Skip advert
Advertisement

Scorching 2016 Mini JCW Cabrio spotted going topless

We've got a closer look at convertible version of 228bhp John Cooper Works MINI with the roof down, set for early 2016 release

We've previously spotted the 2016 MINI Convertible JCW in winter testing, but now the sun is out and the roof has taken a tumble. The revealing shots show the 228bhp hatch in clear view driving down a German street, and we know it will join the hardtop as the most powerful production MINI ever produced.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We've already driven the John Cooper Works hatch in the UK, and it's on sale now. But we don't expect to see this droptop version in production form until the start of 2016, after the November release of the standard MINI cabrio. It will use the same storming 228bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, putting power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Thanks to a meaty 320Nm of torque, that unit propels the JCW hatch from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds with the manual gearbox, or 6.1 with the Steptronic auto. It also claims 42.2mpg combined with the manual, but an impressive 49.5mpg in auto guise. We can expect the droptop to be fractionally slower, but not by much.

Best convertibles to buy now

From these images we can see the cabrio gets the same muscular styling tweaks as the JCW hatch, with a revised front-end featuring enlarged triple air intakes, pumped-up side sills and a racier rear bumper design. Twin tailpipes combine with 17 or 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, hiding larger Brembo brakes, to complete the look. 

The changes combine with the familiar electric canvas hood, that will fold back onto the rear boot panel like on the previous car. Inside will be new bucket seats, stainless steel pedals and sportier detailing, and space is likely to grow thanks to the size increase.

To cope with the extra power under the bonnet, the JCW cabrio will share the same chassis tweaks to make it sharper than before, with firmer suspension (adaptive dampers are optional), a quicker electromechanical steering system and four-piston Brembo brakes.

The MINI JCW hatch is on sale now priced from £24,380 and the cabrio will likely command around a £1,500 premium. It's set to take on hot droptop rivals like the Citroen DS3 Racing cabrio.

Now take a look a our top 10 best hatchbacks on sale...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Petrol-powered MINI JCW hatchback and Cabriolet revealed with 228bhp
MINI John Cooper Works hatchback - front

Petrol-powered MINI JCW hatchback and Cabriolet revealed with 228bhp

The latest MINI John Cooper Works performance models join electric sibling in the brand's ever-growing line-up
News
22 Oct 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025
New Lotus Emeya 2025 review: the Porsche Taycan has finally met its match
Lotus Emeya - front

New Lotus Emeya 2025 review: the Porsche Taycan has finally met its match

The new Lotus Emeya may not be light, but is great in almost every other way
Road tests
15 May 2025