- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
170kW, 320Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6.2L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Mini Convertible John Cooper Works first drive review
Spring has sprung and our penchant for fast cars is still blossoming. So the timing of Mini's latest addition couldn't be better.
The British brand has launched the John Cooper Works Convertible this week, the most powerful and focussed version of its little ragtop packing.
It sits above the Cooper and Cooper S Convertibles in the range and Mini Australia will be hoping it enjoys the same success as the hatch model, with almost a quarter of all three-doors sold being JCW variants.
The Convertible sticks to the same formula as the JCW hatch as the new hot-rod Convertible gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Although the auto is included in the $54,900 asking price, if customers prefer Mini Australia can swap the gearbox for a six-speed manual at no additional cost - or a discount.
The JCW also gets chassis upgrades including two-mode adjustable dampers and larger Brembo brakes.
There's also the cosmetic upgrades that set the JCW apart from the Cooper S that include the unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a JCW badge and red stripe across the front grille, more badges on the front fenders and the option of the unique 'Rebel Green' paint.
Other standard gear for the JCW includes a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, digital radio, navigation, head-up display, LED headlights plus front and rear parking cameras and a reversing camera. Leather-trimmed seats are an option though, and only include leather on the side bolsters as the rest of the seat is a combination of cloth and faux suede.
The cabin also gets the same JCW embellishments as the hatch, with red trim elements and a racing-inspired chequered motif around the large central screen. The sports seats are comfortable and supportive too and suit the character of the JCW.
The combination of those cabin elements help set the JCW apart from the Cooper S befitting its place at the top of the hierarchy.
The current Mini Convertible is its most convincing drop-top yet, with good body control for a hatch with its roof removed. And the JCW hatch is a little pocket rocket. Add the two together and driving the JCW Convertible is unsurprising - in a good way.
The engine may not be the most powerful in the hot hatch class but it offers up more than enough performance. There's great pulling power from down low in the rev range and good punch across the middle. It also comes with an appropriate soundtrack thanks to the standard JCW sports exhausts that barks under acceleration and pops and crackles when you come off the throttle.
The handling is sharp too, with the Convertible body feeling solid despite the extra power, thanks to extra underbody bracing added to the JCW.
The adjustable suspension impresses too with its ride quality, which despite Mini's reputation for a firm ride still offers decent compliance in 'Sport' mode. And even in the default 'Normal' mode the JCW feels taut but not harsh.
But while it is a fun car to drive it doesn't re-set any benchmarks in the hot hatch class. What it does do well though is offer a fun and fast convertible experience in the uniquely Mini designed package.
Read all the latest Mini news and reviews here
2016 Mini Convertible JCW pricing and specifications
On sale: Now
Price: From $54,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 170kW at 5200-6000rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1250-4800rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic or manual, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 6.8L/100km