Barely has MINI revealed the updated version of its Convertible model, as well as high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) derivatives of its Cooper and Aceman electric vehicles (EVs), than it follows up with hot variants of both the soft-top car and the petrol-powered hatchback. As with the EVs, these will wear the firm’s hallowed JCW badges.
How much power are we talking about for these newcomers?
No more than the old versions they replace, as the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine still has 231hp; that’s also a little down on the electric JCWs’ peak output recently announced, which have 258hp. However, torque on the turbo unit for the combustion cars has been boosted by 60Nm to a peak of 380Nm for the new JCWs, which means the hatch will do 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds, while the Convertible is a little slower but still rapid at 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
Both use the dual-clutch, paddle-shift-equipped automatic transmission so fuel economy is reasonable. Expect 6.8-6.5 litres/100km and 147-154g/km of CO2 from the MINI JCW, while the Convertible JCW comes in at 7.1-6.8 litres/100km with CO2 of 155-161g/km accordingly.
Has MINI just given the cars a load more power and nothing more?
Absolutely not. Each new JCW has specific suspension settings, which MINI says ‘guarantee a go-kart feeling with agile handling’, and an uprated braking system complete with ‘Chilli Red’ callipers branded with the JCW chequered flag logo.
Very nice. And what about the styling?
Much in the way of black detailing, in the main. You’ll find it on the large octagonal grille at the front of the cars, as well as all the MINI logos in that colour. Additional air vents in the front bumper of the JCW models help funnel more cooling air to the 2.0-litre engine, while bonnet stripes can be optioned up in either red or, yes, black if you want them.
A key identifier of the JCW cars is that their daytime running lamps in the LED headlight units have a horizontal signature, while at the back is an aerodynamically shaped rear spoiler (on the hatch, at least), a meaty diffuser and a centrally positioned single tailpipe to further emphasise the specialness of the JCWs. Wheel sizes will be 17- and 18-inch alloys, with 11 different body colours (complete with contrast roofs, mirrors and stripe packs). The Convertible JCW has an exclusive paint finish, too, called Copper Grey.
What’s going on inside?
There are the usual MINI accoutrements, like a fabric dash and the 9.4-inch OLED circular touchscreen, but in the JCWs you get a red-and-black colour scheme to boost the sporty ambience. This includes sports seats in the front, a sports steering wheel with the paddle shifts and a fabric six o’clock spoke, and a bold red and black pattern on the dash. Every MINI and Convertible JCW has a Harman Kardon sound system fitted as standard, while the cars are still fitted with the company’s wide array of drive modes (there are seven available on each of these two) and a wealth of advanced driver assist safety items.
Finally, focusing on the Convertible’s defining feature for a second, its soft-top roof is available in either black or with a contrasting grey Union Jack pattern on it. It can be lowered completely in just 18 seconds, even while on the move at up to 30km/h, but there’s also a switch that simply slides the lid’s centre section back by 400mm - and you can do this at any speed.
We’ll bring you full Irish prices and equipment specs for the MINI JCW and Convertible JCW just as soon as we have the information.