► Mini’s new JCW driven in the UK
► Heavy refresh, new interior
► But now only available as an auto
Mini’s new JCW has big boots to fill – not just those of its predecessor but also those vacated by several key hot hatches. With no Ford Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20 N or Abarth 595 these days, the market for smaller, cheap(er) petrol vehicles of this type are severely limited.
Ignoring electric alternatives, including MINI’s own JCW Electric, the new JCW is nearly in a class of its own. But can this model justify the extra expense over a regular Cooper S, or would you be better off opting for one of the many excellent used hot hatches instead?
At a glance
Pros: Great handling, peppy engine, posh interior
Cons: No manual gearbox, ride lacks finesse, usual Mini practicality limitations
What’s new?
This new JCW is very much an extension of its predecessor, utilising the same platform as the previous Mini Hatch, albeit like the rest of the new Cooper line-up, a new body and interior to go with it. There’s a new gearbox and more torque from its 2.0-litre engine, too, which we’ll come onto.
But it’s still unmissably like a ‘Mini’ and is a more coherent design than the new electric JCW, which is underpinned by an EV-only platform shared with the artist formerly known as the Ora Funky Cat.
Some of the JCW’s visual magic has undeniably been eroded by most ‘normal’ new Mini Coopers sold these days coming out of the factory with a JCW bodykit, but the new single central exhaust helps to differentiate this model, and is a cool touch. It’s the only new Cooper you can see with a visible tailpipe, too. Pity it’s painted black so it’s not actually very visible.
What’s more conspicuous by its absence is the lack of manual gearbox on this new JCW, with every new Mini now coming auto-only. It’s a shame that an exception couldn’t have been made here.
What’s under the bonnet?
The new JCW keeps a 2.0-litre four-pot, with power remaining the same at 228bhp, though torque has had a healthy lift from 236 to 280lb ft. A new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the default, and while the lack of manual is a real shame, at least the JCW gets gearshift paddles, which can’t be said for the standard Cooper.
Accelerating to 62mph takes 6.1 seconds (seven tenths down on the Cooper S), with a top speed of 155mph possible – pretty quick for something of this size.
Further good news comes in the form of its running costs, which should be relatively affordable by hot hatch standards. Around 40mpg is possible in normal driving, with CO2 emissions of 155g/km. It’s one of the few new hot hatches that will escape the £40,000 premium car tax if we put our sensible hat on for a second, too.
How does it drive?
This new JCW drives a lot like the last one, and by and large that’s good news. It feels light, nimble and is the right size for a hoon down a British back road without having to worry about bashing mirrors or scraping a wheel. It’s the sort of power that you can exploit whatever the opportunity, with the gearbox very keen to let you dispatch its performance – sometimes too keen as it holds onto gears for too long.
Putting it in ‘Go-Kart’ mode livens things up, and not least the sound factor. It’s relatively convincing on the inside with exhaust crackles and a fruity engine tone, but it’s a real shame it’s also synthesised as on the outside the JCW sounds like a fairly humdrum four-cylinder.
The lack of a manual gearbox is also disappointing, but this is one of the better autos in a small hot hatch, upshifting quickly, and the addition of a ‘boost’ button operated by holding the downshift paddle allowing you to enjoy all the performance on offer.
As with every Mini, the steering wheel is far too thick rimmed but you do get used to it, and the steering itself is great; darty, entertaining and properly chuckable. There’s decent grip on offer from its Continental tyres, and far more so than other new Coopers that come with utterly hopeless Nexen tyres. Check your Mini’s rubber before buying one.
It’s one real downside is the ride. Granted, you wouldn’t expect it to be pillow soft for a hot hatch, but it’s firm and especially so on the rear axle especially, almost as if the car isn’t really contact with the road. It’s passable in most instances but get it on a bumpy B-road and it starts to become unstuck. The upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels (17s are standard) no doubt don’t help.
What’s it like inside?
Mini’s new generation of interiors are without doubt one of the best things around them. With a rich mix of technology and upmarket materials, it feels like a particularly posh small car, as Minis often have.
JCW models come as standard with artificial leather sports seats with a red knitted dashboard and various red details throughout. It feels sporty, but given a regular Cooper in Sport trim looks the same, we can’t help but feel Mini could have done more. But despite everything been on the central circular touchscreen, it’s one of the easier screens of this type to use.
As with any Cooper, space upfront is generous with the far-reaching dashboard giving the impression that you’re in a larger car from the driver’s seat. But the JCW retains the standard model’s practicality limitations, with rear-seat space non-existent for adults and the boot is tiny.
Before you buy (trims and rivals)
The John Cooper Works starts from £33,265, which might sound a lot but given a Cooper S costs £31,765 in the JCW-lookalike ‘Sport’ trim, it’s a fairly incremental extra.
The JCW also comes as standard with the usually-optional Level 1 pack, bringing keyless entry, heated front seats, a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging. It’s a pack we’d normally recommend anyway.
You could go further with the £1,300 Level 2 pack (tinted windows and sunroof) or £3,800 Level 3 (electric front seats, automated parking and adaptive cruise control), but we don’t think there’s any need.
As for rivals, petrol supermini-sized hot hatches have been practically wiped out, outside of the far more expensive Toyota GR Yaris. The closest thing in terms of size, price and performance is a Volkswagen Polo GTI, though VW itself seems to have forgotten it exists. Or there’s the latest Puma ST if you fancy punishing yourself.
Verdict
If you’re looking for the hottest Mini, the new JCW nicely carries over from its predecessor. It’s quick, looks the part and is good fun, with its latest interior representing a real step up compared to the previous car.
But it’s maybe not quite a big enough step over the Cooper S as we’d expect something with a John Cooper Works to be, and there’s certainly scope for more aggression – a new GP, perhaps? And if you come to it expecting the same thrills as the late Fiesta ST, be prepared to be slightly disappointed.