Mini JCW (2025) Review

The Mini JCW is the quickest and most engaging derivative of the British marque’s 4th-gen compact hatchback. How good is the latest JCW? We get hands-on!

We Like: Still a riot to drive quickly, distinctive infotainment system, fun and novelty factor.

We don’t like: Lost some of its dynamic fun, not as vocal as previous models, laggy infotainment screen.

Fast Facts

• Model: Mini Cooper John Cooper Works
• Price: R745 574 (before options)
• Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
• Power/Torque: 170 kW/380 Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
• 0-100 kph: 6.1 seconds (claimed)
• Fuel Consumption: 6.8 L/100 km (claimed)
• Luggage Capacity: 210-530-725 litres

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Mini JCW Summary

• Despite a decline in the number of hot hatchbacks available in the new-vehicle market, the Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) is nonetheless an evocative range-topper for the F65/F66-series Hatch.
• Priced from R745 574 before options (September 2025), it ushers in a new era of digital connectivity for the fashionable compact car brand.
• With 170 kW and 380 Nm, plus launch control, the Mini JCW is a straight-line rocket!
• The driving experience is still entertaining, but we feel that the older models were more engaging to drive enthusiastically. The upside is that this generation is slightly easier to live with.

What’s the Mini JCW like to live with?

Before we get into the Mini JCW’s specifics, let’s fondly remember the glory days of the hot-hatchback segment… Not too long ago, several brands offered sporty flagship versions of their light and compact hatchback models, all of which were thrilling to drive and some of which were reasonably attainable.

Sadly, if you’re shopping for a pint-sized funmobile today, only a few options remain in the new-vehicle market. Models such as the Ford Fiesta ST, Opel Corsa OPC and Renault Clio RS (RenaultSport) have been consigned to the history books; the Mini JCW’s closest rival is the Volkswagen Polo GTI.

The magic of modern-day performance cars is that, although they have become rather pricey, they can fulfil multiple roles well and are far less compromising (difficult to live with) than their predecessors.

If you just want to commute mindlessly, the Mini JCW will calmly get you from home to the office in its default drive mode. Indeed, Mini’s range-topping hatch doesn’t lack creature comforts and delivers a premium driving experience; the only caveat is that the firm ride quality can be irksome on some roads.

At this price point, you get plenty of premium touches and features (the heated seats are most welcome during winter). The Mini does have 4 seats, but the rear ones are only suitable for small children – rather treat the JCW like a 2-seater with an extended cargo area, because its load bay is on the small side.

Mini JCW Performance and Efficiency

Purists will be sad there’s no manual gearbox on offer, but from an ownership point of view, the dual-clutch automatic transmission is far superior, especially if you need to contend with congested traffic.

Not only does it offer day-to-day convenience, it optimises performance! Activate the launch-control function and, if the tyres are up to optimal temperature, the JCW should effortlessly dispatch the 0-100 kph sprint in 6.1 sec (claimed). We recorded a 6.0-second time, which is brisk for a vehicle of this size.

The engine on duty is the BMW Group’s B48 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol; it produces 170 kW/380 Nm and drives the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch ‘box. The latter replaces the older-spec 8-speed automatic and offers improved responsiveness, encouraging more hands-on involvement. You can leave the ‘box to its own devices, but heightened driver engagement is integral to this car’s appeal!

Performance motoring requires “give and take, and less-than-ideal fuel consumption is often one of the sacrifices. Impressively, despite our “heavy right feet” and Italian Job driving stunts, the JCW averaged around 8 L/100 km, which isn’t too far off Mini’s claimed 6.8 L/100 km. You can utilise the efficiency drive mode, which completely dulls the car’s responses, but that’s like going to McDonald’s for a salad…

Unlike the rest of the Mini range, the JCW features a single exhaust pipe that is centrally positioned, but that’s not the sole outlet – there’s another pipe tucked away behind the bumper. The visible exhaust is the default outlet, but the second one is equipped with a bypass valve that opens when the engine is cold or revving above 3 000. This gives the JCW a sportier, more aggressive sound under higher loads.

This generation of the Mini JCW still produces the signature pops and bangs due to the engine’s after-run fuelling, but it’s notably less vocal than its predecessors. It’s not always clear whether the noise you’re hearing is a mechanical sound or if it’s being digitally enhanced through the Mini’s audio system. But don’t blame Mini for that – car manufacturers must comply with increasingly strict noise regulations.

Considering that we’ve seen far loftier outputs (233 kW!) from the B48 powerplant in some other BMW Group products (such as the M135 and M235), we’d predict that Mini will eventually cook up an even hotter GP version for those fans that regard this iteration of JCW as medium hot, instead of spicy.

Features and Practicality of the Mini JCW

When you climb aboard the Mini JCW, you will find an abundance of variant-specific touches that distinguish the JCW from its accessorised siblings. We say “accessorised” because the Cooper S is available in John Cooper Works trim, which makes it look very similar to the flagship from the outside.

See also: New Mini Cooper S vs Old(er) Mini – More Expensive, More Fun?

Despite the hatchback’s compactness, its doors open to create large apertures. The driving position is near-perfect: you sit quite low, and the minimalist dashboard creates an airy ambience. Naturally, all eyes will be drawn to the large circular OLED screen that pays tribute to the central dials of classic Minis.

In terms of ergonomics, Mini has greatly reduced the number of physical buttons. Most of the instrument cluster’s functionality, climate control functions and digital connectivity have been integrated into the infotainment system’s menu. It looks fun and funky, and a circular touchscreen is a novelty in the new-car market – we get the impression that Mini wanted to make the experience colourful and interesting.

It’ll take some time to become familiarised with all the functionality, however, as it is quite unorthodox.

Criticisms? Well, we have a few gripes. The sporty seats look great, but aren’t supportive enough (they would benefit from more bolstering). Also, the infotainment system’s responses tended to lag a little, but we’re hopeful that, with the rollout of over-the-air software updates, the interface will gradually improve.

Still, the overall fit-and-finish and material quality have improved in this latest-gen model, and not just in the JCW variant – the entire range. Substantial touch points abound, and the clever lights that project onto the dashboard (positioned behind the touchscreen) produce delightful light shows at night.

Ride and Handling

The 4th-gen Mini Hatch offers a more mature driving experience than its predecessors, ostensibly because the JCW has to appeal to buyers who expect higher levels of tech and sophistication. But, if you’re reading this article with the intention to buy a Mini JCW, you’ll want to know exactly what this, the most performance-biased Mini, is like to drive spiritedly. Well, it might be more grown-up, but it’s still fun.

During the Mini JCW’s tenure in our test fleet, the following start-up sequence became second nature to our testers: get in, put on the seatbelt, start the engine, and then activate Go Kart mode. This brings up a performance-specific theme, and there’s additional aural theatre from both the exhaust and speakers.

The Mini JCW is underpinned by the UKL1 platform, and its suspension has been tuned to optimise the variant’s handling, but it’s not all good news. The damping isn’t bone hard, but it’s on the stiffer side, so don’t be surprised to find the little car hops on uneven roads. The ride quality never truly soothes out, unless you’re travelling on a well-manicured stretch of asphalt, such as a freeway, you’ll be kept busy.

The upside of the Mini’s tendency to “keep your hands busy” is a terrific steering setup. Sure, the girthy steering wheel rim (also a fixture in BMW M cars) is initially off-putting, but it reminds you that you’re piloting a car that exacts involvement. The reasonably direct and impressively quick steering facilitates genuine dartiness, which will please novices – and indulge enthusiasts. This is backed up by excellent grip; it would require truly overexuberant steering and throttle inputs to elicit chirps from the front tyres.

What we appreciate most about the Mini JCW is that it feels alive, irrespective of the driving scenario. It encourages you to drive with zeal, which is, ultimately, what performance-oriented hatches are all about.

Having sampled most of the hot hatches launched over the past decade, this author feels this iteration of JCW has lost some of its (let’s just call it) “mongrel edge” in favour of a more refined driving experience. Don’t worry, it’s still “a hoot”, just don’t drive this JCW and its immediate predecessor back to back…

How much does the Mini JCW cost in South Africa?

The Mini JCW costs R745 574 before options (price correct in September 2025) and is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and 2-year/unlimited km warranty.

New Mini Cooper Specs & Prices in South Africa

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Verdict

This generation of the Mini JCW continues from where the last version left off, but like the buyers that the British brand hopes it will attract, it has grown up and matured. Sure, when bolting merrily between bends and cornering as briskly as its pilot dares, the F66 Mini JCW will inspire spontaneous joy, but its general demeanour is more measured. For first-time JCW buyers, it will do exactly what they ask of it.

Should you buy one? Even if the Mini JCW doesn’t quite deliver the visceral thrills we hoped that it would, it’s still the nonconformist’s choice. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and is genuinely fun to drive at any speed, so why wouldn’t we recommend it? Everyone should own a fun hatch at least once in their life!