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After taking a back seat while the new Cooper and Cooper S debuted, the feistiest of MINI’s lineup has arrived in refreshed form, complete with more torque and an automatic-only transmission. Whether you pick the compact coupe or the convertible, the latest John Cooper Works (JCW) model offers a spirited ride that relies on fresh hardware tweaks and cheeky design cues to keep things interesting.
Gone is the manual gearbox, replaced by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that gives the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine extra punch through all gears. MINI has bumped torque from 236 to 280 lb-ft, which helps the JCW make the most of its unchanged 228-hp output. The brand’s official 0–60 mph estimates may not blow you away—5.9 seconds for the coupe and 6.2 for the convertible—but real-world sprints and past test data suggest quicker times may be on the cards.
Driving the JCW is an exercise in balanced aggression. Around-town torque feels noticeably stronger, and a new “Go-Kart” mode dials up the suspension and throttle response without punishing you over bumpy tarmac. However, the front-wheel-drive setup remains prone to tugging at the steering wheel under heavy throttle. The sharper adaptive dampers, stronger brakes and refined chassis keep most bumps and body roll in check, ensuring the car retains its trademark MINI agility.
The coupe and convertible feature fresh design elements, from updated fascias and wheels to a 9.4-inch OLED centre display with higher clarity and responsiveness. Toggling the convertible’s cloth top at up to 19 mph is quick and nearly effortless, while a “sunroof” setting retracts only part of the roof. That said, the folding mechanism does eat into boot space and rear-seat headroom, and wind noise can be an issue in half-open mode.
Although the JCW coupe’s starting price has risen by nearly $3,000, the convertible version drops by $1,020, providing a small silver lining if you prioritise open-air fun. Either way, the 2025 MINI John Cooper Works remains a playful, quick-reacting option, particularly if you’re after a compact two-door. While its rivals often deliver more performance for less money, none offer quite the same combination of heritage design, lively handling and top-down joy as MINI’s maximum go-kart.
