Here it is, the long-awaited all-new petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) has now finally arrived, following in the footsteps of its fully electric counterpart. It’s offered in both hatchback and convertible styles, but if you’re looking for the good-ol row-your-own six-speed manual here, tough luck – the all-new model ditches the manual gearbox in favour of an seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
At least, it’s now got more power, thanks to the updated two-litre inline-four turbocharged engine, making 231 hp and 380 Nm driving the front wheels. Compared to the MINI JCW 1to6 Edition, the new model boasts a 60 Nm increase in torque from the same engine.
The dual-clutch transmission allows the JCW hatch to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with the convertible achieving the same in 6.4 seconds. For comparison, this is just 0.2 seconds slower than its electric counterpart, the MINI JCW Electric, which clocks in at 5.9 seconds.
Several JCW-exclusive touches separate it from the regular MINI, including a large octagonal front grille in high-gloss black, the three-colour John Cooper Works logo, additional air inlets with vertical reflectors in red, LED headlamps with horizontal JCW-specific daytime running lights, rear spoiler, and the black rear diffuser plus a centrally positioned tailpipe.
With the exception of the convertible’s folding roof, both models share the same striking exterior design. But look a little closer, and you’d notice slight differences to the electric JCW – well, aside from the obvious grille.
That’s because the petrol-powered models, dubbed F66, are actually technically heavy facelifts of the previous-generation model, redesigned to look like the all-new J01 electric models!
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Inside, both the JCW hatch and convertible boast JCW-specific trim and equipment. Highlights include a red and black interior colour scheme, JCW sports seats, and a JCW sports steering wheel. Paying homage to MINI’s racing heritage, the dashboard features a distinctive black and red knitted pattern. Additional standard interior equipment includes an OLED floating display and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Want one? While MINI Malaysia has yet to announce a launch date, pricing for the new petrol MINI JCW in the UK starts at £31,200 (approx. RM176,434) for the hatchback and £35,200 (approx. RM199,054) for the convertible.
ALSO READ: The first fully electric MINI John Cooper Works cars are here
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