Overall rating:

We've bemoaned impractical MINIs in hatchback guise, so turning it into a coupé only compounds the issue. Still, 211bhp and a 6.4-second 0-62mph time are a pleasing distraction, even if we're still not entirely sold on the MINI Coupé's looks.

Key Facts

Model tested: MINI John Cooper Works Coupé
Pricing: £23,795
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Sport, Peugeot RCZ Sport THP 200, Renault Mégane 250 Cup
CO₂ emissions: 185g/km
Combined economy: 39.8mpg
Top speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 6.4 seconds
Power: 211bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 192lb.ft at 1,850 - 5,600rpm

Inside & Out:

The MINI Coupé certainly turns heads, the slightly bonkers roofline with its rear spoiler overhanging the back window somewhat incongruously plonked on top of a MINI bonnet and beltline. It's never sat comfortably in my eyes, but I clearly know little as it attracted more favourable comment than any car I've driven recently.

My dislike of the exterior is carried over inside, the toggle-switched, disco-lighted round-themed interior all feeling a bit contrived and tired now. It works well though, even if that coupé roof doesn't - for visibility out, and for pouring rainwater all over your back when opening it when it's wet. The boot is big though, but of course you've no rear seats.

Ride & Handling:

With its more rakish roof and stiffened coupé structure the John Cooper Works should drive with even more agility and poise than its hatchback relative. Truth is, without a direct comparison back-to-back you'd struggle to tell - except you have a more obscured view out of the Coupé. It's actually 25kg heavier, too.

The steering is quick, though it's light on feel, and give the engine its head and there's a fair bit of fight through the chunky rim. The ride suffers for the Coupé's agility and lower ride height, the suspension struggling on rougher surfaces, being unsettled on our poorly surfaced roads. Despite all that it remains huge fun to drive quickly.

Engine & Transmission:

MINI's 1.6-litre turbo is a cracking unit; there's nowhere it doesn't feel quick and it's especially fast when reaching the upper revs. That's backed up by an entertaining soundtrack, which becomes more intense if you push the Sport button.

Popping on the overrun, the exhaust is loud, underlining the MINI's enthusiast appeal. Its real strength is torque output, with a peak of 192lb.ft delivered from 1,850rpm right around to 5,600rpm, making it possible to forget gear changing and let the engine do the work. The six-speed manual gearbox shifts cleanly enough, while the pedals are well placed for quick, accelerator-blipping downshifts.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

It does feel and look special - though the styling really is a personal thing - but it's difficult to really see the additional excitement the coupé has over its hatchback relative. The coupé compromises are fine if there's a marked increase in driver appeal, and there's little apparent here. More choice if you're after a furiously fast MINI, but we'd have the more restrained looks and - we never thought we'd apply this word to a MINI - greater practicality of the hatchback. And save some money, too.