Mini John Cooper Works review - quick and engaging but suffering from middle-aged spread - Design
The JCW is certainly fast and relatively sophisticated for a hot hatch but it’s doesn’t quite have the fun factor of its chief rival
Design
When the new Mini arrived in 2014, it was criticised for its bulbous exterior and chubby curves. However, the JCW’s bodykit makes the car look far more purposeful. For a start, 17-inch JCW wheels help to balance the proportions, while large air intakes and new grilles set a much sportier tone.
In case the JCW’s more aggressively styled bumpers, diffuser and roof spoiler weren’t enough of a giveaway, a raft of JCW badges helps to set the car apart from the rest of the Mini range.
Thirteen paint colours are available – all of them bar flat white are a £525 option, apart from Rebel Green (exclusive to the JCW) and Enigmatic Black, which cost £750. Buyers can also spec their mirrors and roof painted in Chili Red, white or black at no extra cost, but if you want bonnet stripes you’ll need to spend an additional £150.
