The curtain has lifted on Mini’s new John Cooper Works hatch and convertible.
But there’s not much to get excited about. It might look a little different, but underneath it’s all very familiar.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine carries over from the previous model, with no extra power (but a bump in torque).
While both the six-speed manual and eight-speed auto have been replaced by a single, seven-speed dual clutch setup, with paddles for those who feel the need to change gears themselves.
The previous model, released over three years ago, delivered 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque, while this one is rated at 170kW and 380Nm.
Back then, it did the dash from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
One would have thought that with another 60Nm of torque and a quick-changing dual clutch tranny, that figure might have been reduced — but alas not.
The convertible is a bit slower out of the gates, at 6.4 seconds.
Interestingly, the 2021 model also produced the same power and acceleration times as its predecessor.
What’s more, neither of these cars are as quick as the recently revealed electric JCW hatch and Aceman with 190kW/350Nm — enough to propel the three-door hatch from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Maybe it’s all part of a greater plan?
No word on the price yet, but you can bet that hasn’t remained the same.
There’s a new radiator grille and new lights of course and, to differentiate them from lesser lookers in the lineup, there’s extra air inlets at the front with vertical red stripes.
At the rear, the fair dinkum JCW sport a central exhaust tip and more red reflectors.
Exclusive 17- and 18-inch rims round off the sporty look.
Bonnet stripes in red or black are optional.
There’s 11 colours from which to choose, which can be accentuated with a contrasting roof and mirror caps — again in red or black.
Meanwhile, an exclusive exterior finish Sparkling Copper Grey is also available for the convertible.
The soft top is available in black or with a contrasting grey Union Jack pattern.
Inside, it’s hard to miss the large, circular infotainment screen which is now as big as a dinner plate.
In Go-Kart mode it can display speed, power and torque, along with G-force.
JCW sports seats are designed to hug your butt when you fang the thing.
The seats are upholstered in black ‘vegan’ leather, aka artificial leather, with multicoloured knitted fabric at the shoulders and red accent stitching.
The JCW sports steering wheel features a 6 o’clock marker to help the driver keep track of the wheels, while the dash is trimmed in a knitted, checkered black and red pattern.
Premium Harman Kardon audio is standard.
The changes, or lack of them, all suggest this could be the last JCW Mini we see as the company moves ahead with plans to go all-electric by 2030.
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