MINI's best car has a BIG problem
Engine & Performance
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Powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, the JCW now produces 231hp and 380Nm, a notable bump over the standard Cooper S.
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Power is managed by a dual-clutch automatic gearbox and sent exclusively to the front wheels.
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0-60mph acceleration is recorded at 5.49 seconds in testing, comfortably better than MINI’s official 6.1s claim—when everything works. The review highlights a frustrating glitch with the launch control and stability systems on the first attempt, requiring a reset before hitting its stride.
Exterior & Chassis
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Visual upgrades over the standard Cooper include a checkered-flag grille, aggressive bumper, large roof spoiler, redesigned rear diffuser, and single central exhaust.
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Standard 17-inch wheels can be swapped for free to 18s, and there are red brake calipers, a two-tone roof, and other sporty flourishes.
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The chassis receives stiffer suspension and increased axle camber for sharper handling, plus “sportier kinematics” said to improve cornering grip.
Interior & Features
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The interior carries over largely unchanged from the regular Cooper, with JCW badges, stainless pedals, and sporty seat bolstering as key differentiators.
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The highlight is a giant circular infotainment screen—bright and snappy, but the system’s interface is fussy and, notably, features like Android Auto only use a small portion of the display.
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Cabin practicality is mixed: good-sized door bins and a useful glovebox, but poor center-console storage and some frustrating layout quirks.
Back Seats & Boot
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Back seat space is adequate for average-sized adults; head- and knee-room are just enough, but anyone taller will feel cramped, and the fixed rear windows add to a sense of claustrophobia.
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The boot is decent for the class, but not a standout feature.
Driving Experience
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Once on the road, the JCW impresses with genuinely sharp dynamics, helped by its uprated brakes and (optional) sports tires.
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The ride remains firm but not punishing, and the car retains that classic MINI “go-kart” character with responsive steering and playful chassis setup.
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The biggest annoyance is a sometimes-overly aggressive stability control system, which can interfere with driving fun if not set into the correct driving mode.
Value & Verdict
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Starting at £33,265 (as tested, £36,350 with options), the JCW isn’t cheap. It’s lively, well-appointed, and stylish, but with flaws such as its overly complex infotainment and fussy stability control.
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The review points out that while this car is desirable for enthusiasts wanting the last of the petrol MINI hot hatches, a used alternative—revealed at the video’s end—might be a better value proposition.
In summary, the 2025 MINI JCW stands as a sharp-looking, fun-driving hot hatch with real performance—but is let down by tech frustrations and a hefty price. For those who must have the latest and last of the breed, it’s almost the only game in town, albeit with some notable compromises.