Mini Cooper S

Overview

The 2021 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) oozes personality thanks to unique styling, quick-witted handling, a zippy engine, and a well-equipped cabin.
It’s also steeped in history: JCW is the descendant of the Cooper Car Company, the race-car maker that hot-rodded and raced the original Mini of the 1960s.
In 2008, JCW was purchased by BMW, which also owns the Mini brand.
The JCW badge is now used across the Mini lineup to designate the go-fast models—including the hatchback and convertible reviewed here.
These two JCWs receive several important upgrades over the standard model, including a more powerful engine and sportier suspension.
If you crave a track-ready weapon from Mini, you should consider the Cooper JCW GP, which has even more power, a huge rear wing, and a sound-tactic exhaust system.
But if it’s fun behind the wheel you’re after, the Mini Cooper JCW is an alluring choice.

What’s New for 2021?

The John Cooper Works Mini lineup sees only a few changes for the 2021 model year, most notably the addition of the JCW GP model
Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine belts out 302 horsepower, 74 horsepower more than the standard JCW’s.
The GP model also sits lower and has more aerodynamic elements, with an almost embarrassingly large rear wing bolted to the rear hatch.
The GP also sports a louder exhaust system and a revised suspension.
The regular JCW hardtop can now be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission; an 8-speed automatic is the only transmission available for the GP and convertible models.
Mini has also added the Signature trim package for 2021, which includes a 6.5-inch infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Mini Cooper JCW is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 228 horsepower.
In the GP variant, this same engine is boosted to 302 horsepower.
The sole transmission for the convertible and GP JCWs is an eight-speed automatic; the hardtop gets a choice between the eight-speed auto or a six-speed manual, the latter new for 2021.
All this combines to help it deliver precise handling that’s a treat for enthusiasts.
However, this Mini’s firm suspension can make the ride quality unpleasantly choppy on rough road surfaces.