Mini John Cooper Works Convertible set for March launch

Bigger, heavier ragtop is also faster and more efficient

Mini’s action-packed John Cooper Works is about to get more action-packed than ever. Because come March, the fastest third-gen modern Mini will be available in Convertible form.

Like the rest of the range, it’s bigger than its predecessor, as well as being tweaked for style inside and out. That means it’s heavier, too. But it’s also faster – and more efficient.

Mini’s engineers have enhanced the vehicle’s suspension to go with the extra pace. So while more weight doesn’t normally mean greater agility, the Convertible should still handle the way you expect.

The same goes for its braking, courtesy of new Brembo units. And a 17” rim size aims to strike a balance between comfort and crispness – though you can go up an inch if you want to trade a little of one for more of the other.

Away from the underlying engineering, you get traction and ESP – as well as a electronic diff lock, which is fast becoming de rigeur on hot hatches everywhere.

And the heat? That comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot whose 228bhp and 236lb ft of torque will get you to 62mph in 6.6 seconds. A six-speed manual is standard, or you can trade up to an eight-speed auto with no loss of performance.

As we mentioned, it makes each drop of petrol go further too. In manual form, you’re promised 43.5mpg combined, while the auto actually increases this to 47.9mpg.

The price for all this starts at £26,630. And with that March launch date, they definitely want you to see the JCW Convertible as this summer’s must-have accessory.