2025 John Cooper Works Gains Torque And Keeps The Fun Alive

The latest 2025 MINI John Cooper Works offers an updated powertrain that trades a few horsepower for a solid gain in torque, delivering quicker response and smoother performance. A new dual-clutch transmission replaces the outgoing automatic’s eighth ratio with a taller overall setup, helping the car return better fuel figures and ensuring power delivery feels snappy around town. Go-Kart mode remains a playful highlight, unleashing the engine’s responsive nature by adjusting shift timing and throttle mapping to suit spirited back-road runs.

Thanks to its 52 lb-ft torque increase, the JCW easily shrugs off the slight horsepower dip. Tapping into just the right gear comes naturally with the dual-clutch hardware, and the navigation-based predictive shifting seamlessly downshifts ahead of upcoming corners or hills. While the total acceleration numbers won’t appear groundbreaking compared with newer electric cars, the John Cooper Works retains a rewarding mechanical flair for any driver seeking immediate feedback.

Road manners align with MINI’s tradition of direct steering and planted handling, though the sport suspension remains firm. The convertible offers a slightly softer ride but still feels impressively rigid, thanks to the brand’s attention to structural reinforcement. Dropping the top on scenic roads transforms any drive into a memorable dash—even if it’s only to enjoy the new Always Open meter, which logs top-down cruising.

Inside, a crisp 9.4-inch OLED display packs bold graphics and bright visuals, with custom features and colours unique to the JCW range. The net result is a subcompact performance car that blends energetic driving with modern tech, embodying MINI’s iconic spirit while keeping up with the demands of everyday motoring.