When MINI invited me to Savannah, Georgia to test drive the all-new 2025 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works 2-Door Hardtop, I knew I was in for a special kind of hot hatch experience. The JCW badge has long represented the brand’s rebellious, high-performance spirit—and this latest version, known as the F66, brings that energy in a more refined, mature package. But don’t worry, it hasn’t lost its signature MINI fun factor. In this in-depth review, we explore everything from the design evolution to real-world performance. Despite staying on the older FAAR platform, the 2025 JCW introduces a sharper, wider stance, new tech like a 9.4-inch OLED display, and an upgraded 280 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter B48 engine. It’s smoother and more responsive thanks to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, though we still long for the days of a manual gearbox. Inside, the cabin gets the biggest overhaul in MINI’s recent history, blending premium features with quirky MINI charm. There’s also adaptive ...