MINI John Cooper Works Takes On Japan’s Windiest Road

When a automobile is that this small, the world seems like an outsized playground. It’s much more enjoyable on a twisty highway like Japan’s winding mountain route within the Nikko area. MINI introduced its newest gasoline sizzling hatch for a photograph shoot on the well-known Irohazaka Highway, identified for its typically slender, difficult corners.

Why now? The “F66”-generation JCW not too long ago attended the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. From there, the journey continued north for roughly 180 kilometers (112 miles) to Nikko Nationwide Park, the place Irohazaka Highway begins, providing drivers an opportunity to discover the fantastic thing about the Oku-Nikko plateau. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn, however from a driving perspective, it’s value visiting any time of yr.

Maybe the one factor that might’ve made the journey much more pleasing is a handbook gearbox. Nevertheless, the B48-powered pocket rocket comes completely with a dual-clutch automated. Nonetheless, practically 230 horsepower in such a small bundle is a recipe for an amazing day on winding roads. That BMW-sourced four-cylinder delivers a wholesome 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). It’s lots sufficient to place a smile in your face as you shoot out of corners.

Talking of which, Irohazaka Highway packs no fewer than 48 hairpin turns. The surroundings is a bonus, and we’re positive some folks can be desirous to pattern the JCW system within the “F67” Convertible. For this scenic run, MINI opted for the three-door hatch in Midnight Black with contrasting crimson accents. It additionally fitted the non-compulsory 18-inch wheels, one dimension up from the usual alloys.

We’re nonetheless getting used to the thought of a single-exit exhaust. Some will view it as a downgrade, however it’s value noting that the most recent JCW does have a second tip. MINI hid it underneath the car. Nevertheless, it solely wakes up once you rev the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine previous 3,000 rpm.

For 2025, MINI additionally sells a JCW with out an exhaust in any respect. To fulfill each camps, there’s the totally electrical “J01,” positioned to tackle the Alpine A290 and Abarth 500e. Whether or not electrical sizzling hatches will catch on stays to be seen, however there’s nothing mistaken with having a broader vary of decisions.