OPEN TO THE WORKS? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The fieriest kind of MINI Convertible is this one, the John Cooper Works variant. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the latest F67 version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 29

Is this the most desirable small MINI? It's certainly the most expensive - the brand's John Cooper Works Convertible. Fast, firm and very expensive, could you really justify one?

Backgroundword count: 94

MINI offers its latest John Cooper Works model in three flavours these days; as a conventional 3-Door Hatch; as a 3-Door Hatch with full-electric power; or as the combustion powered Convertible model were going to look at here. In terms of smiles-per-mile, you'd have to think this drop-top version would be the most fun - and it's hard to see too much direct competition to it. But for the money MINI's asking for this model, there's an awful lot else a committed fashion-conscious driving enthusiast could choose. So is this JCW Convertible worth it?

Driving Experienceword count: 266

As with the previous generation JCW Convertible, power comes from the twin scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder engine used in the Cooper S, which in the JCW develops 228hp (compared to 204hp in the Cooper S). As with all current MINI Hatch models, you now have to have it with 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift auto transmission. The 0-62mph time hasn't changed, still at 6.4s (0.3s slower than the JCW hatch), which is actually an achievement because in this latest form, this JCW model weighs 40kg more than its predecessor. MINI upped torque by 60Nm to make sure performance wasn't affected by this. Launch control is standard, as is a fruity exhaust note embellished by the audio speakers. It actually sounds very realistic. But you're going to have to put up with a very firm standard of ride; try before you buy. Obviously the pay-off is super-agile handling, helped by a direct steering rack. That roof is much as before and takes 18 seconds to rise and 15 seconds to close at speeds of up to 19mph. While opening, the window bars and side windows are lowered to provide a completely unobstructed view of the surroundings. As previously, you can partially drop the top (by 40cms) to mimic a sunroof. And there's a wind deflector to reduce buffeting.  As usual with a small MINI, there's a choice of 'Experience' drive modes, not many of which have much to do with driving. Select from 'Core', 'Green', 'Go-Kart', 'Personal', 'Vibrant', 'Timeless', 'Balance' and 'Trail'. Those settings connected to drive features alter steering feel and gear shift timings.

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