Category: Convertibles 
Price Range: No data available
Fantastic engine, strong performance, entertaining drive.
Very expensive, redundant rear seats, cutesy looks.
Great fun, but the price tag's in the league of more accomplished and more sporting alternatives
Our first acquaintance with this hottest-ever Mini Convertible was on track, not along a sun-drenched boulevard - and it works well in extreme conditions. This JCW version has balanced handling, and gives the impression that little has been lost with the removal of the roof; it's still very structurally rigid and sharp-reacting.
Its more natural habitat is on the road, however - though here some of its limitations do begin to show.
Throw a few bumps into the equation and there is some rattling through the steering rack, and the odd clink from the windows, suggesting some minor body flexing.
Pushing on, you'll also begin to wish for more involvement with the slightly numb steering, but the engine remains a joy. Thank the maximum 207lb ft (on overboost) deployed at just 1,850rpm, pulling strongly with plenty of overtaking punch when you need it, and going a long way to counteract the effects of the Convertible's weight gain. Come sharply off the throttle, and there's the now-familiar pop and bang through the exhaust.
A new electronic differential aids traction, using the ABS to brake an inside wheel and shuffle torque to the wheel with most grip. This is effective, but only kicks in when the ESP is fully switched out, allowing for edgy tail-out handling.
Thing is, though Mini is aiming this JCW at enthusiast drivers, for a near-£25,000 price tag (given the options list) there are some far more serious performance cars on offer. The Lotus Elise offers open-top thrills the Mini can't match, for a start, as well as being quicker and better-suited for track days. If that's pushing things a little too far, the talented Audi TT Roadster can also be bought for similar money.
