With 228bhp, 236lb ft of torque and a 6.3-second 0-62mph time, the latest John Cooper Works model pumps up Mini muscle to its fittest level yet – and thanks to a new electronic front diff, plus revised suspension and Brembo brakes, it has the driving credentials to match.
We’ve tried the most powerful production Mini ever in manual gearbox mode, promising maximum involvement and excitement.
Speccing the six-speeder instead of the automatic transmission saves over £1,000. That’s just the start of the good news.
On the road, the auto may be a tad faster and more efficient, but the bigger-selling manual is simply so much more immersive and, well, fun. That e-diff keeps the front wheels busy but never uncontrollable. It’s all accompanied by a tremendous soundtrack thanks to the retuned exhaust.
Revisions to the platform deliver a much more polished, accomplished feel than this third-generation JCW’s predecessor, particularly over broken surfaces. Inside feels appropriately racy, thanks to sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function wheel, stainless pedals and a special JCW gearshifter.
A generous helping of options meant our 2.0-litre turbo as tested would set you back more than £7,000 on top of the purchase price, sending overall cost to £30,000-plus. That’s a lot of money, and in that bracket you might want to consider the VW Golf R or imminent Focus RS for ultimate hot-hatch thrills.
But if heritage and classic styling mean more to you, the polished Mini JCW is the way to go – and the manual version is the enthusiastic driver’s choice.
Mini John Cooper Works manual
On sale: Now
Price: £23,050
Engine: 4cyl, 1998cc, turbo, petrol
Power: 228bhp at 5200-6000rpm
Torque: 236lb ft at 1250-4800rpm
Gearbox: 6spd manual
Kerbweight: 1280kg
Top speed: 153mph
0-62mph: 6.3sec
Economy: 42.2mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band: 155g/km, 26%
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