MINI JCW hatch updated for 2021

We’ve seen the facelifted 2021 MINI Cooper and Convertible models, and now the iconic British compact car maker has unveiled its new-look JCW hatch flagship.

Coming to Australia from around August 2021, the facelifted go-fast MINI model is expected to be slightly more expensive than the current-generation MINI JCW hatch ($53,700-$61,300).

It gets upticks in equipment and technology, such as an 8.8-inch central touch-screen across the range with a new-look user interface.

Like the recently-launch MINI JCW Countryman, the three-door JCW hatch also scores a new 5.0-inch digital instrument display.

Exterior design updates for the facelifted three-door small car include a resculpted front bumper that features bigger air inlets designed to deliver “optimum temperature control of the drive and brake systems in extremely sporty driving situations”, says MINI.

The grille has been tweaked to encompass the new air-dams, while at the rear there’s a new rear bumper that “…features a distinctive diffuser to optimise airflow in the rear area of the underbody”.

An eye-catching and rather large roof spoiler returns, as do half Union Jack LED tail-lights. Both 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are offered in overseas markets and are likely to be offered across the three-tier JCW range in Australia – on Pure, Classic and Signature model grades.

A sports exhaust system with JCW’s trademark centrally-mounted dual 85mm tail pipes is included to provide an “emotionally powerful soundtrack”.

Sports suspension is part of the package and while entry-level models are tipped to get non-adjustable dampers, up-spec versions will get adaptive dampers – similar to the JCW Countryman model range.

MINI says the new adaptive dampers have been upgraded (with extra valving), and now deliver “a smoother overall driving experience”.

The updated MINI JCW hatch’s powertrain remains the same – a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit (170kW/320Nm) coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission, producing a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds.

There’s also scope for a six-speed manual as a no-cost option, which increases that to 6.3sec.

MINI sales have risen by almost 17 per cent in the first three months of 2021, from 708 sales to 828 units.

Stay tuned for pricing and specifications closer to the 2021 MINI JCW hatchback’s Australian launch around August.