2016 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works revealed

The new Mini John Cooper Works Convertible has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the New York motor show in March.

What is it?

This is the open-top version of the new Mini John Cooper Works, the performance variant of the popular Mini Cooper hatchback.

This new JCW Convertible is larger than the car it replaces and also heavier, weighing in at 1310kg. Stylish 17-inch alloys are fitted as standard, although larger 18in units are also available. A performance Brembo braking system features, along with modified bodywork featuring larger air vents, revised LED headlights and new central exhaust pipes.

What engines can I choose from?

Powering the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that already features in the hard-top JCW. The engine produces 228bhp and 236lb ft of torque - 20bhp and 44lb ft more than the old model. 

Buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, while driving aids include dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control and an electronic differential lock.

Mini says the new model can reach 62mph in 6.6sec in manual form and it has a top speed of 150mph. That speed drops to 149mph in automatic guise, but the 0-62mph improves to 6.5sec.

Official fuel economy is rated at 43.5mpg on a combined cycle for the manual car and 47.9mpg for the automatic.

How much equipment does it come with?

Inside, the new Mini receives more supportive front seats with integrated headrests, a new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a new gear lever, stainless steel pedals and new instrument graphics. In most other respects, though, the equipment list is identical to that of the standard Cooper.

The options list includes a Union Jack motif that can be woven into the roof, as pictured above.

How much will it cost?

The go-faster Mini will officially go on sale in the UK in early March with a starting price of £26,630, making it around £3500 more than the JCW hatchback. Other models in the range include the JCW Countryman, which costs from £28,985 and the JCW Pacement, which is priced at £29,575.

How good are its rivals?

Very few hot hatcbacks have converible versions, which means this hot Mini will face competition from the regular hot hatch crowd, including the Ford Fiesta ST, Audi A1 and Renault Clio RS, as well as entry-level sports convertibles like the Mazda MX-5.

We didn't rate the previous version of the JCW Convertible very highly, awarding it only a two-star rating.