Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI John Cooper Works Coupe

Does the sporty new MINI Coupe have the "go" to match its "show"? We get behind the wheel to find out

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your next car here
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The shy and retiring need not apply! The MINI John Cooper Works Coupe is every bit as dramatic to drive as it is to look at. The powerful model has the makings of a machine that will take the brand to a group of drivers who feel that the standard hatch just isn’t tough enough.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since the brilliant BMW MINI first hit the road… But what better way to mark the anniversary than with the launch of its sportiest, most eagerly anticipated model yet.

The new MINI Coupe, first shown as a concept back in 2008 has finally arrived – but does the two-seater live up to the promise of its daring styling? To find out, we tested the fastest version available, the 211bhp 1.6-litre John Cooper Works Coupe.

There’s no doubt that the newcomer turns heads. Though its round headlamps and bonnet-mounted airscoop have been lifted almost without change from the hatchback, there are significant changes to this car’s layout, and proportions.

For starters, this hatch is a strict two-seater. What’s more, the windscreen is more steeply raked than any other MINIs and the car’s roofline is much lower. On the rear deck, you’ll spot a couple of purposeful looking wings, one of which pops up automatically once the car is travelling at over 40mph. At speed, this will add up to 40kg of downforce to the rear axle, improving stability and handling.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Tiguan

2019 Volkswagen

Tiguan

44,016 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,990
View Tiguan
GV60

2022 Genesis

GV60

39,303 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,084
View GV60
A6

2018 Audi

A6

85,000 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £14,990
View A6
Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

20,534 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £15,408
View Niro

However, there’s no escaping the fact that once you are stood next to the car it looks unexpectedly small, particularly as it follows in the wheel tracks of the launch of the big MINI Countryman. But it would be wrong to judge this, the smallest and youngest member of the five-strong MINI family as the “junior” of the brood.

To underline this car's sporting credentials, the £23,750 JCW gets a dramatic two tone paint job and large 17-inch alloy wheels. Under the skin, there’s stiff sports suspension and a bespoke chassis that’s far more driver focussed than the one that’s offered on the standard hatchback.

Aimed at small coupes like the Peugeot RCZ this car is the closest thing yet to the limited-edition MINI John Cooper Works GP, launched to mark the end of production of the Mk1 MINI in 2005.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Push the lozenge like ignition “key” into the dash and press the MINI’s starter button and the Coupe’s four cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine bursts into life. At idle, it’s comparatively hushed, but if you select first and push the throttle to the floor it quickly grows louder. The steering feels heavier than we were expecting from such a small car, but the electric system is accurate.

On bumpy roads, there’s no doubt that the driver is kept busy. The sports suspension and short wheelbase mean you have to make constant corrections to the steering to keep the car heading in the intended direction. And if you use the powerful disc brakes hard, you’ll need to be on the case, guiding the car as it bobs and weaves under the extra load.

On the German Autobahn, our car easily reached an impressive 150mph, while official figures claim the car will accelerate from 0-62mph in only 6.4 seconds.

With all that in mind this is not a car that we would describe as relaxing to drive – yet it is undeniably exciting, and involving too. If you have been lucky enough to drive the hatchback version of the MINI John Cooper Works, imagine it as being a bit like that car… only turned up to eleven.

While that might prove too much for some, we're sure those who developed original Mini Coupes like the legendary Mini Marcos or Broadspeed GT would approve… Then, as now, the MINI Coupe really does appear to be in a class of its own.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,778 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £14,910
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £16,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025