| Week at the Wheel | MINI John Cooper Works Convertible |

Inside & Out:

The John Cooper Works (JCW) model brings with it a more aggressive stance courtesy of the front spoilers and grille, side skirts, alloys and big bore exhaust, but other details marking out the new Convertible as just that are limited to things like the removal of the retro hinges on the boot lid. Options to personalise the MINI are as broad as ever thanks to the colours and patterns on offer.

MINI's interior is beginning to feel a little dated now and gimmicks like the G-Meter on the dash don't remedy that situation. The fit and quality are still first rate and touches like the roof mounted toggle switches and mood lighting remain favourites, but the grey and silver plastics are beginning to look aged and distinctly at odds with a price ticket pushing £25k.

Engine & Transmission:

There's no doubting the potency of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that pushes out 208bhp at 6,000rpm, but offers a linear delivery perhaps not hinted at in the headline figures. The torque curve is broad and flat with 192lb.ft available from 1,850- to 5,600rpm, temporarily boosted to 207lb.ft courtesy of an overboost facility. On the road this translates into more than enough in terms of performance with 0-60mph seen off in less than seven seconds and a maximum speed not far shy of 150mph.

In everyday driving there is a very slight pause between asking for and obtaining the full dose of power from the engine, but the lag is minimal and doesn't mar the experience. What does undermine the package is a large amount of torque steer that punishes a clumsy application of the throttle with a remedial tug of the wrists. More careful actuation does mask the issue slightly but it is ever present. Another feature you can't escape from is the exhaust noise from that fruity system; it's desirable when enjoying the drive, less so when cruising.

Ride & Handling:

In comparison to convertible - or more likely folding hardtop - rivals, the JCW is more than competitive in the handling stakes with plenty of grip available. It does tend towards an attitude of understeer, which can be driven around with appropriate use of throttle and brake, but the main shortcoming is, as ever in terms of convertibles derived from hatches, a lack of chassis rigidity. The rear view mirror gives away some of the weaknesses as images become blurred over any less than perfect surfaces.

Under duress the chassis flex can be felt through the seat of your pants and the steering. In lesser MINIs that isn't as much of an issue, but in the more driver focused JCW there's enough power, more of the time, to push the chassis beyond its comfort zone. Every chassis has a limit and in this roofless configuration at least, the JCW feels like it's pushing those limits.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Reviewing the pricing for the MINI range it isn't hard, in isolation, to understand the rather steep asking price BMW asks for the JCW. However, it's difficult to ignore that at £25k the JCW encroaches on some dangerous territory in terms of style, quality and prestige, most notably the entry level Audi TT Roadster and, for those after the ultimate sporting kicks, the Lotus Elise S. A brief virtual shop around found a five percent saving readily, but these discounts are equally applicable to the MINI's rivals. Running costs will be relatively low thanks to the servicing packs on offer, good residuals and decent economy in the early 30s mpg.

Overall:

There's a huge amount to like about the MINI Convertible in John Cooper Works guise: the looks, performance, image and prestige add up to a compelling package. However, the more enthusiastic driver will be left slightly disappointed by the chassis and would find the standard Cooper S Convertible probably as engaging. Indeed, at the price there are some altogether more driver oriented cars out there, as mentioned above. Equally, the TT must be considered a match for the MINI in terms of image. In the case of the MINI Convertible it would appear less is more.