What's all this about?
It's a new range-topping MINI Convertible, wearing the evocative John Cooper Works (JCW) nameplate. Hence, this is the MINI JCW Convertible. Yes.
What are the key stats?
Using a development of the TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four used in the Cooper S, the JCW delivers a heady 231hp at 5,200- to 6,000rpm, with 320Nm from 1,250- to 4,800rpm. That puts it 39hp ahead of the Cooper S Convertible and 20hp up on the old JCW open-top. Thus, a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 150mph top speed make this the fastest MINI Convertible yet, while it's flexible too - 50-75mph takes just 6.1 seconds. However, you can make it even more accelerative.
How do you do that?
You plump for the optional six-speed Steptronic automatic version (a six-speed manual is the standard gearbox), which shaves a tenth off the 0-62mph time at the expense of a touch of top speed (149mph). It's also the cleaner variant of the JCW, as it returns 47.9mpg and 138g/km CO2 compared to the manual's 43.5mpg and 152g/km.
What else does the JCW have to mark it out from a Cooper S?
There's subtle badging on the front grille, boot lid and side gills, it gets its own bespoke set of 17-inch light alloy wheels (18s are an option), the lower bodywork is more muscular and full of extra cooling ducts compared to other MINI Convertibles, the interior has a snazzy set of sports seats and a JCW steering wheel that comes with paddle shifts if you opt for the auto, and the fabric roof can be had with a Union Jack flag if you'd like. As with any MINI Convertible, the roof fully lowers/raises in just 18 seconds and you can do this on the move at speeds of up to 19mph, while there's a veritable battalion of personalisation extras standing ready for the indiscriminate showroom specifier.
Any other nuggets of info?
The JCW has grown in size compared to its predecessor, meaning more room for people and cargo - on the latter score, the boot stands at 215 litres with the hood in place and 160 litres with the top down. LED lights front and rear are also standard fit on the JCW, with white indicators at the front.
How about prices and a launch date?
The manual version is £26,630 on-the-road, while the automatic is £28,205. It's available from April this year.
Matt Robinson - 14 Jan 2016