2025 MINI John Cooper Works: Driving With a Smile

Savannah, Georgia—The next-generation MINI lineup, introduced last year, wouldn’t be complete without enthusiast-focused models such as the sporty John Cooper Works.

On the outside, the new 2025 MINI John Cooper Works pays tribute to the original Mini while adding a uniquely modern twist. The car might be significantly larger than before, but it retains the main features of its forerunner. Designers have successfully combined the past with the present (and future) in a package that will once again prove irresistible for MINI lovers.

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The JCW model stands out from the Cooper C and Cooper S with specific badging all over the body (front, rear, wheel hubs), exclusive 18-inch wheels, a more prominent rear spoiler and a centrally mounted tailpipe piercing through the diffuser.

Inside, the layout is obviously similar, but there are a few subtle changes to point out. The most visible ones are the specially appointed seats with red stitching, the heated sport steering wheel featuring a logo at the bottom and the many red accents throughout, notably on the right-hand side of the dashboard. The driver also benefits from paddle shifters on the steering wheel (missing in other models) enabling greater control over the powertrain.

The new 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen is included in the MINI JCW, too. It’s powered by the brand's latest infotainment system and comes with an intelligent personal assistant represented by a cute little dog named Spike if you so wish. The screen boasts magnificent resolution and the graphics adapt to the various drive modes for a seriously cool atmosphere.

It’s a shame that MINI has eliminated many physical buttons for the sake of a cleaner design. As far as we’re concerned, the knobs and controls of the previous generation were easier to operate while driving. Now, most of them including those for the HVAC system and heated seats go through the touchscreen. Sure, you can use voice commands, but it doesn’t come naturally.

Below the screen, the main physical controls you’re left with include the hazard lights, front and rear window defroster, electronic parking brake, transmission switch, radio volume and a key-like button you have to turn to start the engine. Another one lets you select from a variety of “MINI Experiences,” with different ambient lighting colours, graphics and sounds to suit your mood.

Timeless mode is inspired by the first Mini, Core mode has various shades of blue, and Go-Kart mode turns the cabin to red and black for a sportier look. Also, with the MINI John Cooper Works, suspension tuning adjusts to the drive mode—more on that later.

There's adequate space up front including headroom and legroom. Normal-sized drivers like yours truly (5'9") will feel very comfortable. On the other hand, the rear seat is still pretty tight, making it difficult, even unrealistic for adults to enjoy long trips back there.

Space is at a premium in the trunk, as well. If you're single or a couple, fine, but we have a really hard time imagining this car for family use, that’s for sure. Incidentally, MINI lovers with kids will be better off turning to the Countryman, which is much more practical in terms of cargo.

Extra Weight and Torque

Similar to its predecessor, the 2025 MINI John Cooper Works is a properly powerful car. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine continues to deliver 228 horsepower, but torque is increased from 236 to 280 lb-ft. The boost was necessary to make up for the substantial weight gain: the previous generation tipped the scales at 1,295 kg, while the new one weighs 1,382 kg.

The only transmission available from now on is a seven-speed dual-clutch unit whose calibration has been revised in JCW trim to offer improved responsiveness and performance. Power is exclusively sent to the front wheels, as always, with no all-wheel drive option to choose from.

Many drivers including MINI purists will definitely lament the loss of the manual gearbox with the latest models. Count us among them. Driving with three pedals and a stick was a joy, but low sales and also common sense ended up facilitating the company’s decision.

Plenty of Character Still

The engine fires up with a louder and more pleasant sound than that of other MINIs. Around town, the three-door hatchback continues to impress with fantastic agility and has no trouble squeezing among the countless pickups and SUVs. It's also super easy to park.

As we made our way out of town, the firmness of the ride quickly became apparent. The roads around Savannah, Georgia are much better than ours in Canada, so it was only a problem on expansion joints and railroad crossings—even with the softest setting on. Things will be worse up in the Great White North, so remember that when shopping for a MINI JCW. What’s more, road noise is pretty intense at speeds of 100 km/h and higher.

The turbo engine’s extra low-end torque is immediately noticeable. It makes the car more alert than its predecessor from 0-50 km/h and enables quick take-offs at intersections. That being said, when accelerating hard out of a corner, the tires tend to squeal loudly if you put too much pressure on the throttle.

The roads we took during our test drive weren’t particularly twisty, so we couldn’t push the MINI JCW as much as we would have liked. Still, we found steering to be precise and not overly assisted. The front end of the car will go where you want it to and the short wheelbase is a blessing for quick changes of direction.

When activating Sport mode together with the Go-Kart experience, sportiness is dialed to the max. The suspension becomes even stiffer, increasing cornering speed, while the transmission holds gears longer and the exhaust note raises the decibel count. This is especially the case when you take your foot off the gas, causing the exhaust system to pop in delightful fashion—unlike the late Ford Focus RS that was laughably loud and kind of annoying.

Using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the MINI JCW is more fun to drive, although upshifts feel a bit jerky in the sportier modes. When pushed at a more enthusiastic pace, the car doesn't try to rip your head off with every acceleration, as evidenced by the 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds. Compared with vehicles that pack 500 horsepower or more, this one can actually give you satisfaction at legal speeds. Not many sports cars these days can say that.

Our Verdict

When all is said and done, the 2025 MINI John Cooper Works is a car that stands out and essentially remains in a class of its own. Admittedly, the loss of the manual gearbox does take some of the engagement out of the driving experience. However, sharp handling, beautiful agility and a stronger engine with plenty of character make it uniquely enjoyable. Some of its unavoidable irritants, such as a firm and noisy ride at higher speeds, are just part of its personality. And if you're prepared to live with that, which won't always be easy on rough Canadian roads, you’ll likely have a big smile on your face every time you take it for a drive.

Oh, we forgot to mention: pricing starts at $51,990 plus freight, PDI and taxes, making it an emotional purchase more than anything. But the heart wants what it wants, right?