Few cars balance style and driving fun like the MINI Cooper. Since its rebirth under BMW ownership, it has leaned heavily into its retro identity while steadily growing in size, tech, and refinement. For 2025, the new-generation arrives in Australia with both electric and petrol powertrain options, with a new Cooper S JCW Sport positioned as the flagship Cooper S.
It is, perhaps, the most driver-focused variant, above the Classic and Favoured trim lines, blending some John Cooper Works styling and hardware. Think of it as the sweet spot between the standard Cooper S and the full-fat JCW. On the road, it mostly delivers on that promise, though not without some compromises.
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 150kW@5000-6500rpm / 300Nm@1450-4500rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 215/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1259kg
Power-to-weight: 8.39:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.3L/100km
Our consumption: 7.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 44L/95 RONPower efficiency: 23.80kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.39 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.50 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.13 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.77 seconds at 159.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.614g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.32m in 3.03 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.127g*
Decibel at idle: 38*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $54,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: How much does it cost?
MINI offers three main trim levels of the latest Cooper S, with prices starting from $49,990 for the Classic, $52,990 for the Favoured, and from $54,990 for the JCW Sport. All feature a dual-clutch auto and a 150kW turbo engine with front-wheel drive.
As you can see, this isn’t exactly a cheap compact hatch. According to VFACTS figures, this competes with the likes of the Hyundai i20 N (from $35,500) and the VW Polo GTI (from $41,790). (Prices exclude on-road costs.)
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: Interior & packaging
If you love cars with character, you’ll love this. This interior is animated and entertaining, even when you’re sitting still in traffic. MINI offers a range of colours and trim options so you can really personalise the look and feel, which is pretty rare in this small car class.
Despite measuring 3876mm long and 1744mm wide, it feels more spacious inside than its compact proportions would suggest. The squarish roofline, wide glasshouse, and pushed-forward dash design create an airy atmosphere. However, it is a much larger vehicle than it once was. The width measurement in particular is actually not far off the current Toyota Corolla hatch (1790mm wide), which sits a segment above in terms of size.
MINI has simplified the interior layout significantly with this generation, opting for an uncluttered dash with a single focal point; a new 240mm circular OLED touch-screen. This display is striking to look at, with vibrant graphics and deep colour contrast that help reinforce MINI’s quirky personality.
It houses almost all of the car’s controls, from climate to drive settings and navigation. You can also toggle through a range of themes, from classic dials to futuristic spaceship consoles. It is fun to play around with and it increases the entertainment factor, even if a little complex and overwhelming at first.
While the screen is vibrant and keeps the dash neat, it can feel like form has been prioritised over function. For example, adjusting the air-conditioning or toggling settings while on the move can be distracting, particularly compared with physical controls used in previous generations – and still in some rivals.
Quality is strong, with soft-touch materials and neat trim detailing and build quality. The JCW Sport adds unique red and black highlights, a chunky JCW steering wheel with paddle shifters, and sport seats that strike a perfect balance between support and comfort. The use of recycled and leather-free materials ties into MINI’s sustainability push, though some buyers may miss traditional leather upholstery and the smell and quality it brings.
Practicality is decent for the class, with enough headroom and legroom in the front. Although, you do sit low, like you’re in a go-kart. Elderly drivers and those with weak legs should use caution. However, the door opening is quite wide so it doesn’t feel like you’re bending down to get into a small cave.
The boot offers 210 litres of space, which is fine for shopping trips or a weekend away with light packing only. If you need more the rear seats can fold down and expand the capacity to 725L. Up front, storage is adequate with door bins, cupholders, and a wireless phone charging pad included. It’s still a small hatchback, but it doesn’t feel cramped or compromised.
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet the Cooper S uses a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 150kW and 300Nm. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive. On paper, it’s enough for a brisk 0-100km/h claim of 6.6 seconds. Our real-world tests with a Vbox on a private road returned a best of 6.50 seconds, with the quarter mile coming up in 14.77 seconds at 159km/h.
It’s that perfect amount of quick in my opinion, because you can enjoy this on a mountain road and feel like you’re giving it heaps, and getting heaps out of it, but without reaching ridiculous speeds. This is textbook hot hatch stuff. Everyday fun.
The engine is smooth and linear in its delivery. Peak torque is available from just 1450rpm, making it effortless for daily driving, and it continues pulling cleanly through until 4500rpm. Peak power takes over from 5000rpm until 6500rpm.
While this linear delivery results in accessible performance throughout the rev range, it does take away some of the character enthusiasts might expect. There’s no dramatic turbo surge or raw edge. In some ways, you can feel that it is a slightly softened version of BMW’s B48 unit, which produces more power and torque in other applications. For most buyers the balance of usability and pace will be spot on.
The dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly when left in automatic mode and responds well to the paddles in manual control. It doesn’t quite deliver the snap of Hyundai’s latest eight-speed wet dual-clutch auto, but it is slick enough to complement the car’s playful personality.
Fuel consumption is impressively low for this level of acceleration. The official rating is 6.3L/100km, and in the real-world our week-long test returned a very respectable 7.4L/100km. With its 44L tank, the theoretical average range is 698km, or 595km using our tested figure.
Handling has always been a MINI strength, and the JCW Sport continues that tradition. The steering is beautifully weighted and precise, with a quick ratio that makes darting through corners feel intuitive and fast. Of course, the chassis is agile, and the adaptive suspension fitted as standard on this trim allows for a blend of control and comfort.
Compared with earlier MINI models, the ride is noticeably more forgiving, smoothing out bumps without sacrificing composure when the road gets twisty. It also keeps the wheels planted firmly on the tarmac, so it grips hard when railing around bends.
There’s a touch of torque steer if you’re aggressive with the throttle, but mostly, it’s playful without being unruly. This is an exceptionally competent setup. Even the brakes are well balanced for the potential speed and acceleration, upgraded with JCW hardware for the JCW Sport. They provide strong bite and reassuring pedal feel.
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Classic MINI styling: The funky, retro-inspired look remains intact, with options for more distinctive and playful details available if you really want to stand out.
- High-tech OLED touch-screen: The huge round screen is both unique and visually impressive, and packs in loads of functionality. There’s even a ‘go-kart’ theme.
- Playful handling: Quick steering, agile chassis and adaptive suspension, with strong brakes make it a proper hot hatch at heart.
- Linear engine performance: Strong low- and mid-range torque ensures effortless speed and confident overtaking without seeming likely you’re thrashing it.
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: Key considerations before you buy
- Screen-heavy controls: Almost all functions are buried within the central screen, which can be distracting on the move.
- Engine character: While smooth and strong in performance, it lacks the raw personality – and sound – of some rivals (including older-gen Coopers).
- Price: From $54,990 before on-roads for the JCW Sport, it is expensive compared with some rivals that offer more outright performance and/or engine character/sound.
2025 MINI Cooper S JCW Sport: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
This does exactly what a MINI should; it entertains. It combines funky design, exciting but usable performance, and agile handling in a package that feels both familiar and modern. The adaptive suspension gives it a maturity that broadens its appeal beyond hardcore enthusiasts, but the reliance on touch controls inside will frustrate some drivers. It’s also a pricey proposition, competing against some very strong hot hatches from both mainstream and premium brands.
