My hunt for the perfect first car continues and this time, MINI handed me the keys to something a little special: the MINI John Cooper Works.
It’s the convertible version which, in theory, would be dreamy for summer. But since I’m in Paris, naturally… it rained. Still, bad weather doesn’t stop a test drive.
First Impressions
Cute? Yes.
But don’t let that fool you, the JCW is basically a tiny rocket.
It’s powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, with 0–100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h. The moment you hit the throttle, you understand why MINI people are MINI people.
Oh and one of the many driving experiences is literally called Go-Kart Mode. That alone should tell you what kind of personality this car has.
Inside the JCW
MINI interiors always have a bit of charm, but this one adds a sporty twist.
The signature toggle switches make you feel like you’re starting a plane rather than a car.
The whole driving experience feels playful, almost like a game.
You get a sports steering wheel with shift paddles if you want to take more control.
And the JCW design accents give everything a cleaner, more athletic look.
Price
This spec starts at around 44 850 €, which puts it in that interesting zone: premium enough to feel special, not unattainable, but still something you need to think about.
Final Thoughts
The MINI JCW surprised me in the best way.
It’s small, stylish, and seriously fun, especially for city life.
But is it the one? I’m not sure yet. That’s the whole point of this journey.
So what do you think? Should this be my first car?
