Power: Torque: Transmission: 0-100km/h: Top speed: Fuel: CO2: Price:

ing even further with features like a trick manual gearbox that blips the throttle on downshifts for flawless cog swapping.

Then there’s the BMW-sourced engine that produces more torque lower down the rev range — which means less stirring of the gear lever, even through some of this circuit’s tighter hairpin bends. The Brembo brakes provide ample stopping power, while twin tailpipes spit out a metallic snarl which is peppered with burps and pops when you come off the gas. There’s still a good sense of occasion in this car.

What I’m not particularly fond of is the revised electro-mechanical power steering. In the old JCW the leather helm in front of you felt fused to the bones in your hands. The new one, despite being similarly direct, doesn’t have quite the same feel as previous hot Mini models.

I’m also dubious about the electronic “limited-slip differential”. A proper mechanical unit limits wheel spin with worm and spur gears. Here Mini mimics this effect using microchips and the front brakes. It’s artful imitation that works pretty well, all things considered, but I’d still prefer the real deal.

But I’m starting to nitpick. Considering the evils of performancecar evolution, Mini has just about managed to engineer a hard-charging package that blends the best of both worlds. For even though it has lost the raw, unrelenting edge of its predecessor, the new JCW remains a highly competent driving tool.

It may take a while to find but the talent is still there. It’s just hiding behind a much thicker veneer of comfort and refinement. All of which ultimately means that getting into trouble with the law will now require even less effort than it did before. You’ve been warned.