MINI John Cooper Works Review 2024

MINI John Cooper Works At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The MINI John Cooper Works is officially the most powerful MINI hatch ever, which is a fact that might be enough to win it admirers all on its own.

+Very quick and outrageous fun, yet still emits a reasonable 165g/km and has potential for 40mpg, available as hatch, convertible and Clubman.

-Doesn't like uneven surfaces, money spent on expensive options not likely to be seen again.

New prices start from £31,535
Insurance Groups are between 22–36
On average it achieves 92% of the official MPG figure

The John Cooper Works badge guarantees plenty of excitement when it’s attached to any MINI. With this hatch model, it means a 231PS turbocharged motor that gives access to 0-62mph in just 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 153mph. That’s potent stuff for any hot hatch and the MINI backs it up with the sort of handling that has you seeking out the long way home every time. Of course, being a MINI, there are downsides such as the cramped rear seats and small boot, so it’s not the most practical car in its class.

Yet even with its 231PS power output set to one side, the JCW is still one of the most entertaining, characterful and well-made hot hatches on sale, let down only by its high price and less than impressive practicality.

The JCW is differentiated from the lesser Cooper S by its bolder, more aggressive styling. There are unique alloy wheels, large red brake calipers, plus a big roof spoiler and a JCW-specific front bumper. At the rear there’s a new twin-exit exhaust tuned to deliver a characterful exhaust note, complete with a crackling, popping overrun.

A mild update in 2018 introduced some emissions-improving technology to keep the JCW as clean and green as possible. It didn’t affect engine power or performance, which remain the same as before, but there were some cosmetic upgrades.

They included new 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels and Dinamica faux suede and leather for the seats. You can also have the JCW as a Convertible, Clubman or Countryman, though it’s the hatch that works best for those keen on the sharpest handling and driving fun. 

Performance is impressive in any of the JCW models thanks to its power and turbocharged shove. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 6.3 seconds and top speed is 153mph, but it’s not all about straight line pace as the Cooper JCW enjoys great handling and feels perfectly at home on a twisting B-road.

The steering is nicely weighted and, while definitely on the firm side, the suspension treads the line between ride quality and a fun drive very well.

Fun though it may be, the MINI Cooper JCW isn’t without its flaws. The cabin, while very well-finished and attractive, is somewhat cramped. This is particularly true in the back, which is too tight to be comfortable for adults or teenagers. The boot is on the small side too, though it is still enough for shopping trips.

But the biggest problem of all is the price. £23,050 is steep and that’s before anything has been picked out of a huge options list. It’s more than a Ford Fiesta ST costs, which is every bit the dynamic equivalent of the MINI and comes with a roomier cabin. As a result, you really have to want a MINI John Cooper Works over and above any of its rivals to see past these sorts of flaws.

However, there is so much fun to be had, delivered in such a charming way, that the MINI Cooper JCW is still very easy to recommend if your budget stretches far enough. And it also has the cache of that John Cooper association and heritage that no other hot hatch can call on.

Read our First Drive Review of the 2021 MINI Hatch John Cooper Works on heycar

Ask Honest John

I'm near retirement and am looking to buy a new car. Should I buy outright or go for something on a PCP?

"I'm a year off retirement and am lucky to have a decent pension and lump sum. I want to get a new car this year, so should I buy cash now or still do a PCP for 3-5 years? Over the years I've owned a Volkswagen Golf GTI, Audi TT, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster and now have a Volkswagen Golf R - I'm considering another Golf but fancy a MINI, maybe a John Cooper Works. I might move to Devon so need to consider narrow lanes."
Given you are in a strong negotiating position, whether you choose a PCP or buying outright really depends on your needs. Buying outright gives you the option of shopping around, while a PCP would mean a little less choice and paying a bit more overall, but also the option to change your vehicle more easily once you've paid 50 per cent of the total amount payable. From a purely financial perspective buying outright likely works out a little cheaper, but the most cost-effective option would be to buy a car that is between one and three years old to avoid the biggest chunk of depreciation. You don't mention whether your current Volkswagen Golf R is owned outright or also on a PCP, but it would be well suited to narrow lanes being relatively compact. A MINI John Cooper Works is a little smaller still and would also be a good choice, although you might find it a little slow compared to your current Golf.
Answered by David Ross

What octane petrol should I use in my JCW MINI?

"What octane petrol should I use in my John Cooper Works MINI? The handbook recommends Super Plus, with 98 RON. One of the leading supermarkets sell a 97 RON, which is significantly cheaper than the 98 or 99 RON Super Plus fuel available from the major oil companies - am I likely to experience any loss of power, or damage to the engine, in using cheaper supermarket fuel?"
Supermarket fuel goes through the same testing and processing as the fuel in other outlets, although Shell, BP etc will make claims about their fuel being more efficient or better at clearing carbon deposits. Regarding the RON rating, you will not experience any damage to the engine but you might find Shell V-Power (the most highly regarded premium fuel) gives the engine a fraction more power than the 97 RON supermarket premium fuel. It'll be a very slight difference if at all, so we'd try both and see how it drives.
Answered by Lawrence Allan
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