MINI is getting ready for a series of electrified model launches, but the company won’t forget the traditional ICE-powered Hatch. The updated version of the latter has been spied testing in Southern Europe, for the first time in sporty JCW guise with a three-door body.
MINI is planning on selling the ICE-powered Hatch along with an upcoming fully electric model, which will be based on a new EV-dedicated architecture. Thus, the current model will be updated one more time, in order to stay relevant for a few more years. Following the regular variant we spotted a while ago, our spy photographers got new shots of the performance-focused JCW with a new set of alloy wheels and the traditional yellow camouflage hiding its sporty bodykit.
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The MINI Cooper JCW looks instantly recognizable since the basic silhouette of the car will be carried over from the current model. What will be different is the redesigned front end, with the revised grille adopting a more angular shape, the round headlights getting more modern LED graphics (the prototype is fitted with dummy units), and the large bumper intakes moving on the sides. MINI has covered the entire bodywork in camouflage but we suspect that the facelifted Hatch will have several carry-over body panels.
At the back, the taillights with the Union Jack graphics appear to be identical although MINI could tweak them a bit in the future. The JCW will be distinguished by the fancy roof spoiler, and the large diffuser taking up a large portion of the rear bumper. The prototype had a single central-mounted exhaust pipe but the production version will likely retain the twin tailpipe layout. Note that the pictured prototype is the regular JCW and not the hardcore limited-production JCW GP which featured an even more aggressive wide-bodykit.
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Besides the mild exterior tweaks, the model will benefit from an overhauled interior. The dashboard will incorporate a new look, with a significantly larger circular touchscreen for the infotainment, head-up display, a new gearbox lever, and fewer physical buttons/controls on the center console. A similar look will be applied in the entire MINI range which is expected to grow in the next few years.
Finally, MINI engineers will further improve the chassis setup which is considered to be one of the sportiest in the segment. As for the engine range, it will most likely be carried over from the current model with small tweaks so it complies with the stricter emission regulations. This means that the JCW will be fitted with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 235 lb-ft (318 Nm) of torque in the current model. The mill is mated to either a six-speed manual, or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, sending power to the front axle.
The updated MINI Hatch range is expected to debut sometime in 2023, together with the hot JCW version. Note that this will be the third facelift for the F55/F56 generation which was originally introduced back in 2013, then received a minor facelift in 2018, and finally a major facelift in 2021.
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