Back to hot hatch basics: 2025 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works petrol models released as chic alternative to Cupra Leon, Hyundai i30 N and Volkswagen Golf GTI

Following the first ever electric John Cooper Works models, Mini has revealed combustion counterparts in hatch and convertible guise. 

Not to be confused with the Cooper S JCW Sport styling pack, the full-fat Cooper S John Cooper Works gets a 29kW bump, bringing the 2.0-litre turbo’s outputs to 170kW. 

Paired with a healthy 100Nm torque lift over the regular Cooper S, the John Cooper Works’ 0-100km/h sprint time falls to 6.1 seconds. 

Available only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission — there’s no more manual globally — the John Cooper Works also gets a firmer suspension tune and higher 250km/h top speed. 

It joins the electric John Cooper Works models detailed a little over a week ago which have more power at 190kW but 30Nm less peak torque at 350Nm. 

A more style-forward and smaller alternative to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai i30 N and Cupra Leon, the Cooper S John Cooper Works has various visual changes including big ‘JCW’ logos in the blacked out grille and larger vents to improve cooling. 

A centre-exit exhaust pipe joins standard-fit rear diffuser and spoiler, while owners can specify visual tweaks including bonnet stripes in either red or black. 

Inside, there’s black synthetic leather with multi-colour knit fabric and red accents, a red six-o-clock marker on the JCW sports steering wheel and 240mm circular multimedia touchscreen. 

A new Go-Kart drive mode configures the cabin screens to display speed, power and torque, current G-force. 

As for the convertible, its soft top can fold away in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30km/h. For a more restrained open-air experience, the roof can be slid open 40cm at any speed, like a pseudo-sunroof. 

Australian pricing and features are yet to be confirmed, but the previous generation Cooper S John Cooper Works gives some guidance — it was priced from $59,250 before on-road costs in Essential trim.