NEWS
New Mini John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible Gain Petrol Power
Aaron Stokes
By
Images by
MINI UK
23 Oct 2024
New Mini John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible Gain Petrol Power
News, Mini
The hot Mini range is finally complete with the addition of two new petrol-powered models. Aaron Stokes explores the new Mini John Cooper Works in hatchback and convertible forms.
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The hot Mini range is finally complete with the addition of two new petrol-powered models. Aaron Stokes explores the new Mini John Cooper Works in hatchback and convertible forms.
he F66 and F67 John Cooper Works have arrived with petrol power and the choice of a fixed or fabric roof. The new JCW keeps the classic hot hatch formula with a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 bhp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. The result? 0-62 mph is dealt with in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. In convertible form, the top speed drops a fraction to 153 mph, and the benchmark sprint takes 6.4 seconds.
While it may be slightly down on power compared to its electric twin and no more spritely than its older brother, we have to celebrate the fact that we are still offered a petrol JCW — as this may be the last time we will see a piston-engined JCW. The manual gearbox is no more, with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic taking residency. For some, this will be heartbreaking news. Others might see it as adding to the usability that hot hatches should have — especially during stop-start morning commutes.
The new F66 hatch and F67 convertible are built on heavily revised versions of the existing petrol chassis, which was introduced in 2014. Although the new Minis have been styled to look identical regardless of powertrain, there are some key differences between the petrol and electric John Cooper Works variants.
The easiest ones to spot are the extra openings in the grille, the clamshell bonnet, and the black trim around the headlights, along with the single-exit exhaust at the rear. The convertible is the only member of the Mini family to not use triangular tail lights, owing to it retaining the downwards-opening hatch of its predecessor.
Other JCW design cues have made their way to the new model, with one of my favourites being the contrasting roof, which you can have in Chilli Red with matching stripes. These complement the red bumper trim and brake callipers rather nicely. While both the convertible and hatch come standard in Chilli Red paint, you can opt for a Cooper Grey finish for the soft top.
So far, it’s business as usual for the John Cooper Works models, but there is a controversial change to be found in the interior: the single 24 cm OLED screen that houses all of the car's information. For a driver-focussed car, any information such as speed, revs, and the current gear is in the middle of the car. With the screen comes a new JCW mode that displays extra information such as power and torque readouts, engine temperature, and a G-Force metre.
If you are worried about this causing a distraction, Mini has covered this — as all the vital information you need for your weekend B-road drive is shown on the standard-fit head-up display. There is also wireless charging, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and electric mirrors on all new JCWs. Cars can be specified with Level 2 or 3 option packs, but even the standard Level 1 model comes with plenty of desirable features.
The JCW DNA continues as the seats are finished in black synthetic leather with knitted red stitching, and the same material can be found on the dashboard. The “knitted surface” design incorporates a chequered flag, which is a nice nod to the racing heritage of the Mini brand. One quirky feature of the JCW is the fabric six-o’clock spoke at the bottom of the steering wheel — something that I think the car could do without.
It’s safe to say that the F66 is an evolution rather than a revolution for the Mini John Cooper Works which does make me a bit sad, as it is very likely the last piston-powered JCW we will see. However, I wouldn’t cash out just yet; since the first BMW-Mini generation, the JCW has spawned a GP model. I believe Mini may be holding a trick up the F66’s sleeve to blow us away with pops and crackles for one last time.
If you’re itching to get your hands on one, order books are now open, with an entry-level JCW hatch coming in at £31,200, and if you want some open-air motoring, the convertible begins at £35,200. Order books are open now, with the first models set to arrive in early 2025.
Mini JCW Hatch / Convertible Stats & Pricing
MINI JCW Hatch
228 bhp / 380 nm
0-62 mph 6.1s
Top Speed 155 mph
43.5 - 43.6 mpg
UK List Price
£31,200
MINI JCW Convertible
228 bhp / 380 nm
0-62 mph 6.4s
Top Speed 153 mph
43.5 - 43.6 mpg
UK List Price
£35,200
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The hot Mini range is finally complete with the addition of two new petrol-powered models. Aaron Stokes explores the new Mini John Cooper Works in hatchback and convertible forms.
The F66 and F67 John Cooper Works have arrived with petrol power and the choice of a fixed or fabric roof. The new JCW keeps the classic hot hatch formula with a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 bhp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. The result? 0-62 mph is dealt with in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. In convertible form, the top speed drops a fraction to 153 mph, and the benchmark sprint takes 6.4 seconds.
While it may be slightly down on power compared to its electric twin and no more spritely than its older brother, we have to celebrate the fact that we are still offered a petrol JCW — as this may be the last time we will see a piston-engined JCW. The manual gearbox is no more, with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic taking residency. For some, this will be heartbreaking news. Others might see it as adding to the usability that hot hatches should have — especially during stop-start morning commutes.
The new F66 hatch and F67 convertible are built on heavily revised versions of the existing petrol chassis, which was introduced in 2014. Although the new Minis have been styled to look identical regardless of powertrain, there are some key differences between the petrol and electric John Cooper Works variants.
The easiest ones to spot are the extra openings in the grille, the clamshell bonnet, and the black trim around the headlights, along with the single-exit exhaust at the rear. The convertible is the only member of the Mini family to not use triangular tail lights, owing to it retaining the downwards-opening hatch of its predecessor.
Other JCW design cues have made their way to the new model, with one of my favourites being the contrasting roof, which you can have in Chilli Red with matching stripes. These complement the red bumper trim and brake callipers rather nicely. While both the convertible and hatch come standard in Chilli Red paint, you can opt for a Cooper Grey finish for the soft top.
So far, it’s business as usual for the John Cooper Works models, but there is a controversial change to be found in the interior: the single 24 cm OLED screen that houses all of the car's information. For a driver-focussed car, any information such as speed, revs, and the current gear is in the middle of the car. With the screen comes a new JCW mode that displays extra information such as power and torque readouts, engine temperature, and a G-Force metre.
If you are worried about this causing a distraction, Mini has covered this — as all the vital information you need for your weekend B-road drive is shown on the standard-fit head-up display. There is also wireless charging, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and electric mirrors on all new JCWs. Cars can be specified with Level 2 or 3 option packs, but even the standard Level 1 model comes with plenty of desirable features.
The JCW DNA continues as the seats are finished in black synthetic leather with knitted red stitching, and the same material can be found on the dashboard. The “knitted surface” design incorporates a chequered flag, which is a nice nod to the racing heritage of the Mini brand. One quirky feature of the JCW is the fabric six-o’clock spoke at the bottom of the steering wheel — something that I think the car could do without.
It’s safe to say that the F66 is an evolution rather than a revolution for the Mini John Cooper Works which does make me a bit sad, as it is very likely the last piston-powered JCW we will see. However, I wouldn’t cash out just yet; since the first BMW-Mini generation, the JCW has spawned a GP model. I believe Mini may be holding a trick up the F66’s sleeve to blow us away with pops and crackles for one last time.
If you’re itching to get your hands on one, order books are now open, with an entry-level JCW hatch coming in at £31,200, and if you want some open-air motoring, the convertible begins at £35,200. Order books are open now, with the first models set to arrive in early 2025.
Mini JCW Hatch / Convertible Stats & Pricing
Specification | Mini JCW Hatch | Mini JCW Convertible |
Power (bhp) | 228 | 228 |
Torque (lb-ft) | 280 | 280 |
Torque (Nm) | 380 | 380 |
0-62 mph (seconds) | 6.1 | 6.4 |
Top Speed (mph) | 155 | 152 |
Fuel Consumption (mpg) | 43.5 - 43.6 | 39.8 - 41.5 |
UK List Price (£) | £31,200 | £35,200 |
AUTHOR
Aaron Stokes
Staff Writer
Photography by:
MINI UK
Published on:
23 October 2024
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron Stokes
Staff Writer
Amateur photographer, self-confessed Aston Martin addict, and lifelong model car collector, Aaron has a keen eye on the future of the automotive world. He keeps his finger on the pulse by indulging in far too many YouTube reveal videos. Armed with a degree in Journalism, he’s now found his place in the writer’s seat, turning passion into prose.
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