It wasn’t too long ago that Mini released the goods on the 2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop and Convertible lineup, promising that the duo was getting some welcome updates for the 2022 model year. Notably missing absent from the party were the JCW versions, with Mini reps only revealing that they were also going to get some updates of their own. At last, Mini has shown the world what the 2022 JCW models have in store for consumers, and it appears that these spunky track slayers will have enough new stuff to please even the pickiest of Mini loyalists.
Adaptive Dampers Add Spice To Otherwise Familiar Package
When you look over the 2022 Mini JCW Hardtop and Convertible, you would be forgiven if you thought that they were largely carried over unchanged with the exterior styling and the interior design largely staying the same. However, a big mechanical change is found underneath the friendly skin, with both models now having the ability to be equipped with an optional set of adaptive dampers.
Mini claims that this particular set comes with all new “frequency selective damper technology that operates with an additional valve acting on the traction side.” For those who do not have an automotive engineer in the family to help translate all that, it means that the pair will benefit from better handling behavior. This will especially be true on rough roads where JCW models will have more livability and comfort. But this setup also flexes its muscle on the track, with the suspension having 10 percent more damping force in sharp corners. This will reduce body roll and make the JCW a much more potent track weapon when placed in the right hands.
The lone caveat here is that the dampers are part of the broader Adaptive Suspension Package, with the JCW still retaining its traditional fixed suspension as standard. Mini did not reveal pricing for this particular option. Still, we hope the sticker shock here will be minimal, especially since the prospect of sharper handling behavior is always a plus.
A Nip And A Tuck Sharpen JCW’s Personality
As mentioned, Mini chose to largely play it safe with some of the other updates for the JCW lineup. As a result, the look will be very similar to what’s already seen on the outgoing model. However, this Mini has had some minor touch-up work done with the front fascia being tweaked and the rear gaining a new rear diffuser design. An all-new set of two-tone 18-inch wheels are also newly optional, and they do their part to enhance the JCW’s street presence greatly. The interior benefits from the standard model’s revisions, and it still retains some of the quirky charms that have made Mini a cult favorite.
Performance hardware (minus the digitized suspension) is thankfully unchanged, with all JCW models still being powered by a tweaked version of the familiar BMW sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which still makes 228 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to help the hardtop version make the sprint to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the slightly heavier convertible manages to do the deed in 6.3 seconds. A six-speed manual is standard, but buyers can swap it out for the optional eight-speed automatic on Hardtop models, but convertible buyers will have to make do with just the eight-speed.
When Can I Buy A 2022 Mini JCW?
Mini confirmed that both the 2022 JCW Hardtop and the Convertible are now available for customers to order with base Hardtop prices starting at $33,750. The Convertible is a bit pricier at $39,750. This is, of course, before various fees and taxes as well as whatever options you choose from Mini’s extensive options pool.
But choose the right mixture of options, and the 2022 Mini JCW Hardtop and Convertible can be a very vibrant addition to your garage. We hope to have the chance to try out one of them soon to see if they can indeed stand out from rivals such as the Volkswagen GTI, Hyundai Veloster N, and the Honda Civic Type R.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.