For those who are missing the Mini Cooper C or Cooper S, the new John Cooper Works is now available as the sportiest option of the brand. While the increase in performance appears modest at first glance, the compact JCW is still an absolute funny machine.
Anyone who is looking for a real performance on the highway still has to stay away from the electrical models from Mini. These are not only limited by the loading speed, but also more critically due to their top speed. Despite 190 kW / 258 hp, the Electric John Cooper Works is limited to 200 km / h – a disappointing cap for a hot hatch of this caliber. It is a different story for the combustion engine versions. Although the power upgrade is not dramatic to 231 hp from the 204 hp of the spirited Cooper S, the John Cooper Works remains a thrill at high speeds and reaches up to 250 km/h when asked.
But it’s not just on the fast track where this little car is fun. His two liter turbos four-cylinder, a compact wheelbase, a tightening suspension and the characteristic JCW styling elements make it clear that this is a real sports car. Mini fans will appreciate the JCW -Bading, the side skirts and the sporty bike setup, which confirm the performance intentions of this new top model. The engine note from the centrally assembled single-tailpipe is aggressive and eager and remembers the rally tribe tree of the brand-ob alkalaret. The twin exhaust system of earlier JCW models looked more modern and aggressive in comparison.
Inside, as with Cooper C and Cooper S, fans can miss the premium sports seats in leather or with extendable thigh support. The new seats that take place in a synthetic leather and textile mix are less luxurious than before, although they also offer solid lateral support and remote comfort for high occupants. Optional electrical setting and massage functions are available, which contributes to distracting some cheap plastic surfaces and the outdated pop-up head-up display.
Despite its inner defects, the John Cooper Works -Luke – from € 40,650 – delivers the excitement with only a few others in his segment. With 170 kW / 231 hp and a length of only 3.88 meters, the mini -jcw looks with its red mirror caps and bonnet strips and does not depend solely on the appearance. The seven-speed double clutch transmission is well coordinated with the powerful four-cylinder and delivers biting shifts with subtle turbo heads and exhaust gas cracks. The steering is incredibly precise and torque tax is quickly familiar. This car should be driven hard – not just on picturesque roads, but on the desired border. A low center of gravity and stylish 18-inch wheels with narrow 215/40 R 18 tires confidently give him warmer weather.
Yes, the new JCW offers the same spirited fun as its predecessors, now with significantly better driving comfort for longer trips. Street accidents still reach the cabin, but far less hard than before. Realistically speaking, space remains limited to two adults and a modest amount of luggage with 210 liters of trunk (up to 725 liters with seats). The back seats can take up one or two people for short trips, although this is unlikely in practice. Optional packages were simplified with L- and XL configurations. The € 2,160 XL package is almost essential, including navigation, electrical massage seats and parking aid. It is also worthwhile the 800 € Panorama sliding roof, which fills the cabin with light and fresh air. And can we hope for a future 300 PS GP Edition? Most certainly.
