Hot on the heels of the revised MINI Hatch comes this: the facelifted MINI John Cooper Works.
The range-topping performance version of the latest hatch receives a few styling tweaks and a few more optional extras. Like the old car, it’ll be available as either a convertible or a hatchback, although prices are yet to be confirmed.
The MINI John Cooper Works gets a new front apron with a larger radiator grille and broader intakes; plus a much more aggressive rear diffuser with a twin-tipped centre-exit exhaust and fresh side skirts. Convertible buyers can also spec a new and exclusive Zesty Yellow paint finish.
Revisions for the MINI JCW are more than just cosmetic, though. The brand’s engineers have also returned the car’s optional adaptive dampers, enabling a 10 percent stiffer setting than before, which the company says has improved the hatchback’s cornering ability.
Inside, the new JCW gets a redesigned 8.8-inch infotainment system, which has a range of new applications for navigation, audio programming and vehicle functions. The system also has two new colour schemes, called Lounge and Sport. The former lights the screen’s widgets in blue, while the latter uses a combination of red and anthracite.
The hot hatchback also gets a new pair of sports seats with integrated headrests, a new multifunction sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, an anthracite headliner and a dedicated gearknob.
Buyers can now choose from a few more optional extras, such as a heated steering wheel, lane departure warning and a stop and go function for the car’s active cruise control.
MINI offers an optional John Cooper Works package, too which adds a broad range of extras such as piano black trim, carbon black leather upholstery and improved paint. The package also features adaptive dampers and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Both the facelifted MINI JCW hardtop and convertible are fitted with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the old models. It has the same output of 170kW and 320Nm, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. However an eight-speed automatic is available as an optional extra.
Performance figures haven’t changed over the old car. The hardtop will go from 0–100km/h in 6.3 seconds with the manual gearbox, while the convertible takes 6.6 seconds to complete the same sprint due to the added weight. The automatic gearbox trims these times back to 6.1 seconds and 6.5 seconds respectively.
Luke Wilkinson