2025 Mini Cooper JCW Advantages and Disadvantages Review: Enjoyable to Drive, Challenging to Live With

      Andrew P. Collins

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      The 2025 Mini Cooper JCW stands out as one of the more intriguing new cars available for around $40,000. Even though it has removed the optional manual transmission for this year, I have to say I enjoyed driving this latest version even more than its predecessor. However, as is often the case with Minis, I found several quirks and the tech experience quite frustrating.

      The car continues to feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but this new model produces significantly more torque, and the previous six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions have been replaced by an innovative seven-speed dual-clutch system.

      Andrew P. Collins

      JCW, meaning John Cooper Works, represents the high-performance variant in the Mini lineup. While John Cooper didn't create the Mini, he played a crucial role in preparing them for racing and enhancing their appeal during the '60s. John Cooper Works, established by his son Michael Cooper, became an in-house tuning company around the time Mini was reintroduced as a BMW brand. BMW officially acquired JCW in 2006, and every new generation of Mini has since featured a JCW trim.

      Advantages of the 2025 Mini JCW

      Many comments surrounding this Mini are generally dismissive, often echoing sentiments like “too expensive,” “too slow,” and “no manual, no interest.” While the specifications may not seem particularly thrilling on paper, the real-life driving experience is a blast.

      It has the lightweight, nimble, turbocharged feel typical of well-tuned performance cars, which is exactly what a JCW should embody. I appreciate shifting gears myself, but the dual-clutch transmission is surprisingly gratifying to operate with the paddle shifters and performs well in fully automatic mode. The term “street-legal go-kart” fits the Mini perfectly, and the developers did a commendable job creating a sense of excitement without compromising quality—aside from the sound effects, which I’ll address later.

      The well-designed sport seats provide ample support, keeping both your back and torso secure during sharp corners, allowing you to concentrate on steering. I experienced some torque steer during aggressive acceleration at times, but it was neither frequent nor particularly bothersome. Understeer, which can be a common issue in sporty front-wheel-drive cars, can be a concern, although you must push the vehicle significantly to provoke it. Importantly, you can enjoy a lot of fun without drawing too much attention from law enforcement. Additionally, the brakes perform admirably, offering solid stopping power without the risk of spilling your coffee.

      Despite its cloth materials and absence of a traditional gauge cluster, the Mini feels more upscale than the front-wheel-drive hot hatch Honda Civic Type R and significantly more polished than a Toyota GR Corolla. Thus, if you're considering other sporty compacts, the premium you pay for this Mini does come with noticeable advantages that some buyers will value.

      Although the car has gained a bit of weight this year, it still weighs approximately 3,000 pounds before anyone gets in. The torque increase from 236 lb-ft to 280 lb-ft for 2025 is definitely noticeable, with the car taking off from a slow start much more vigorously than the earlier version.

      Bramble the dog has been color-coordinated with this Mini. Andrew P. Collins

      The 2025 model also feels slightly stiffer than the 2024 version I drove in Wales last year. However, unlike an actual go-kart, the ride quality is quite good. You will want to avoid potholes, but I found the new Mini JCW to be quite comfortable for longer journeys across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

      The design is largely spot-on—Mini hasn’t significantly altered the aesthetic of its core two-door Cooper models since the brand’s re-launch over 20 years ago, which I believe is a positive decision. A Mini coupe, like a Porsche 911 or Jeep Wrangler, has a distinctive look that truly feels classic.

      Regarding cargo and rear passenger space, it's somewhat limited but not inadequate. I’m a slim six feet tall and found the back seat to be perfectly fine for me. I was able to take a weekend trip with my wife and dog, fitting our two overnight bags behind the rear seats. Just like the basic shape of the Mini, the luggage space remains relatively unchanged.

      Drawbacks of the 2025 Mini JCW

      While the exterior received some minor cosmetic updates for 2025, the real noticeable changes occur within the cabin. The circular infotainment screen, a longstanding Mini feature, is now larger and adorned with even more whimsical designs.

      However, alongside the removal of the manual transmission, Mini has eliminated a feature I quite liked: the steering column-mounted gauge cluster. Now, vehicle information can only be retrieved through the heads-up display (projected on a small