MINI JCW Convertible Essentials

FIRST UK DRIVE Verdict on British roads as hot MINI loses its lid MINI JCW Convertible

MINI’S spiciest models haven’t always been as convincing with the roof off as they are in hatchback form; the powerful engines often wrote cheques that the wobblier chassis couldn’t cash. But the latest Convertible seems stiffer and better to drive than ever. Is the most hardcore John Cooper Works version as convincing?

There’s no mistaking the JCW for a lesser MINI. The muscular bumpers and deep air intakes, red detailing and unique black and silver alloys state the car’s racy intent nicely. Inside, you’ll find the same figure-hugging seats, JCW branding and dash as in the hatch.

The exhaust and pace are the dominant themes of the JCW’S driving experience. With 228bhp on tap, it’s one of the most powerful small cars around, bettering the already quick Cooper S by 39bhp. It fires through the rev range, picking up from around 1,500rpm and only tailing off near the red line. All the while, the exhaust parps and bangs whether the car is in ‘mid’ mode or the (artificially) louder ‘sport’ mode. It’s even louder with the roof down.

It’s worth noting, however, that the drop-top is nearly 100kg heavier than the JCW hatch, thanks to additional chassis strengthening. It’s three-tenths slower from 0-62mph, and while this car feels fast in isolation, it doesn’t seem as urgent as the hard-top. Still, the six-speed manual box is excellent, featuring handy rev-matching on downshifts. The auto box, while faster on paper, dilutes the sense of speed.

Thankfully, the JCW Convertible retains most of the hatchback’s handling ability. Turn-in is sharp, thanks to the direct and weighty steering, grip is decent and body roll is kept at bay. On smooth roads you’d be hard pressed to tell it apart from the hatch, but over rutted tarmac, the lack of body strength and stiff suspension are apparent. The body shimmies with the roof down, and with it up you can hear clangs and rattles from the roof mechanism.

Furthermore, the ride might be a bit too much for some. It’s softer than previous JCWS, but it’s still sharp and unforgiving on bad surfaces and a world away from the well controlled Cooper S. The hatchback is equally stiffly sprung, but the rigid body deals with potholes with more aplomb.

It’s blustery with the roof down at speed, although the optional wind deflector will reduce the impact. The roof itself insulates well, folds quickly and even allows a decent amount of headroom in the back. Legroom is tighter than in the hatch, though, so adults won’t be all that happy.