MINI John Cooper Works (2024 - )

The MINI name is steeped in history and, despite now being under BMW ownership, the cars still possess all the go-karting handling and dynamism that made them such classics back in the day.

And there is one factor that really ramps up the appeal and that’s the John Cooper Works effect. Any car featuring the JCW treatment will possess extra firepower, along with dramatic styling cues to truly accentuate its racing background.

MINI offers JCW models across its line-up, including the electrified models and convertibles, but we are concentrating on the classic three-door MINI with distinctive styling, blistering pace out the starting traps and a suitable soundtrack to match.

It can be a little confusing when we talk about the MINI JCW design. That’s because lesser-powered MINIs can be specified with a JCW styling pack that introduces a far more aggressive body kit with stripes and exclusive wheels etc. However, the JCW performance models get the same distinctive design cues, plus a whole lot more grunt beneath the bonnet.

The MINI JCW certainly stands out from the crowd with its black bodywork and contrasting flashes of Chilli Red. There is a two-tone roof, a front grille that appears to be growling at you with a chequered flag emblem, and there are Chilli Red accents along with smoke-effect circular light clusters.

Moving to the rear, there is a sports bumper, rear spoiler wing and a large centrally-positioned exhaust. The look is completed by privacy glass, red mirror caps, a panoramic sunroof and upgraded 18-inch alloys with red brake calipers.

Moving inside, the interior is thoroughly modern and oozes distinctive MINI dna throughout. The seats and steering wheel are upholstered in a synthetic leather material that is 100 per cent recyclable and they can be heated against the winter blues. The seats are manually adjustable as is the steering wheel, which also boasts red accent stitching and a decorative fabric strip in place of a third spoke. 

The main focal point within the cabin is the oversized 9.4-inch circular infotainment touchscreen which is the access point to all the on-board technology. Creature comforts include a Harman Kardon sound system, sat nav, smartphone connectivity, DAB radio and plenty more besides.

There is no driver information panel, but the speed is clearly displayed on the main screen as well as the head-up display. And in keeping with tradition, there are toggle switches for the ignition, gear selection and drive modes.

Powering our MINI JCW was a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 228hp and 380Nm of torque. This is matched to a seven speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox which is super slick and helps power the car from 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph.

The front wheel drive MINI is very capable cruising at motorway speeds and is agile in busier town centres too. But in all honesty, it’s the performance when faced with twisting country lanes that really matters. And this MINI just loves to show what it’s made of. The acceleration is blisteringly fast with paddles for added driver engagement.

The road holding is confident with body lean kept well in check and there is always that extra power on tap to overtake slower-moving traffic. Then there is the irresistible BOOST button that is just begging to be pressed. If you do so, then the car gets the full beans with maximum performance settings as the display counts down from 10 to zero.

Drive modes, or as MINI calls them, Experience Modes are plentiful and these alter the general ambience and displays, as well as the driving characteristics.

For example, Core is the more standard default mode, but switch to Green and there is a more energy-conscious display. Flick across to Go-Kart mode and there is sportier chassis alignment with added performance detailing to the readouts. You also get a ‘woo hoo’ greeting when you select that mode. The Balance mode offers more relaxed lighting and there are also settings called Timeless, Vivid and Personal whereby you can create your own background images and preferences.

The adaptive suspension means the ride can suit your mood, but you will feel the full force of any unexpected potholes along the way. And I wouldn’t say the cabin is the quietest either with the engine roar filtering through.

While the MINI has certainly grown in stature over the decades, it’s still fairly compact unless you move up to the huge MINI Countryman.

Our-three door model looked perfectly proportioned stretching 3,876mm in length, 1,970mm across (including door mirrors), 1,452mm in height and with a 2,495mm wheelbase.

Up front, there is ample room for the driver and passenger to stretch out in comfort. Sadly, the same can’t be said for anyone relegated to the back seats. The legroom is really tight and only suitable for young children if the front seats are not pushed too far back. Additionally, there are only two seats in the rear, but they are ideal for throwing coats and bags on.

Like all MINIs past and present, storage space is quite limited. There is just 210 litres of boot room which is ample for the weekly shop, but don’t expect to fit golf clubs and a trolley in there. However, the rear seats do drop flat in a 60:40 formation and that opens up the area considerably. With 725 litres you will be able to fit in that golf bag and trolly alongside some other bits and pieces.

Additionally, there are a number of practical compartments scattered throughout the cabin for odds and ends. These include a glovebox, a compact central cubby that flips open, really narrow door bins, front cup holders plus one in the back, some trays and USB-C ports to stay connected on the move.

The MINI line-up is quite comprehensive these days with three or five door models, convertibles, full-sized 4x4s and a choice of electric or tradition combustion engine powertrains.

The high-performance John Cooper Works models are priced from £33,265 for the three-door model we tested, increasing to £34,905 for the electric version, then £36,905 for the recently-launched electric Aceman. The JCW Convertible is priced at £37,535 and the line-up tops out at £42,750 for the MINI JCW Countryman ALL4.

These prices are before any optional extras and packs are factored in. Our test car featured the highest Level 3 pack, costing an extra £5,150 and this adds 17 extras to the mix. You gain seats featuring added lumbar support with a massage function, enhanced LED lighting technology, Comfort Access which unlocks or locks the doors and tailgate when the key is detected. There is adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, folding wing mirrors with auto dimming function, high beam assist, a head-up display, sat nav, a panoramic glass sunroof, parking assistant plus, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, storage for smartphone wireless charging, sun protection glass and an interior camera so you can check and record images when you are away from the vehicle

There was also Legend Grey paintwork and upgraded 18-inch alloys, which together with the Level 3 Pack, added a total of £5,350 to the final price-tag which crept up to £39,435.

According to WLTP testing, the MINI JCW can deliver a combined 41.5-43.5mpg with carbon emissions of 154g/km. That CO2 figure will result in a first-year Vehicle Excise Duty charge of £1,360 dropping to the standard annual rate of £195 after 12 months. 

The MINI JCW comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and the car, as tested, sits in insurance group 26.

While electric cars can deliver blistering pace and nerve-jangling acceleration out the traps, there is still nothing quite like the allure of a traditional turbo-charged hot hatch. But sadly, they are a dying breed as the industry moves towards a cleaner, greener future.

And that’s exactly why we always jump at the opportunity to test drive something that delivers raw fire-power such as the MINI JCW.

It’s a car that has moved with the times, but maintains plenty of features that are a nod to its rich heritage. There are still the toggles, the circular dials and headlights, along with the quite boxy design and fabulous go-karting handling.

Yes, the cost has climbed up, but it is still competitively priced in a sector that seems to be shrinking by the day.