Facelift (What's New)
Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Adaptive LED head lights with Matrix function for the high beam
MINI Yours Piano Black interior
Apple CarPlay comes as standard
As part of its mid-cycle refresh of its lineup, MINI has also included this stonking hatchback - the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW).
The JCW designation is reserved for the most potent of MINI models - a MINI on steroids if you will. It takes all the key characteristics of a MINI - the go-kart handling, cheery character and perky drive - and kicks it up another notch. Time to see if the facelifted JCW remains a ruckus to drive.
The key change is the introduction of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, delivering smoother and quicker gear shifts
So what's new?
Mechanically, very little. The major change is the gearbox. The JCW now comes equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission (two more gears than before). The gearbox is noticeably improved, with quicker and smoother gearshifts.
Also new is the adaptive LED head lights with Matrix function, which automatically adjust their brightness to match the road situation. The LED daytime running lights and turn indicators are now also generated by the ring surrounding the contour of the head light. At the rear, the tail lamps feature the Union Jack design as well.
The Piano Black interior features an illuminated Union Jack motif on the passenger sideBeyond that, the rest of the changes are largely cosmetic. The interior is now finished in Piano Black, with a illuminated Union Jack motif on the dashboard on the passenger side.
The car also comes with JCW sports seats with Dinamica/Leather combination upholstery as standard. It's not the most ergonomically comfortable seat, as the side bolsters protrude out pretty far, making it slightly awkward for resting your elbows. Thus, placing your palms at the 10 and two o'clock position, instead of the usual three and nine o'clock, on the steering wheel is the most comfortable position we found.
The JCW designation is reserved for the most potent of MINI models - a MINI on steroids if you will. It takes all the key characteristics of a MINI - the go-kart handling, cheery character and perky drive - and kicks it up another notch. Time to see if the facelifted JCW remains a ruckus to drive.
So what's new?
Mechanically, very little. The major change is the gearbox. The JCW now comes equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission (two more gears than before). The gearbox is noticeably improved, with quicker and smoother gearshifts.
Also new is the adaptive LED head lights with Matrix function, which automatically adjust their brightness to match the road situation. The LED daytime running lights and turn indicators are now also generated by the ring surrounding the contour of the head light. At the rear, the tail lamps feature the Union Jack design as well.
The car also comes with JCW sports seats with Dinamica/Leather combination upholstery as standard. It's not the most ergonomically comfortable seat, as the side bolsters protrude out pretty far, making it slightly awkward for resting your elbows. Thus, placing your palms at the 10 and two o'clock position, instead of the usual three and nine o'clock, on the steering wheel is the most comfortable position we found.
Has it changed dynamically?
Thankfully not. Power from the 2.0-litre engine remains the same at 228bhp and 320Nm of torque. Yes, the two extra gears mean that cruising at highway speeds is quieter and more refined than before, but the real fun is between gears two to four. Here, you get to enjoy the blistering pace of the JCW, coupled with an enthralling exhaust note that constantly burbles and pops.
The JCW constantly delights with its eager powertrain, darty handling and crackling exhaust noteThe car is a tad heavier now (35kg heavier than its predecessor), but that hasn't affected the handling one bit. It still corners and changes direction with verve, allowing you to dart in and out of traffic (responsibly) if you so please.
No biggie, then?
Well, the mid-cycle refresh brings some light updates to the model, without radically changing its character or personality in any significant way. You're still getting a hatchback on steroids - blistering pace, kart-like handling and a generally playful nature.
The MINI JCW remains an absolute hoot to driveThe new transmission definitely adds a level of refinement to the JCW, for those times when you just want to cruise gently on home. But we suspect that in a pocket rocket like this, those moments will be few and far between.
Thankfully not. Power from the 2.0-litre engine remains the same at 228bhp and 320Nm of torque. Yes, the two extra gears mean that cruising at highway speeds is quieter and more refined than before, but the real fun is between gears two to four. Here, you get to enjoy the blistering pace of the JCW, coupled with an enthralling exhaust note that constantly burbles and pops.
No biggie, then?
Well, the mid-cycle refresh brings some light updates to the model, without radically changing its character or personality in any significant way. You're still getting a hatchback on steroids - blistering pace, kart-like handling and a generally playful nature.
