Nuts and bolts

Bottom line: Mini cars can be “mini” — as in the truly tiny Hardtop, Coupe or Convertible. If you want more space, consider the Clubman or Countryman wagons.

Ride, acceleration and handling: You have pure joy on well-maintained paved roads. But poorly maintained roadways can be a pain in the bottom. Acceleration and handling are excellent.

Head-turning quotient: It has a cute exterior with a well-tufted, ergonomically sensible interior. The Mini Connected system with a 6.5-inch screen is an option worth considering.

Engine/transmission: It comes with a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, twin-turbocharged gasoline engine with variable valve timing (228 horsepower, 258 poundfeet of torque). A six-speed manual transmission is standard. An automatic transmission that also can be operated manually is optional. The John Cooper Works All4, as its name implies, is allwheel-drive.

Capacities: The 2017 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works seats five people. Cargo capacity with all seats in place is 17.5 cubic feet. The fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons of gasoline. Premium grade is required.

Real-world mileage: I averaged 28 miles per gallon in highway driving.

Safety: Standard equipment includes ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, four-wheel anti-lock brake protection, brake drying, emergency braking preparation, pre-collision safety system, traction and stability control, post-collision safety system, and side and head airbags.

Note: Many of the advanced electronic safety items are contained in option packages, such as the “technology package.” It’s expensive but worth it.

Pricing: The 2017 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works All4 starts at $33,100. As driven for this column, it is $45,000, including $8,500 in options (advanced electronic safety measures and other items) and an $850 factory-to-dealer shipment charge. This is a glorious little bauble, which means many dealers are reluctant to bargain. But we’re at the end of the year on the 2017 models. You might catch a break on pricing.