Review MINI John Cooper Works convertible

"With 208bhp the John Cooper Works convertible is best enjoyed with the hood down, listening to the crackle of its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine." The ultimate MINI Convertible keeps all the traits of the JCW Hatchback, coming with 208bhp and a 148mph top speed. With an exhaust note that crackles at idle like the 1959 original, the ‘go-kart’ handling is matched to the enjoyment of open-top motoring. The electric fabric roof does limit boot space, but it also folds up and down quickly at the press of a button. An extensive options list means it's easy to personalize, with three separate colours available for the fabric roof. High quality materials feature throughout, while excellent resale values mean the performance MINI is a sensible, if expensive choice for sun worshippers. The JCW provides cracking entertainment in a highly desirable and fashionable cabriolet package. Drive4.7 /5 The feeling of speed is amplified in the JCW Convertible The Convertible keeps the hatchback's ‘go-kart’ handling, making this one of the most fun to drive convertibles on sale. Sitting low and close to the road, the adjustable driving position remains, as does the feeling of space up front. Make no mistake; this is a seriously rapid convertible MINI, feeling and sounding like a racing car with the roof down, thanks to its 208bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The JCW offers plenty of grip and traction, while it is also ten per cent stiffer than its predecessor, minimalizing rattles while improving safety and handling. Comfort4.0 /5 Comfortable for two people only With a race-inspired chassis, the MINI is reasonably firm, notably over poorer road surfaces with its large 17-inch alloys. Body shake is kept to a minimum with the roof down, while the mechanism can be operated on the move at low speeds. There's lots of front headroom, with plenty of seat adjustment even for taller drivers. The massive central speedometer is clear to read, offering a digital readout on the rev counter. The rear seats sit more upright than the hatchback, while limited shoulder and legroom make them suitable only for shorter journeys. Reliability4.3 /5 The five star Euro NCAP rating provides everything you need to know The Oxford built car came 37th for reliability in Driver Power 2010. The quality is excellent, as is safety, with front, side and head airbags, and a set of pop-up roll bars that help prevent injuries in the unlikely event of the car rolling over. The MINI has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, making it a safe option for buyers. Practicality2.9 /5 The least practical MINI The Convertible is the least practical MINI money can buy. The roof configuration means the car is no longer a hatchback, making the separate boot essentially a large glove compartment. At 125-litres, it's minute, even the Smart ForTwo convertible has a larger 220-litre capacity. The car does come with split folding rear seats however, which prove useful, but the small rear seats are almost unusable. Rear visibility is also limited, due to the higher line of the folded roof mechanism. Value for money3.8 /5 It's one of the most expensive MINIs you can buy As with most MINIs, the JCW Convertible isn’t cheap. The starting price of £22,330 can quickly creep past £26,000 with a few options. For a performance model, standard kit is disappointing, with just a unique bodykit offering visual clues to the performance. Inside the upgrades are also minimal, with proper buckets being a pricey option. The JCW convertible counters this however with class leading resale values thanks to a highly desirable image. Running costs4.2 /5 Emissions relate to annual tax bills of £165 Thanks to a programme of fuel saving measures called MINImalism, the JCW is relatively economical, offering a combined cycle of 39.8mpg, with road Tax for a year being £165. Add the ‘tlc’ service package-which for just £200 provides five years of servicing, and the MINI is an admirably cheap to run drop-top.