If there’s a car that made the word ‘retro’ sound cool, it has to be explosive yet little Mini. Reincarnated in a modern form at the beginning of the 21st century, the Mini Cooper line-up continues to have the old-school essence of the compact three-door Mini from the bygone eras.

Over the years, the little three-door hatchback has become bigger-in-size, flashier, and more powerful, with the Mini Cooper JCW (John Cooper Works) being the most extrovert of them all, in every sense. A tribute to the legacy of John Cooper, a renowned car racer, the Mini Cooper JCW is easily the most desirable three-door Mini you can buy.

However, over the years, the arrival of newer rivals and the slow evolution of the Mini Cooper JCW as a package is making gearheads slowly forget this car. However, even for the insane motoring minds, the Mini Cooper JCW still makes a lot of sense.

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Mini Cooper JCW Engine Produces Proper Hot Hatch Numbers

Side profile of the 2022 Mini Cooper JCW in motion
via Mini

Powering the Mini Cooper JCW is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, which features twin-scroll turbochargers. Compared to the twin-turbo setup in the 2.0-liter gasoline engine from the parent company BMW, this twin-scroll turbocharger setup, named TwinPower, works differently and offers better throttle response, low-end torque, and fuel efficiency.

It is the biggest engine on duty in a Mini offering and is available with two slick-to-use transmission options, a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. The Mini Cooper JCW claims a maximum power output of 228 hp and a peak torque output of 235 lb-ft. With a claimed 0-62 mph sprint time of 5.9 seconds, the Mini Cooper JCW might not be the most exciting hot hatches in the world. However, it feels quick enough not to let your focus stay away from the steering wheel and the road ahead for utmost attention.

All the power produced by this twin-scroll turbocharged engine gets transferred to the front wheels. Complementing the performance from the engine under the hood is a sports exhaust system consisting of two 3.35-inch stainless steel pipes for aural pleasure while on the go.

Mini Cooper JCW Is Bigger But Lighter Than Many Rivals

Rear three quarter look of the 2022 Mini Cooper JCW
via Mini

Over the two decades, since the first-generation modern Mini Cooper broke covers, much has changed in this car. The subsequent iterations of the Mini Cooper have become bigger and heavier than their respective predecessors. Even many car enthusiasts feel that the Mini Cooper is becoming bigger and heavier, which makes them believe it is losing that fun factor of the pocket-sized point-and-shoot hatchback it was meant to be. Is it all true with the Mini Cooper JCW? Not actually!

The Mini Cooper JCW tips the weighing scales at 2,800 lbs, which does make it heavier than the first-generation version of the hatchback. However, when you compare it to most other popular hot hatches, it still ranks as one of the lightest. Take, for example, the Volkswagen Golf R, currently ranked as one of the most desirable hot hatches in the states. In comparison to the Golf R, the Mini Cooper JCW is around 400 lbs lighter – that’s a huge difference.

Cooper JCW's Go-Kart Like Handling Isn’t Dead Yet

Front look of the 2022 Mini Cooper JCW
via Mini

The Mini Cooper might have evolved a lot in terms of its mechanicals and how it looks and is sized. However, one thing that has remained constant all these decades, even in this latest iteration of Mini Cooper JCW, is the go-kart-like handling. With a stiff suspension setup and a planted stance, the Mini Cooper JCW can initiate a widespread smile on your face every time you steer it around a corner.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Mini Cooper JCW has a wide stance and an even stiffer suspension. While the adaptive suspension setup is far from comfortable, it is perfect for munching corners for breakfast. This JCW version is the first Mini Cooper to get an adaptive suspension setup, which features a frequency-selective damper technology for dampening road noises.

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Mini Cooper JCW Is Compact But Stunning To Look At

Rear three quarter look of the 2022 Mini Cooper JCW in motion
Mini

For many driving enthusiasts, the form takes a back seat behind the function, but the Mini Cooper JCW is one of those cars which keeps both aspects in equal priority. This car retains the traditional essence of Mini, that of being a timeless-looking classic hatchback with retro-themed design elements like rounded headlamps and a straight shoulder line.

This modern iteration of Mini Cooper gets must-have contemporary elements like all-LED illumination, machined alloys, and aerodynamic wider front fascia on the outside. The exclusive-in-feel JCW treatment includes sporty red touches for the roof, outside mirrors, grille garnish, brake calipers, and fender badges.

There’s also a racy-looking red-colored roof spoiler. Complementing these red highlights are the contrast gloss black inserts, including those on the pillars, front and rear diffusers, boot lid garnish, and surrounds for the grille, headlamps, and tail lamps. All these highlights over the standard Mini Cooper make the JCW the sportiest a road-legal Mini Cooper has ever become.

Sources: Mini, BMW