road surfaces, it will put a smile on your face with every journey, but when piloted with intent on bumpy surfaces, the feisty MINI becomes too frantic to really enjoy.
Still, with a list price of R745,574 (the optional extras on our test car, including LED headlights and some Assist Plus systems, will bump it up to around R800k), the new MINI JCW represents good value, more so when its providence and possible collectors’ status are taken into account.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © MINI SOUTH AFRICA
