2022 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Review: MINI Size, BIG Fun

The MINI Cooper has been such an iconic car for consumers as well as racers. Adding to that, the John Cooper Works name make it synonymous with great racing history.
When I received the 2022 MINI John Cooper Works, I was really impressed with the exterior. One of the great things about MINI is their color customization options. The one I had was in the Moonwalk Grey metallic color which looks incredible with a slight green tint to it. To add to the fun, this JCW was optioned out with red roof and mirrors to brighten up the MINI.
The 18” wheels on the JCW were fairly noisy due to the low profile tires. I didn’t personally mind it since it did provide great feedback through the steering wheel. The grip from the Pirelli tires were also great in getting the power down from the turbocharger.
Getting inside I was surprised with how comfortable it was to sit in the smaller car. My favorite part of the interior was the three pedal feature. Yes this was a 6 speed manual. It was a great pairing with the 2.0L turbo engine under the hood.
At the end of the week, it was extremely hard to let go of this one. Even though its price tag is $40,000, it would be a bad financial decision I would like to make!

[@brett8768]

With traction control of you hold the button down longer it turns it off completely!

[@Revmatchmedia]

I knew there was a way! Either way it was such a fun little car. Do you have one?

[@roykenyon886]

Yes a 2016 JCW

[@roykenyon886]

Like you say, this as a daily driver if you have something more special you don't want to put the miles on is just the way to go.

[@user-nc4su8qc3o]

Od. Sestre. Toga. Muzefera. To. AYTO. Krars. Slikovc. Mini. Syknja.

[@user-nc4su8qc3o]

Nije. Vajda. Za. To. Sina. Rebe. Rkomy.parvi.si.gej.ubo.toga Edo

[@Huels]

Don't think of it as a $40,000 hot hatch. Think of it as a $40,000 performance BMW and it all works out. It did for me. You're getting better handling and performance than even some $60,000 BMW models.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching. I totally agree about the performance BMW thing. The JCW and the M2 CS I reviewed are neck and neck with some of the best cars i've reviewed. That M2 CS was also like $100k before the dealer fun fees lol.

[@soegam]

Very smart analysis. You really understood this Mini JCW. I own a '21 model, automatic, with normal dampers. All what you said, i would probably have said it. And guess what : what was my surprise to listen to you until the end... because i also own a 3.8 GT3 and, like you said, it is exactly the reason why i bought this JCW : to get a daily, yet fun, with decent perf and capable of feedback, and above all enough charismatic. So that i do not put too much km in my gt3. So again : congrates, mat, you've done here a perfect job !

[@Revmatchmedia]

Well first, thank you for watching and secondly thank you so much for the kind words. I really means a lot to read comments like you and again thank you for taking your time to not just watch, but also reply. Every time I see a comment for the JCW it brings back great memories I had for that one week. I think the saying "Better to have loved and lost, than have never loved" applies to it lol. I've been a passenger in a 3.8 and when I drove, the JCW, it immediately took me back to that experience. Again, thanks for your time in watching and commenting.

[@kairoborock6816]

„financially it’s the stupidest thing you could ever do“…“if you could - do it!“ 🤣😂🤣 I did, what did I win?! Honestly every reviewer driving this beast has a big grin on his face. The moment I start the car I have this smile in my face! That’s worth every penny.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Congrats and glad you made that financial decision lol. What colors/options did you go with?

[@kairoborock6816]

Thanks. I went all in, even with the steering wheel heating. The only thing I didn’t check was the alarm. ROFL. And I think you are one of the few, that get the Mini feel: it ain’t about the price. It ain’t about the horse power. (A Ford Fiesta is cheaper, a Toyota Yaris GR is even quicker.) And also not about the Go-Kart feeling - it’s not a Go-Kart. A go kart would have its motor in the back. A Mini is all about fun, not being serious and pure Luxury. I never heard anybody complaining about an expensive Rolex, an expensive LV hand bag or an expensive Ferrari. A Mini is expensive and not worth its price in material, it it is a well built car, that makes so much fun, that it is worth its price in emotions. Did you get around to buy a clubman? Good review man, a little more planning ahead what you want to say and it would be perfect!!

[@Revmatchmedia]

@@kairoborock6816 I actually ended up picking up a second generation Miata which I’m currently working on. Same concept of that feeling. It’s funny because with all these cars I get to review, my 8 year old still says he loves riding in the Miata the most. Enjoy your mini.

[@kairoborock6816]

The Miata is a classic. Good choice. Enjoy your ride!

[@halfclappertopchedda]

This prolly one of the best reviews I've watched. Just a normal dude giving his opinion. Love it.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for the kind words! I like to do my reviews like if the cameras are my car friends talking to. Are you thinking of getting a Mini?

[@haiderahmed284]

Awaiting mine to arrive .. british racing green jcw .. thank you so much

[@Revmatchmedia]

That’s a classy color choice. These little guys are so much fun! Did you go manual or auto?

[@craigirving9948]

Great review. I'm currently waiting for mine to be delivered. Exactly the same as this but in White Silver.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching and congrats! You’re gonna love the MINI.

[@ricardoolguin9639]

Awesome interior shots!

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks! It was such a nice MINI

[@vorchun1949]

absolutely nice!

[@countalucard4226]

I drove a Manuel Mini for years. When I went to lease my next one they’d have manual. After driving an S with automatic I will NEVER shift gears again.

[@Revmatchmedia]

HAHAHA! I know the feeling. When I drove the BMW M2 CS, it was auto and as someone that has always driven manuals all my life, that auto was so brilliant!

[@peterbustin2683]

5:01 That is a very important point you raised about the tyre wall. I presently have a Cooper S, and I specified the 16" wheels instead of the 17", because of the ride quality is far greater - particularly if your nearly 60, like me! Ive just ordered a JCW. Took ages to get a manual, as I really dislike the auto. Should arrive in about 8-9 weeks. This is one of the best, most original reviews I have seen thus far. Subbed.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching and congrats on your JCW! I would also get 16" specially with tire prices nowadays.

[@Revmatchmedia]

@ericcarson342 read the comment above about the smaller wheels

[@PhonesOnaDailyBasis]

Sir what a fantastic review. You answered everything. (35:40 - this is why Im getting this car)

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching! So this will be taking the miles over a 911 GT3 or a different car?

[@PhonesOnaDailyBasis]

@@Revmatchmedia thank you for asking! Saving BMW G80 M3 (Manual). The only thing…I still didn’t decide it should I go manual or auto with mini/driving to NY is not a pleasure 😂 generally)

[@Revmatchmedia]

@@PhonesOnaDailyBasis I've had some people comment below saying the auto is good. I havent driven a M3 but I have driven a convertible M4 and if those are any similar, the Mini will be a mini version of the BMW.

[@PhonesOnaDailyBasis]

@@Revmatchmedia Thank you ! Im sure auto is good too. I positively sure that mini will be the same as in bmw in many many different ways 😅. Basically Is the only car that have 230hp but it thinks that is over 500 😅😂 typical bmw

[@nickolauser]

Bought 2 months ago, same colors of this one in the video.... manual! Very fun car

[@Revmatchmedia]

Nice! Congrats! That little thing is a blast to drive with the rev matching

[@nickolauser]

@@Revmatchmedia 👍

[@allexayare5459]

A manual??? Oh boy, I hope to get one soon

[@dennisbrown5206]

Got to have one.

[@Revmatchmedia]

What color you going with😉

[@SinCityAMG]

Thank you for posting the name of the color (Moonwalk Grey).

[@Revmatchmedia]

No worries. I loved this color and it looked great with the red.

[@ianm4316]

Get mine in march have to cooper s just now , the lights on the back if you look at them your saying the flags point to each other , if you joined them together they would be the flag complete it's like two halfs ;)

[@batmanaerm7649]

My dream car.. just dream

[@Mike-hc3nn]

I’m picking my new jcw up this week. Cant wait.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Congrats! Did you go auto or manual? What color/options? You’re going to love that thing.

[@Mike-hc3nn]

@@Revmatchmedia I went for the auto, disabled vet, I can’t drive a manual anymore. I went for rebel green all over, no messing around with roof or door mirrors. I didn’t want it to look like a hairdresser’s car. I have the premium plus pack (UK spec). Basically has everything. Sunroof, camera, dampers and Especially the H/K stereo. Paid extra for privacy glass £250. But stuck with the 17” black alloys. I thought they looked better with the rebel green. Nice review. Very informative. Cheers mate👍🏻

[@Revmatchmedia]

That’s a nice spec. I feel like the 17” wheels would be better. The 18” have too small of a sidewall and you feel every small pebble on the road lol.

[@xuhan4682]

This F56 JCW has been around for almost 7-8 years. I genuinely don't know why everyone keeps ignoring this car. Sure the price tag is a bit of a rip-off, but used ones do exist.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I know! This thing is one of the most fun cars I’ve driven. The price is really the only thing I can think is holding it back.

[@peterbustin2683]

Your quite right, they are expensive!

[@paulblank6161]

Good job

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks!

[@m0skit0]

Nice review man, as a JCW owner myself I agree on the main points you're talking about here. I actually watched this video several times before deciding myself for a JCW, so please ask for your share from BMW :D Side note: the shift stick is not a hand rest ;)

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thank you so much for the view count bump lol. It was an easy review to do since it was such a fun car to drive. One day I will add a JCW to my garage. I gotta ask, what color did you go with?

[@johnbrown3951]

I had a 2016 Mini hatch JCW in that colour scheme but had a carbon scoop surround. I had the cars for 4 years but sold it as it was nearing 100k miles. I kind of regret letting it go but swapped it for an i-Pace Jaguar so not a bad replacement.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I’m worried I’ll one day regret selling my Miata lol. I haven’t driven the I-Pace but I did review the F-Pace and that was so good!

[@johnbrown3951]

You must try it. It is on another level from the F Pace. Mine has the 22" rims which just sets the car off but the acceleration is different level. I have seen it clocked at 4.1 seconds.@@Revmatchmedia

[@justinobrien5594]

Fab colour

[@saviordream]

I'd like to get a new daily driver next year, and was really looking towards a manual MINI Cooper JCW, but the lack of an LSD and Android Auto capability has really killed it for me. Too bad too, as this was probably my favorite hot hatch sold here in the U.S., and in fact is the only one you can get with only 2 doors (which is what I would prefer). However, those two options are kind of deal killers for me, especially for the price of these cars.

[@peterbustin2683]

Regarding a LSD, it doesn't really need one, as it has 'torque vectoring' anyway, which does a good job, and doesn't knacker the tyres!

[@martymcfly6914]

The newer generation of Mini have "shifting assist" which makes manual driving very comfortable. Don't know exactly how it works but the engine somehow safes some rpm by itself which makes shifting more comfortable

[@Revmatchmedia]

It sees the speed you're doing and revs the engine based on the new gear you just put it in. It's rev matching. It made this Mini so easy to drive. I just wished it were something that you can turn on in the other modes other than the "Sport" mode. Thanks for watching.

[@peterbustin2683]

@@Revmatchmedia You can use the cruise control to achieve the same thing!

[@CreeperCrawling]

Does the front have a toe hook in that hole? Like the s models so we can put a toe hook no drill holes license plate holder? I don’t wanna put a front plate in the center of that beautiful grill.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I’m not 100% sure but I’m assuming it is. Those tow hook front plate mounts are pretty nice.

[@roykenyon886]

Good review, maybe you shuold consider a used one moving forward? Never letting mine go now even if I were to consider something else.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching. Now you’re making me think of getting a used one.

[@xuhan4682]

@@Revmatchmedia Pre-facelift models have pop and bangs in sports mode.

[@claudetheruler]

I. Si torn between automatic or manual. Is auto paddle shifter reliable on mini?

[@Revmatchmedia]

I’m not sure. I only got the manual and even then I get the cars only for a week to review them. You may have to do a web search to see if others are having issues.

[@ManuDellaValle63]

Awesome review...I’ve just ordered my umpteenth JCW EXACTLY like the one you tested but mine will have the 8-speed auto(the other ones have been manuals) because as of last May BMW announced that the auto wouldn’t be installed anymore,not at the moment anyway,due to the war...looks like virtually anything,from chewing gums to submarine engines are produced in Ukraine! At first I was a bit disappointed but looks like it will be a blast nonetheless

[@Revmatchmedia]

Congrats and you’re going to love it! That color is so nice and I’m sure the auto will be fine.

[@ManuDellaValle63]

@@Revmatchmedia ...thank you...I’m a little concerned about the gearbox because it sure won’t be like the DTC I had on the 458 and 488 but I’m confident it’ll be great on the few stretches on the Italian highways here. I’m glad you’ve been able to drive a manual JCW because they’re,simply put,PURE AWESOMENESS,as you’ve found out yourself. Keep up the good job...I’ve loved your video

[@ENGBriseB]

Its not hard to find the sport button. Like other devices you just need to read the manual or be shown. Its like a new TV. Someone else sometimes needs to show you how to get the best out of it.

[@ecan533]

Why would you want to change your bulbs (when you can’t as they’re LED). The wheels are that shape to fit the brakes. I think your driving position is wrong or the steering wheel isn’t set for you. I don’t have any problems seeing the display and heads-up Other than that a pretty sound review. I find Bluetooth a bit pants when using with Spotify, not always reliable.

[@johnlavery6116]

I have a 2019 mini cooper sport 1.5 turbo, but i find the clutch very stiff......is this normal ?.....Ireland.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I’m not sure. Maybe asking the dealer to have you test a different one for you to compare with. I don’t recall this one being to much of a problem.

[@kairoborock6816]

Yep, the Mini does have a very stiff clutch. That’s why I opted for an automatic.

[@edhjjyang]

Is it still comfortable enough for practical daily use even without DDC ?

[@Revmatchmedia]

It is more of a sports car feel to it. I would attribute the stiffness more to the small side wall that this wheel/tire package had. A little taller sidewall and you can daily it with comfort. I’d daily it as is but you will feel things a bit more.

[@edhjjyang]

@@Revmatchmedia Great! Thank you for your reply Elias.

[@rickyamos2126]

❤❤❤

[@Huels]

Does the 2022 still have the secret glove box?

[@Revmatchmedia]

I honestly don't remember if it did. Also what's this secret glove box you speak of so I can look for it on my next Mini review lol.

[@ISR403]

My 2014 f56 has re match ALL modes... I dont understand why people keep saying sport mode only

[@Revmatchmedia]

Maybe it was a 2014 behavior but the rev matching was only in sport mode for the 2022 model I reviewed.

[@ISR403]

@Revmatchmedia I wonder if they changed it for the lci update

[@Oplix]

WTF did they do to the front end? That grille just looks off compared to pre-LCI F56.

[@sprint110]

Can you fit a toddler seat in the back? or in a convertable?

[@Revmatchmedia]

That might be a tight fit and with no passenger up front. I’d say booster seat would be the way to go.

[@sprint110]

@@Revmatchmedia thanks! I have a 3 year old and wanted to know if his seat can fit.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I tell everyone to take your car seat with you to the dealership! I’ve had people tell me their sales guys are surprised but it was the best thing to do and make sure it’s easy to get the little ones in and out. I do recall this one being easy to get him in and out of because the front seat does move forward a lot. When I had this loaner, my kiddo was 6 years and 9 months old. Try to make this work for you because the mini is such a blast! Have you considered the four door?

[@sprint110]

@@Revmatchmedia thank you. I like the 2 door version. 4 door is not a mini IMO.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I agree about the 4 door. Make it work with the 2 door! Lol. Maybe look up smaller child seats. Ours was massive because it was one of those that were like a 3-in-1 kinda deal. I had to convince my wife so badly to switch to the booster seat to let my son ride with me in the Lexus LC500 convertible loaner. I’m so glad he got to experience that because he says it’s his favorite car he’s ever been in lol. Good luck and keep me updated with what you end up going with.

[@ericcarson342]

Is the suspension stiffer than the 'S' ?

[@Revmatchmedia]

Yes the suspension is stiffer than the S. I’ve never driven an S so I can’t say I can give you a comparison.

[@ericcarson342]

@@Revmatchmedia Awesome. Hard to decide between this and the 's'. I have a Golf R so I'm used to a softer ride. But looking for something different. Some may think I'm crazy for considering a trade. Good review.

[@Revmatchmedia]

@ericcarson342 thanks! If you have the financial means, I’d go JCW specially for resell value. The stiffer feel I felt was definitely more towards the tiny sidewall of the bigger wheel/tire. Go smaller wheel with meatier tires and you won’t regret it.

[@ericcarson342]

@@Revmatchmedia That's why I went with the Golf R, it's more than a GTI but holds a greater percentage of re-sale value. JCW are so rare, especially the rebel green, but you're right the re-sale value would be higher.

[@davidc.7838]

Is this car faster than a X4 30i?

[@Revmatchmedia]

Did some quick research and looks like the Mini is .5 of a second faster in the quarter mile.

[@attranssion]

40,000 is 280,000 in CNY. And if I can have this little thing at that price, I'd laugh to wake up in my sleep. It takes 400,000 CNY in China to get it.

[@jayczyzyk7607]

Time 💣 stay away from drek

[@leeandjancruise]

Stopped watching this half way through er yeah, too many false negatives, er yeah, no technical information, er yeah, finding problems that aren't really a problem for the sake of it, er yeah I have one.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching. The MINI is so good that I really couldn’t find anything wrong with it other than some tiny things I addressed. As far as technical info, you can always read that stuff on their site. My goal is to focus more on the feeling of car and if you would’ve watched the whole video, you would’ve seen that I really want one. I’ve been looking at the clubman JCW to add a little more practicality for my uses. Again thanks for watching and what MINI do you have?

[@leeandjancruise]

@@Revmatchmedia I have the three door hatch JCW in white silver with a red topping along with all the toys, only thing I would have liked it to have but it's not an option is power memory seats and 20/30 more horses to compete with the competition.

[@Revmatchmedia]

That’s a nice color combination. I definitely can see how those memory seats would be nice to have if you share the car as well. I don’t mind not having that extra power because even if the competition is beating me, I would have the biggest smile on my face because it is a fun car to drive.

[@Musicman4001007]

@@Revmatchmedia agreed. I have a 2018 cooper S. I love it in Pepper white with black stripes and cobalt pin stripes that match the side mirrors

[@Revmatchmedia]

@@Musicman4001007 that sounds nice! This one definitely gets recommended to a lot of friends in hopes that they get one and I can borrow it lol. For now, my Miata will do lol

[@micellooo]

Moin Naja...