JCW on track – First Drive

Mini is a brand built on attitude, agility and a dash of cheeky charm. Its John Cooper Works range makes a “look at me” statement. At the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland, I got behind the wheel of the NZ models. With a mix of petrol and electric, coupe and SUV, does the new generation still deliver that go-kart magic? Spoiler: it absolutely does. But each model speaks its own dialect of fun.

Petrol-powered precision: Mini JCW hatch

This is the purist’s pick. Compact, punchy and alert. It made slicing through tight corners feel like second nature. Every steering input felt like a direct line to the tyres. As for Go-Kart Mode? A riot. It holds gears, amplifies the sound and lets the 2.0-litre turbo sing with pops and crackles that make you grin midcorner.

The brakes were one of the few minor letdowns; they’re soft underfoot and a little vague during hard downhill braking. Not a dealbreaker but just not quite the sharp bite you’d expect from something this eager in the bends.

Mini JCW Countryman ALL4: Big body, big energy

With its SUV silhouette and family-first focus, the JCW Countryman brings muscle to the mix. It’s the quickest on paper, clocking 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, and it certainly felt torquey on corner exit. But when pushed, its comfort-focused set-up leaned more into compliance than control.

You feel the weight shift, especially through longer bends, where understeer creeps in and the chassis is slower to react. The Countryman in this instance, was poised on Continental EcoContact tyres that prioritise comfort over grip. That likely adds to its more relaxed attitude. But for a go-fast family wagon, it still wears the JCW badge with a healthy dose of charm.

Read more 2024 Mini Countryman JCW All4 Flavoured review

Electric shock: all-electric Mini JCW vs Aceman

Then came the curveballs: the electric Mini JCW and the Aceman JCW EV. These two hit the wet slalom and drag strip with surprising finesse. Despite being physically larger, the Aceman felt more planted and composed than the coupe. It danced through the cones with confidence, showing almost zero body roll and crisp transitions.

Both use the same drivetrain: 170kW standard, amped to 190kW in “Boost” mode. Hit the button, count it down, and launch. On the drag run, Boost made a clear and dramatic difference.

Braking? Surprisingly strong. The regenerative system in the EVs was a standout. Adaptive regen that learns your driving style produces a very ‘normal’ feel compared to most EVs. And to top it off, the electric JCWs felt more composed under pressure than their petrol counterparts. And yes, even in the wet.

But here’s what really caught me off guard: the sound. Mini has leaned into artificial engine noise in Go-Kart Mode. And it works. It’s not trying to pretend it’s petrol. It’s giving the EVs their own soundtrack. The result is engaging, reactive and totally in character for Mini’s playful personality.

Inside – OLEDs and oddball wheels

All five models share the same modern Mini cabin. A circular 9.4-inch OLED display front and centre delivers crisp visuals, clever drive modes and Mini’s signature sense of humour. The graphics are bold, the new voice assistant adds sass and the layout is clean and engaging without becoming distracting. In Go-Kart mode, the voice assistant reminded me exactly of Mini’s intention – fun – by the audible ‘woo-hoo’ as we ventured into each corner.

Seats were grippy and comfortable in every model, but the steering wheel? Chunky. Every car had the same oversized wheel, which felt at odds with how nimble these cars actually are.

Final Thoughts

The JCW coupe was the standout for engagement. Tight, direct, and eager. The EVs, especially the Aceman, felt remarkably planted and poised. Despite their extra weight, they were confident through quick transitions and felt every bit as spirited as their petrol siblings.

The Countryman leaned harder into comfort. While powerful in a straight line, it felt looser at the edges and more SUV than sports car when really pushed. But that might be the exact trade-off buyers want: performance without sacrificing practicality.

The 2025 Mini John Cooper Works range proves that performance doesn’t have to come in just one flavour. Whether you’re chasing sharp cornering, urban zip, family practicality, or EV thrills, there’s a JCW built for you.

And the best part? They all still feel like Minis. The go-kart DNA is alive and well. The vibe is cheeky. The drive is fun. Mini hasn’t tamed its rebel spirit; it’s just given it more ways to shine.