The fieriest kind of MINI Hatch is this one, the John Cooper Works variant. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the latest version.
Ten Second Review
MINI has rejuvenated it's John Cooper Works hot hatch - and this time, there's an EV version too. The engineering hasn't changed much with the combustion model, but the cabin design and media system certainly have. For many people, this will still be the ultimate kind of MINI.
Background
Legendary British engineer John Cooper (1923-2000) never got to see his full name attached to a BMW-engineered MINI. Hot John Cooper Works variants are now an expected part of any new MINI model line, but it's the JCW version of the small 3-door Hatch that the great man would have most readily recognised. You wonder what he'd have thought of it in its latest form, where the John Cooper Works MINI Hatch can be had not only in combustion guise but also in full-electric form.
The combustion version (also offered as a Convertible) carries forward much the same engine from the previous generation Hatch JCW. But the EV variant is a new departure for John Cooper Works MINI fans - the brand's entry into a hot hatch EV sector that's filling up nicely. Let's take a closer look at these JCW models.
Driving Experience
If you continue to want your MINI John Cooper Works with combustion power, you won't find too many changes with this F66 version compared to its F56 predecessor. So as before, it's the twin scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder engine from the Cooper S, which in the JCW develops 228hp (compared to 204hp in the Cooper S). As with all F66 MINI Hatch models, you now have to have it with 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift auto transmission. The 0-62mph time hasn't changed, still at 6.1s, which is actually an achievement because in F66 form, this JCW model weighs 35kg more, tipping the scales at 1,330kg. MINI upped torque by 60Nm to make sure performance wasn't affected by this. The JCW convertible is 40kg heavier than its predecessor and makes 62mph in 6.4s.
If you want a MINI Hatch with a 0-62mph time beginning with a '5', you'll need the John Cooper Works Electric version, which has a 258hp electric motor pushing the car to 62mph in 5.9s. But of course that's much heavier, weighing 1,425kg, which isn't very MINI-like at all. That bulk is down to a mid-mounted 54.2kWh battery pack (49.2kWh usable) which could give a range of 251 miles if you were to drive this car in the kind of manner a typical owner hardly ever would. The full 258hp output by the way (43hp more than an ordinary Cooper Electric SE) along with 350Nm of torque, is only achievable for short periods via a selectable 'Electric Boost' function. Normal running sees the motor restricted to 227hp. Because power comes from just one front-mounted motor, that's some way short of dual motor rivals like the MG4 X-POWER or the smart #1 BRABUS. A closer match would be with other single motor hot hatch EV rivals like the CUPRA Born VZ or the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX. Neither of which will feel quite like this hot MINI does.
Design and Build
For a JCW MINI in this part of the market, customers have to have the 3-door body shape (or 2-doors with the Convertible). MINI wants to ensure that these John Cooper Works models stand out, so there's 2-tone black and red livery with bonnet stripes, a more open grille and a more aggressive bumper with air intakes across its flanks. In profile, you might note the red roof and the bespoke 17 or 18-inch JCW-specific alloy wheels which are wrapped in high performance tyres. At the rear, there's a more prominent valance with a central tail pipe, a humped roof spoiler and a chequered flag motif on the tailgate.
The JCW tinsel continues on inside too, where there's plenty of red and black colouring, bespoke fabric for the sports seats and what MINI calls 'illuminated' headlining. The dashboard's upholstered in uniquely patterned red and black cloth and there's a grippy sports steering wheel with change paddles and a fabric strap. There's also bespoke trim for the doors. And extra JCW features for the 9.5-inch central touchscreen, including a power and torque converter, plus performance driving displays that include a G-Force meter and an accelerometer.
Because there are no rear doors, it's predictably tight at the back. If you're looking at the electric version and want rear seat space in a small hot JCW MINI, there's always the Aceman JCW. Out back in the hatch, there's a small 210-litre boot. With the 60:40 backrest folded, there's 725-litres on offer. In the Convertible, there's either 215 or 160-litres, depending on whether the roof's up or down.
Market and Model
Prices from launch for the combustion John Cooper Works 3-door hatch started at £31,200, while the Convertible JCW cost £35,200. For reference, at the time of this combustion model's introduction, the 54.2kWh John Cooper Works Electric was £38,420.
The MINI John Cooper Works comes as standard with 17-inch JCW Sprint Spoke alloy wheels in black, Chili Red exterior paint and an aerodynamically shaped rear spoiler. 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke 2-tone wheels are available optionally, alongside six other body colours.The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is offered as standard with Chili Red exterior paint, 17-inch JCW Sprint Spoke alloy wheels and a choice of seven further body colours optionally, including model-exclusive Cooper Grey.Both cars have an option of Jet Black or Chili Red mirror caps, while LED headlights - with daytime horizontal JCW specific running lights - come as standard to complete the exterior.
Offering an increase in standard specification, both models receive MINI's Level 1 package as standard, which includes a Head-Up display, Wireless Charging, High Beam Assist, Heated Front Seats and Exterior Mirror Package. Each model additionally receives an upgraded Harmon Kardon audio system as standard.
Cost of Ownership
Let's get to the figures. The JCW hatch model manages up to 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 147g/km of CO2. For the JCW Convertible, the figures are 40.9mpg and up to 156g/km. To get anywhere near these figures, you'll need to drive most permanently in the 'MINI Experience' 'Green' drive mode. That 'Green' setting modifies throttle and transmission response and tweaks the standard gear shift point display. It also includes a so-called 'coasting' function where at high cruising speeds the drivetrain is temporarily decoupled for extra frugality when you come off the accelerator.
The MINI John Cooper Works Electric can be charged via 11kW AC and up to 95kW DC, meaning at a fast-charging station the battery for both models can be charged from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. By using MINI Navigation, the vehicle will ensure the high-voltage battery reaches the ideal temperature for efficient charging in advance, thus reducing charging time. Customers can also optimise charging for their schedule, setting charging start times, active charging windows, and target battery capacity by departure time.
What else? Well, residual values are bound to be strong - they always have been. You can expect your MINI JCW Hatch to have retained just over half its value at the three year / 60,000 mile point. As expected, there's the normal three year unlimited mileage warranty with the usual BMW-style variable service indicators. Beyond that, there's an optional extended 'MINI Insured' warranty available that can cover you for up to 100,000 miles and can also be specified to apply to particular components, like the clutch, the engine or the gearbox.
Summary
You'll need to be a MINI fan to want one of these. Whether the combustion or the EV version appeals, you'll find rivals with more power (and space) elsewhere. But for a typical MINI John Cooper Works customer, that might not matter. None of those competitors quite replicate the look, feel and sheer chuckability of a MINI Hatch and if you're smitten by that, then no alternative will satisfy you in quite the same way.
As usual with a MINI John Cooper Works, it's possible to argue that you could get 90% of what this car provides for quite a lot less by simply opting for the cheaper Cooper S variants. But if you want the ultimate Cooper Hatch, then only the JCW version will do.
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