Hottest open MINI ever

MINI has billed the new John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible as the 'world's fastest small premium cabriolet', which, besides being quite a mouthful, is also quite a claim. It made its first ever public appearance on the MINI stand in Geneva today (March 3rd).

What's all the fuss about?

Since MINI bought the rights to the John Cooper Works name it has continued to roll out JCW versions of every body style it makes and with the recent launch of the new-generation Convertible it made sense to swiftly follow through with the hottest open-topped MINI yet produced. The driveline from the JCW Hatch has been carried over without change, so the eager 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot attempts to put its 208bhp and 207lb.ft down to the tarmac via the front wheels. Thankfully MINI fits all JCW Convertibles with a litany of traction and stability assisting acronyms.

Anything that stands out?

Having driven the JCW Hatch, we know that the most outstanding feature of the Convertible will be its show-stopping pace. Top speed is almost 150mph, while the 0-62mph sprint takes only 6.9 seconds. Those numbers tell only part of the tale, as the turbocharged engine endows the relatively lithe MINI Convertible with oodles of urge in the mid-range. Let's just say that you're better off not wearing a hat you'd like to keep hold of.

When can I buy one?

Glad you asked, as MINI has announced that the new JCW Convertible will go on sale in the UK on March 28th this year at a price of £23,470. That price doesn't only buy you a big fast engine; the suspension and brakes have been uprated to cope, while the interior and exterior feature bespoke styling to differentiate you from the rest of the MINI Convertible crowd.

(Extra images by United Pictures)

Shane O' Donoghue