What's all this about?

We've had MINI recently announce the return of the Convertible. We've also had the company confirm high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) editions of the electric Cooper and Aceman models. So now here's a last JCW-branded hurrah for petrol-powered MINIs, with Works editions of both the hatchback and the Convertible.

Ooh, do they have more power than the preceding model?

Er, no. They have the same 231hp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol motor as the old one did, although admittedly the new cars do have an extra 60Nm of torque for a 380Nm peak. Intriguingly, both the hatch and Convertible JCWs are less powerful than the Cooper JCW and Aceman JCW electrics, although they're obviously lighter. Performance is therefore admirably brisk: the three-door will do 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds with the Convertible a little behind at 6.4 seconds, while the hatch can also top out at 155mph with the soft-top's ceiling set at 152mph. You can expect something like 42mpg from the MINI JCW and more like 40mpg from the Convertible JCW, with CO₂ of anything between 147- and 161g/km.

Sounds decent. How about the chassis?

Specific suspension settings are given to each new JCW model, while the braking system is uprated and equipped with eye-catching Chilli Red callipers wearing 'John Cooper Works' and chequered-flag emblems.

And what about the design and interior?

On the outside, most of the exterior detailing is black, either red or black bonnet stripes can be specified, there are 17- and 18-inch alloys to go at, 11 body colours (one unique to the Convertible JCW, which is called Cooper Grey), contrast roof and mirror cap choices, and then styling flourishes which include larger front air intakes, horizontal daytime running light signatures in the LED headlamps, a large rear diffuser with a centrally mounted single circular tailpipe, and - on the hatchback - an aerodynamically shaped spoiler atop the bootlid.

For the Convertible, choose from either a black soft-top roof or one emblazoned with a contrast grey Union Jack motif. Oh, and that roof can be fully lowered in just 18 seconds, even on the move at speeds of up to 19mph, or the centre bit can be slid back by 400mm at any road speed you like to partially open the cabin to the elements.

Inside, buyers will enjoy sports front seats and a sports steering wheel, plus loads of red and black detailing throughout. The JCW models will be fitted with a beefy Harman Kardon sound system as standard, plus a load of advanced driver assist safety technologies and the usual MINI flourishes, like the 9.4-inch circular OLED infotainment touchscreen.

As soon as we have prices and specs for the UK versions of the MINI JCW and Convertible JCW models, we'll bring them to you.

Matt Robinson - 22 Oct 2024