MINI Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works 2021 Review

It's been almost two decades since Mini returned to the U.S. market with its distinctive Cooper. The 2021 Mini Hardtop 2 Door, as the model is now known, is bigger and available in many more versions. Yet at its core it's meant to offer nimble fun and distinct style at a reasonable price.

For 2021, Mini has introduced the most powerful Hardtop yet: the John Cooper Works GP. This limited-production model comes with a turbocharged engine that produces 301 horsepower (73 hp more than the standard JCW) and 331 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, the JCW GP ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, which is impressively quick for a front-wheel-drive small car. 

Not satisfied with just increasing power output, Mini upgraded almost every other component to improve overall performance. That includes adding a lower sport-tuned suspension, extra chassis reinforcements, more powerful brakes, and an engine oiling system to counteract sustained high-g cornering.

On the outside, a large rear wing distinguishes the GP from other Minis, and its lightweight 18-inch wheels are tucked into some rather bizarre-looking wheel arches. Inside, the John Cooper Works GP changes the Mini formula by eliminating the rear seats. That's right, the GP is a two-seater with a sturdy-looking cross brace where rear passengers typically sit.

It all sounds great, though the actual driving experience is somewhat disappointing. Check out our video on how the JCW GP compares to the Honda Civic Type R. The more humble Hardtop 2 Door models stay closer to the Mini script and are better for it. Some competing hatchbacks are more practical or more affordable — or both. But nothing can top the Hardtop 2 Door for providing retro fun with modern conveniences.

What's it like to live with?

We spent a full year with a Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, shortly after the third-generation made its public debut. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we found plenty to like. There have been some changes since we tested that 2014 model, but the 2021 2 Door is still of the same generation and many of our observations still apply. Click here to read more about our time with the Mini Cooper.

Which Hardtop 2 Door does MatoCar recommend?

The Mini Hardtop 2 Door comes in five main trim levels. The gas-powered Minis include the Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works (JCW) and John Cooper Works GP. Mini also offers the all-electric Cooper SE. From there, you can pick subtrims such as Classic, Oxford Edition, Signature and Iconic. You can consider them packages that essentially add features.

Cooper Hardtop 2 Door Kicks things off with:

• Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque)
• Six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed automatic
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Heated sideview mirrors
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Simulated leather seats
• 6.5-inch touchscreen
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Higher performance from:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque)
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Additional driving modes
• Sport seats

John Cooper Works Amps up the aggression with sporty accessories such as:

• More powerful 2.0-liter engine (228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque)
• LED headlights
• Sport suspension
• 17-inch wheels
• Upgraded sport seats

John Cooper Works GP A hardcore, dedicated sports model for track use that includes:

• High-output 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• GP-specific suspension tuning
• 18-inch wheels
• Larger brakes
• Digital instrument cluster
• No rear seats
• Large rear wing

Cooper SE An all-electric model focused on efficiency. It has:

• 181-hp electric motor
• 110 miles of range

From here, you can add more features through packages and stand-alone options. The exact packaged features differ slightly depending on which main trim you pick, but broadly these packages include:

Oxford Edition A budget-friendly package available on the Hardtop 2 Door base Classic trim that adds:

• 17-inch wheels
• Heated seats
• Panoramic sunroof

Signature

• LED headlights
• Heated front seats
• Keyless ignition and entry

Iconic Includes the above, plus:

• Premium leather upholstery
• 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Head-up display
• Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Premium package
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Harman Kardon sound system
• Satellite radio

Some of the packaged features are also available as stand-alone options. A Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and automated parking system) is available with all three subtrims. Mini also offers a range of ways to customize your Hardtop with special wheel designs, unique exterior and interior trim, and special hood or roof graphics.