Mini has revealed its latest model, the Cooper S John Cooper Works Convertible, ahead of its public debut at the New York Motor Show in March.
Mated to this is a raft of driver aids, an electronic-front differential and torque steer compensation provided by the power steering to stop the front wheels squirming around if the driver plants their foot.
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Performance-wise, this means it does 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds with a manual gearbox, while the same sprint is one-tenth quicker when fitted with the optional six-speed automatic before maxing out at 150mph.
Being a convertible, strengthening beams are needed, making the car 231lbs heavier than the hardtop, which does 0-62mph in 0.3 seconds less. However, the weight hasn’t impeded economy gains. When fitted with a manual gearbox, it will return 43.5mpg - the automatic even better at 47.9mpg – a significant improvement over the previous generation model, notes Auto Express.
Being a John Cooper Works version, there's styling tweaks to differentiate it from the rest of the range. New sills give a sportier side profile and bigger front vents add a more eager, aggressive look. There are LED front and rear, plenty of JCW badging and a set of optional 18ins alloys house Brembo brakes with red callipers. The big options list also includes a woven Union flag motif on the roof.
Evo says the car will be on sale in the UK in April, with a starting price of £26,630, though buyers interested in an automatic gearbox will pay a £1,575 premium.