New MINI John Cooper Works unleashed with 228bhp petrol engine

• 228bhp petrol engine
• Available as a hatch or convertible
• Priced from £31,200

The latest generation of petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works is here, following hot on the heels of the electric version revealed earlier this month. We were given a camouflaged preview of the new John Cooper Works back in May, and it looks like the majority of that model’s styling touches have made it to production, but now we know what lies under the metalwork, too.

The John Cooper Works badge has long represented the top flight of MINI’s performance models, sitting above its ‘S’ branded cars. Unsurprisingly, the new MINI John Cooper Works picks up the same platform and styling changes introduced with the latest MINI Cooper, although the petrol engine has been carried over from the old car. It’s available to order now in hatchback or convertible form alongside its electric twin, costing from £31,200.

What do I need to know about the new MINI John Cooper Works?

The new MINI John Cooper Works stands as the most performance-focused model in the Cooper lineup, with a healthy 27bhp power bump over the Cooper S. That’s already a nippy machine, but the JCW takes things a step further, accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 6.1 seconds. That’s 0.5 seconds quicker than the Cooper S, although it’s no match for the JCW Electric and its 5.9-second time. Convertible models aren’t quite as quick as the hatchback – probably due to the added weight of the folding roof mechanism – and will complete the 0 to 62mph sprint in 6.4 seconds.

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The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is shared with the old MINI JCW, as is the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – there’s no manual gearbox to speak of. As with all MINI Cooper models, power is sent to the front wheels only, and MINI promises that the brand’s renowned “go-kart handling” will be present here.

As far as chassis tweaks, MINI has only mentioned the JCW’s “enhanced suspension”, which is said to “increase handling ability”. We expect there will be a bigger set of brakes compared to the Cooper and Cooper S to help deal with the extra power on offer.

Like the MINI JCW Electric, the petrol model gets a smattering of sporty exterior styling details, many of which are finished in red. The key difference is the JCW’s centrally-mounted single-exit exhaust pipe, which sits proudly in the middle of a gloss-black painted diffuser. It’s a similar story inside – the cabin gets the same upholstery and trim tweaks as seen on the electric model, including faux leather with red contrast stitching.

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The recently-unveiled MINI Cooper Convertible stands out from the rest of the Cooper lineup with its old-style rear end, and the JCW model is no different. The tail-lights and number plate surround are all carried over from the old model, although it does receive that new central exhaust pipe for continuity with the hatchback.

How much does the new MINI John Cooper Works cost and when can I buy one?

Prices for the MINI John Cooper Works start from £31,200, while the convertible version comes in at £35,200. As with all MINIs, expect an extensive options and personalisation catalogue – there are seven paint colours to choose from for starters. Order books are open now, and MINI expects the first cars to be delivered in early 2025.

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