2022 Mini JCW GP

As usual, the 2022 MINI JCW GP comes in one trim level with an estimated price tag of $46,000. If one needed to know the difference between GP and normal JCW in layman terms, GP is the overpowered version of the MINI JCW. Other than performance, you get a MINI which looks more aggressive as well. As for the features, it offers firmer suspension tuning, louder exhaust notes, spoiler mounted solar panels. It also sits lower and has more aerodynamic elements. 

On the inside, you will find an advanced infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, heads-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control, Dinamica simulated suede leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support for the driver, and an Infinity sound system. An optional Harman Kardon premium audio system is also available but one will have to pay extra for that. 

Which Trim should you buy?

The MINI JCW GP is only going to please those who are crazy about performance and an engaging driving experience and if you are one of those, we suggest going for GP without any hesitation. The engine has been tweaked up to deliver extra power. On the outside, you will find it very different from the normal JCW thanks to the rich set of sporty and distinctive exterior styling. Apart from this, we would also suggest going for the optional Harman Kardon premium audio system over the standard one for a better and immersive music experience. 

Release date

The 2022 MINI JCW GP was revealed to the public in April 2021 with the launch of the same set to be in Fall of 2021. 

The 2022 MINI JCW GP comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine which has been enhanced as compared to normal JCW and now produces 301 horsepower and a torque of 331 lb-ft - a considerable jump over the standard JCW. The insane engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which works like butter and ensures accurate and blazingly fast shifts. One thing that the GP misses out on is the six-speed manual which you get with the JCW variant.

The power is sent to the front wheels as standard and there’s no option for an all-wheel drivetrain. The engine is certainly loud, and not in a pleasant way. Floor the pedal on this one and the 2022 MINI JCW GP manages to reach 0-60 MPH in 4.7 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds. These timings justify its fan following in the community of enthusiasts. 

Complete one lap on the track and you will understand why the 2022 MINI JCW GP exists. As not only is it fast on the road but performs amazingly on the corners. The go-kart-like handling of MINI vehicles is well known but the JCW GP takes it to the next level. The steering wheel feels responsive, offers really good feedback and sensitivity. The suspension system is a bit firmer than usual but should feel pretty good as long as one drives on smooth surfaces. 

The car comes equipped with 11.6 inches front and 10.2 inches rear brake rotors. All four are Brembo brakes which are highly efficient to keep this little beast under control. Yes, a standard braking assist system is also there but it’s the GP’s lightweight body adds to the advantage. It only weighs 2,855 pounds and thus should be able to stop from 70 MPH to zero in a short distance of 138 feet.

When stacked against its rivals, 2022 MINI JCW GP churns out better power and torque figures on paper which it manages to outrun both Veloster N and Civic Type R on the road but the Golf R’s turbocharged engine comes with higher power output which naturally results in better timings on the road. The Volkswagen also costs less than the MINI, comes with a standard AWD system, and is half a second quicker than the Mini in the 60mph run. On the other hand, the Honda Civic Type R that takes 5.4 seconds in a similar is the slowest in the lot, while the Hyundai Veloster is equally matched when it comes to performance. Though the acceleration times might not be the best, the track-oriented driving experience of MINI JCW GP makes it incredible in its segment. 

Once again, the 2022 MINI JCW GP surprises us as despite being powerful on the road, it offers decent fuel economy - 24 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highways, and 26 MPG combined. Show these numbers to someone who has no idea what MINI JCW GP is and they will straight up call you a liar. Yes, it is that good, but the happy story soon turns into a sad one when you look at the 11.6-gallon fuel tank capacity which is a bit smaller for the hatchback segment. It certainly affects the final results as you get a moderate level driving range varying from 278 to 348 miles.

From the above table, it is clear that the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is not only faster on the road but offers a superior driving range than the others thanks to its larger fuel tank of 14.5-gallons. The MINI JCW GP on the other hand offers one of the best mileage in its class but its smaller-sized fuel tank complicates things. 

Step inside the 2022 MINI JCW GP and you might fall in love with the design at first sight because of the coziness and its compact size, making the design language look amazing. The material quality is premium and everything feels pristine. As for the dashboard, you get a big circle in the middle around the infotainment system. On the left, you will find a beautifully designed tilt and telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters. 

Where JCW comes with an analog gauge cluster, the GP variant gets a digital driver display. Coming to the seats, for maximum performance, the company threw out the rear seats so the GP variant is a two-seater with ample room for the occupants. Yes, both are bucket seats with lumbar support for the driver. Having the capacity for only two occupants does provide an advantage as you can now store a lot more in the back. A total of 33.4 cubic feet of volume is available for cargo which is easily one of the biggest in its class.

Unlike others, the 2022 MINI JCW GP offers a seating capacity for only two which makes it very limiting. On top of that, all three rivals offer better room for front and rear occupants which means more volume, and having no rear seats is advantageous for the JCW GP because the space could be used for cargo capacity. That said, the interior has a very satisfying build quality which is highlighted by:

• Keyless entry
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Bucket seats with lumbar support for the driver
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather seats
• Heated front seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Although having an entertainment system in a track-oriented vehicle feels like a waste, the 2022 MINI JCW GP does offer a decent one. In the middle of the dashboard, you will find an 8.8 infotainment LCD inside a big circle with physical buttons below. The display offers clear graphics and decent UI, however, do keep in mind that switching through multiple menus and options is time-consuming. Other features such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, SiriusXM, and auxiliary input jack are available. 

Support for Apple CarPlay is also available but Android Auto is still missing. By default, an Infinity sound system is available which sounds decent but buyers can opt for an optional Harman Kardon premium audio system which is significantly better. Various connectivity options are available including USB type C and a 12-volt outlet. Lastly, wireless charging is an optional feature. 

Standout infotainment features:

• 8.8-inch infotainment display
• Apple CarPlay support
• SiriusXM
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Optional wireless charging

As we have mentioned before, the 2022 MINI JCW has received an updated exterior design which includes redesigned front and rear bumpers, updated grille, and wheels but unfortunately, there has been no official info regarding any changes to the JCW GP. So for now we can only say that you are still getting the same GP as before. But if you take a look at it you will see how amazing it already looks and everything is sporty about it. 

At the front, you will find a differently designed bumper with a red accent on it. On sides, wheel arch extensions and unique wheels are crowd magnets. At the rear, a big wide spoiler is attached to the top which might not be for aerodynamics but certainly looks good. The whole JCW GP from front to back looks bold with a black and red combination.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is the heaviest on the list and Honda Civic Type R is proportionately the biggest on the list which certainly favors passenger volume. Even the Hyundai Veloster N is bigger than the MINI. But it appears that being lighter and smaller affects the MINI JCW GP in a good way because at the end of the day these factors contribute to the performance and handling characteristics. 

Standout exterior features:

• GP-specific suspension tuning
• 18-inch wheels
• Larger brakes
• Uniquely designed front and rear bumpers
• Large rear wing
• Red body accents

When it comes to safety, the 2022 MINI JCW GP hasn’t been crash-tested by the NHTSA and IIHS yet. However, we must mention that last year's MINI received four out of five stars in crash tests by the NHTSA. Even the IIHS gave it the maximum possible rating of good. So on that account one can assume that JCW GP should offer a decent level of safety as well.

As for the safety assists and features you will find a forward-collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking system, multiple airbags for both occupants, stability and traction control, and side-impact beams. For easy parking a backup camera with rear parking sensors is available. However, we must mention that the blind spot monitoring system is still missing. 

Standout safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning system
• Back up camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Automatic emergency braking system
• Tire Pressure Monitor

2022 MINI JCW GP vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

When stacked against Volkswagen Golf R, JCW GP comes out much lighter on the road and offers efficient brakes which is why it can be stopped within a shorter distance. It also offers better headroom and legroom for the occupants and superior cargo capacity. Volkswagen, on the other hand, offers an engine that is as powerful as it is fuel-efficient while also benefiting from the 5-person seating capacity as opposed to the MINI’s 2.

2022 MINI JCW GP vs 2022 Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R offers a bigger cabin with more room for the occupants. Apart from this, the MINI excels in everything else such as being much faster on the road, better driving range, better control over body, and a cabin with top-tier material quality. But it gets expensive while the Civic Type R is less expensive by a significant margin.

2022 MINI JCW GP vs 2022 Hyundai Veloster N

When stacked against the Hyundai Veloster N, the MINI JCW GP comes out faster on the road even by a few milliseconds. Moreover, MINI offers a quality cabin with excellent cargo capacity and a driving experience that is far superior. Even the fuel economy it offers is superior to Veloster N. The Hyundai on the other hand offers a bigger fuel tank and offers more seating capacity and room for the occupants.

By now it must be clear to you how the 2022 MINI JCW GP is well deserved by all those praises and fanbase. It is one of a kind vehicle in its segment which is both powerful and memorable to drive on the road, offers a cabin with excellent quality and design, impressive cargo capacity, and stunning visuals. However, it is also clear that the driving experience it offers is purely raw and certainly for enthusiasts only.