MINI Cooper 2.0 S Classic Level 2 2dr Auto

Ten Second Review

Is this the most desirable small MINI? It's certainly the most expensive - the brand's John Cooper Works Convertible. Fast, firm and very expensive, could you really justify one?

Background

MINI offers its latest John Cooper Works model in three flavours these days; as a conventional 3-Door Hatch; as a 3-Door Hatch with full-electric power; or as the combustion powered Convertible model were going to look at here. In terms of smiles-per-mile, you'd have to think this drop-top version would be the most fun - and it's hard to see too much direct competition to it. But for the money MINI's asking for this model, there's an awful lot else a committed fashion-conscious driving enthusiast could choose. So is this JCW Convertible worth it?

Driving Experience

As with the previous generation JCW Convertible, power comes from the twin scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder engine used in the Cooper S, which in the JCW develops 228hp (compared to 204hp in the Cooper S). As with all current MINI Hatch models, you now have to have it with 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift auto transmission. The 0-62mph time hasn't changed, still at 6.4s (0.3s slower than the JCW hatch), which is actually an achievement because in this latest form, this JCW model weighs 40kg more than its predecessor. MINI upped torque by 60Nm to make sure performance wasn't affected by this. Launch control is standard, as is a fruity exhaust note embellished by the audio speakers. It actually sounds very realistic. But you're going to have to put up with a very firm standard of ride; try before you buy. Obviously the pay-off is super-agile handling, helped by a direct steering rack. That roof is much as before and takes 18 seconds to rise and 15 seconds to close at speeds of up to 19mph. While opening, the window bars and side windows are lowered to provide a completely unobstructed view of the surroundings. As previously, you can partially drop the top (by 40cms) to mimic a sunroof. And there's a wind deflector to reduce buffeting.  As usual with a small MINI, there's a choice of 'Experience' drive modes, not many of which have much to do with driving. Select from 'Core', 'Green', 'Go-Kart', 'Personal', 'Vibrant', 'Timeless', 'Balance' and 'Trail'. Those settings connected to drive features alter steering feel and gear shift timings.

Design and Build

MINI wants to ensure that this John Cooper Works model stands out, so there's 2-tone black and red livery with bonnet stripes, a more open grille and a more aggressive bumper with air intakes across its flanks. In profile, you might note the red roof and the bespoke 18-inch JCW-specific alloy wheels which are wrapped in high performance tyres. At the rear, there's a more prominent valance with a central tail pipe and a chequered flag motif on the boot lid. The fabric roof mechanism hasn't changed from the previous generation model. The JCW tinsel continues on inside too, where there's plenty of red and black colouring, bespoke fabric for the sports seats and what MINI calls 'illuminated' headlining. The dashboard's upholstered in uniquely patterned red and black cloth and there's a grippy sports steering wheel with change paddles and a fabric strap. There's also bespoke trim for the doors. And extra JCW features for the 9.5-inch central touchscreen, including a power and torque converter, plus performance driving displays that include a G-Force meter and an accelerometer. As usual in a MINI Convertible, back seat space is tight but you get a standard wind deflector. Boot space, at 215-litres, is actually 5-litres better than the JCW Hatch, but it shrinks to just 160-litres with the roof down, so you'll have to pack carefully.

Market and Model

Prices for this Convertible John Cooper Works model were pitched at around £37,500 at the time of our test in Summer 2025; a rather substantial £4,270 above the fixed-top 3-Door JCW model. You've really got to want the drop-top to pay that. There's a premium of nearly £6,000 over the mid-range Cooper Convertible S variant with basically the same engine. Still, if you do want this JCW variant, at least there's lots of kit included as standard. Including of course all the features that would be fitted to a standard Cooper S variant, plus a unique JCW spec, with 18-inch JCW wheels, a high gloss black JCW exhaust system, JCW adaptive sports suspension and a JCW sports steering wheel. Along with niceties like a Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System. All MINI Convertible models (including this John Cooper Works version) are offered with the option of MINI's 'Level 3' Pack. With this, you get the brand's 'Parking Assistant Plus' 360-degree camera system (which you can remote link into via your smartphone; and you get the 'Driving Assistant Plus' pack's Active Cruise Control set-up with a Stop & Go function, which virtually drives this MINI for you at highway speeds. On to safety provision. At a minimum, all MINI Convertible models come with the contents of MINI's 'Driving Assistant' Pack. This includes Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Prevention and Vehicle Exit Warning. There's driver monitoring too and thankfully, unlike some rival systems, it's not too intrusive.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. The JCW Convertible model manages up to 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 156g/km of CO2. To get anywhere near these figures, you'll need to drive most permanently in the 'MINI Experience' 'Green' drive mode. That 'Green' setting modifies throttle and transmission response and tweaks the standard gear shift point display. It also includes a so-called 'coasting' function where at high cruising speeds the drivetrain is temporarily decoupled for extra frugality when you come off the accelerator. What else? Well, residual values are bound to be strong - they always have been. You can expect your MINI JCW to have retained just over half its value at the three year / 60,000 mile point. As expected, there's the normal three year unlimited mileage warranty with the usual BMW-style variable service indicators. Beyond that, there's an optional extended 'MINI Insured' warranty available that can cover you for up to 100,000 miles and can also be specified to apply to particular components, like the clutch, the engine or the gearbox. Insurance is group 37.

Summary

On paper, you might struggle to justify the sum MINI is asking for this car. But a quick drive on your favourite road on a sunny day might see you having second thoughts. Yes, this JCW Convertible is pricey, but there's nothing else quite like it. Unless you're a committed ecologist, you probably won't worry too much about the lack of an electric version - that'll come soon enough. Part of the fun of this car is the urgent combustion note. Make sure you can live with the firm ride before you buy. But if you can and are able to justify the price, another MINI Adventure awaits here.