Review
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
In this video we take a look at the most athletic version of the MINI Convertible, the new 231 hp MINI JCW Convertible. This is also the second JCW model of the most recent generation. It not only looks cool, but is also suitable for use on a circuit.
Four-cylinder with 231 hp
The MINI JCW has a four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology with a capacity of 1,998 cc. This block delivers a power of 231 hp and a max. torque of 320 Nm. Compared to the previous generation, the JCW has gained 20 hp. Compared to the MINI Cooper S Convertible, the JCW has easily 39 more horses. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds. and the top speed is about 240 km/h. The power is sent to the front wheels and in terms of transmission you can choose from a version with manual gearbox and six gears (from: 35,780 euros) or a six-speed steptronic sport automatic (from 37,670 euros).
Cool badge
The new MINI JCW Convertible not only looks sporty, but is also equipped for the track. The JCW can count on, among other things, a high-performance engine, a sports suspension developed based on racing expertise, 17″ JCW alloy wheels, a sports braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo, a sports exhaust system and a JCW aerodynamic kit. You also sit in special JCW sports seats. So it is a bit more than a MINI with a cool badge.
Driving experience
If you put the driving mode in sport mode, you will be treated to the necessary pops that come from the exhaust when you put the whip on the engine. To achieve this rich sound, the pistons, turbo and exhaust system were specially designed. This makes driving with the roof open a real experience.
Our test car was equipped with the optional (from 1,949 euros) JCW Pro Valve exhaust silencer system. There are two modes “Sport mode” and “Track mode” that you can choose via a remote control. “Sport” can be used on public roads and makes the MINI sound sportier than the standard exhaust. The “Track mode” is suitable for use on a circuit and provides an intense (very loud) sound experience.
The MINI JCW is equipped with a sports suspension as standard. This ensures an extremely sharp driving experience and usually makes the MINI almost seem glued to the road. The downside is that this feels bone-hard on less smooth roads, such as on a field road.
You sit in sports seats that are specially designed for the JCW. These keep the driver in a sporty grip, so that you can go smoothly through the bends without sliding too much back and forth. Sometimes sports seats can feel a bit too oppressive. That is not the case with the sports seats in the MINI. The optimal ratio between grip and dexterity as far as we are concerned.
Fabric hood
The MINI Convertible is equipped with a fabric top. You can of course open the roof completely, but what we also found to be an advantage is the sliding roof function. Then you can only open the top part of the roof like a sliding roof and you can actually get even more fun out of this convertible. You can close and open the roof completely automatically with a button and this in just 18 seconds. You can also do this while driving at speeds up to 30 km/h. After opening, the opened roof is folded behind the rear seats. You can also optionally opt for a windshield. Personally, we would definitely check this option. If you open the windshield, you will be much less bothered by any wind, which also makes driving much more pleasant in less optimal weather conditions. If you don’t use it, you can also simply store it in the suitcase.
Conclusion
The MINI JCW also excels in the Convertible version with a sporty driving experience and unique soundtrack. It has become a handsome car, especially with the roof folded open. There is also room for 4 people and we would certainly opt for the optional windshield for extra comfort.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
