MINI was once a brand that sold just a single, simple model: the Cooper. The modern MINI, though, is a thoroughly diverse operation. Though the basic theme remains – MINI builds compact and cute urban runabouts – they’ll make you something with two, three, or five doors; with diesel or petrol power; a roof or no roof; slow or fast. And it’s at that fast end of the spectrum where we think MINIs are at their most joyful – and the 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, equipped with a fast-dropping soft top, a powerful 170kW turbo engine and an awesome exhaust note, is the most fun MINI you can buy today.
That’s because the JCW convertible is close to the perfect MINI mix. You get the things that make every MINI loveable: the instantly recognisable shape, the go-kart steering and the sharp dimensions that make it so easy to drive in the city.
Then, MINI’s John Cooper Works skunkworks add in another layer of verve – the stuff that makes the JCW editions feel like proper performance cars. The 170kW, 320Nm turbo four is genuinely punchy; the crackling, popping exhaust note beats many sports cars four times the price; and with extra stiffness, a JCW MINI attacks corners with real viciousness.
Sure, a hardtop MINI is stiffer still, and without a convertible’s weight penalty, the handling remains a degree better, but when it comes to simple, go-kart-like driving – the entire MINI mission – the wind-in-your-hair thrills of a convertible top are hard to beat. The MINI JCW convertible is just so easy to love – and at just under $55,000 with either manual or auto, and with no real need to touch the options list – it’s pretty good value, too.