MINI Keeps Milking The JCW Hot Hatch, Facelifted Iteration Is Coming

The MINI JCW (John Cooper Works) is in for another refresh, which should be the last one before the British company pulls the plug on the current generation and replaces it with an entirely new model.

Why haven’t they already done so, considering that the third generation subcompact model has been around since 2013? It’s most likely due to Brexit concerns and possible coronavirus complications, which has forced them to delay the presentation of an all-new model.

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As far as the 2021 JCW is concerned, it will follow the updates of the regular hatchback, although with the typical sporty body kit that comprises of the bigger front and rear bumpers, more aggressive diffuser with cutouts for the central exhaust pipes and a few other touches. At a first glance, the headlamps and taillights will carryover, but this is still an early prototype, so that could change.

The dashboard panel appears to have the same shape and drivers will be looking through the steering wheel at a digital instrument cluster, located next to the infotainment system. Expect sportier seats and exclusive upholstery options compared to the regular hatch, as well as JCW badges.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will soldier on, likely mated to the standard six-speed or optional eight-speed automatic transmission. In the current variant, it makes 228 HP (231 PS / 170 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration of around 6 seconds. It’s unknown yet whether the power unit will be updated in any form, be it through giving it a bigger punch, reducing the emissions, or perhaps both.