The 2022 Mini Cooper JCW Hardtop arrives on the scene with fresh styling influenced by the changes made to the regular vehicle, but also includes some bespoke upgrades. A larger front grille and better cooling ducts enhance performance, as does an optional adaptive suspension system.
This is complemented by a redesigned rear diffuser, but no more power is extracted from the 2.0-liter turbo-four. You still get 228 horsepower and the ability to hit 60 mph in six seconds, but now you can do it in a choice of two new colors as well.
The rowdiest Mini receives several styling upgrades for 2022, including a different grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and new wheel designs. Inside, a larger 8.8-inch infotainment system is now standard and features an updated interface. Lane-departure warning is also included in the equipment list, and a digital gauge display replaces the old analog unit.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Mini Cooper JCW‘s fuel-economy estimates vary based on body style and transmission. The most fuel-efficient combo is the Hardtop with the eight-speed automatic.
We haven’t tested a JCW model on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route yet, but during our time with a JCW Hardtop, we observed 25 mpg in mixed driving. For more information about the Cooper JCW’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2022 Mini Cooper JCW‘s cabin boasts high-quality materials plus whimsical design elements like the circular framing that houses the infotainment system’s touchscreen. Relative to other subcompacts, the Mini doesn’t rank highly when it comes to utility.
Back-seat legroom is tight; most adults will feel cramped. In the Hardtop, this Mini provides nine cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 34 cubic feet with them folded. (The convertible is even worse, offering just six cubes of trunk space.)
For reference, the Chevy Sonic hatchback competes in this class and provides 19 cubic feet with all seats in place and 48 cubic feet with the rears folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All 2022 Mini Cooper JCWs come with an 8.8-inch infotainment display with SiriusXM satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth phone and streaming audio.
The list of optional equipment includes a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, in-dash navigation, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and wireless charging for your devices. Unfortunately, Android Auto capability isn’t available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 Mini Cooper JCW comes with driver-assistance features that can help you avoid accidents. However, blind-spot monitoring isn’t included in the lineup.
For more information about the JCW’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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Full Specifications
2022 Mini John Cooper Works Convertible
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2-door convertible
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $39,750/$46,250
Options: Iconic trim, $6000; Mini Yours soft top, $500
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power: 228 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.2-in vented disc/10.2-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Run Flat
205/40R-18 86W ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 98.2 in
Length: 152.8 in
Width: 68.0 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 77 ft3
Trunk Volume: 5 ft3
Curb Weight: 3109 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 100 mph
130 mph: 28.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 348 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 24 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 36 mpg
Highway Range: 410 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 28/24/33 mpg
