MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS

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Volkswagen Golf GTI

The JCW is a special car that stands out from the inside out.

Volkswagen Golf GTI — MINI John Cooper Works

In 2024, MINI will switch to a new generation model for its entire series. The MINI Cooper comes in three body types: 3-door, 5-door, and convertible. In addition to an internal combustion engine (ICE), the 3-door also comes with a BEV version. Three models are available: the crossover MINI Aceman, which is only equipped with a fully electric powertrain, and the SUV-type MINI Countryman. The MINI John Cooper Works boasts the highest level of performance in the series. This time, we’ve picked out the 3-door John Cooper Works (JCW), which embodies the “go-kart feeling” of the new generation MINI.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the other hand, is a performance model of the eighth-generation Golf, which has been improved and upgraded in 2024. The two cars are in different segments, but the Golf GTI is also 420mm longer, 45mm wider, and has a wheelbase that is 125mm longer, which is also reflected in the rear seat comfort and luggage room capacity.

In terms of exterior design, while the Golf GTI has traditionally had a subtle sportiness, the MINI John Cooper Works has a special motorsport-inspired design that strongly emphasizes that it is a special car.

MINI John Cooper Works

Body size = Length 3875mm x Width 1745mm x Height 1455mm

Wheelbase = 2495mm

Vehicle weight = 1350kg

Tire size = 215/45R17

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Body size = Length 4295mm x Width 1790mm x Height 1465mm

Wheelbase = 2620mm

Vehicle weight = 1430kg

Tire size = 225/40R18

The JCW boasts almost the same power but is lighter

The MINI John Cooper Works is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine. It produces 231 PS and 380 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT. It also comes with a sports suspension specifically tuned for the JCW. The three-door JCW is also available with a fully electric powertrain, boasting a maximum output of 258 PS and a maximum range of 421 km.

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder TSI gasoline turbo engine, which has a maximum output of 265 PS, an increase of 20 PS in line with this facelift. The two cars have almost the same maximum output, but the MINI John Cooper Works, which is 80 kg lighter than the Golf GTI, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h 0.3 seconds faster.

MINI John Cooper Works

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo

Displacement = 1998cc

Maximum output = 231PS/5000rpm

Maximum torque = 380Nm/1500-4000rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

0-100km/h acceleration = 6.1 seconds

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder TSI gasoline turbo

Displacement = 1984cc

Maximum output = 265PS / 5250-6500rpm

Maximum torque = 370Nm / 1600-4500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DSG (DCT)

Drive system = FWD

0-100km/h acceleration = 6.4 seconds

They’re in roughly the same price range, but their personalities are polar opposites.

The new generation MINI cockpit features a large, circular 240mm diameter organic EL display in the center, and the gently curved dashboard is entirely made of a new textile-like material. The Golf GTI has a freestanding 328mm diagonal touchscreen in the center, and the AI-equipped “ChatGPT” has been integrated into the voice assistant “IDA.”

The quality of the cockpit and interior is undoubtedly superior to that of the Golf GTI, which is at the top of the segment. What’s more, despite being a sports model, it also boasts attractive livability and utility that makes it suitable for family use.

The MINI John Cooper Works has a unique personality, such as a center-exit single-pipe exhaust, and its sharp handling like a racing car is something you can never experience with other compact hatches. The two cars are almost the same price, but their characters are completely different. The choice will depend on your family composition and usage environment.