Launched late last year, along with the larger Clubman model, the John Cooper Works (JCW) version of the MINI Convertible dispels any notion of being a hairdresser’s car. Having said that, an appointment with your hairdresser may be necessary as the JCW Convertible will literally blow your hair back.

The MINI JCW Convertible’s main attraction is, of course, the engine. A reworked version of the 1,6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged unit found in the MINI Cooper S Convertible is responsible for churning out 155 kW and 260 N.m of torque. JCW engineers have made a number of changes to achieve these figures, including improved air flow to the turbocharger, improved exhaust gas management for better turbo response at low engine speeds, as well as increased charge pressure from 0.9 to 1.3 bar. The result is a healthy torque curve between 1 850 – 5 600 rpm, with an additional 20 N.m ‘Overboost’ function available between 2 000 rpm and 5 300 rpm.

In the real world this means the MINI JCW Convertible doesn’t hang about. In-gear acceleration is impressive, even when using higher gears at lower speeds. With less weight to cart around (1 230 kg’s) compared to larger, similarly powered hot hatches, the MINI JCW Convertible rockets off the line and reaches 100 km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h. MINI claim the average fuel consumption to be 7.1 l/100km and CO2 emissions to 169 grams per kilometre. Thanks to the wide spread of torque this figure is not overly optimistic, as we were able to achieve 7.4 l/100km in the extra urban environment. It is optimistic to think that you’d be able to resist experiencing the MINI’s tantalising performance at any opportunity.

But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility and so when you decide to bury your right foot, you’d better be able to keep up. Under full acceleration you’ll be single-handedly fighting fierce torque-steer as you snap through the gears. The short-wheelbase and sports suspension mean the car responds to every bump and imperfection in the road, following the camber and demanding focus to keep the car on your chosen line.

The JCW’s suspension is hard and not very forgiving. On pristine, smooth road surfaces the JCW is fantastic, with loads of grip exploitable via the accurate and quick steering. In fact, the JCW’s grip levels feel pretty much on par with the latest, and well sorted, Renault Clio RS, which sticks to the road like a gecko to a wall. As on the Coopers S, the ‘Sport’ button sharpens throttle response and firms up the steering, placing the MINI in ‘attack mode’. Pressing the ‘DTC’ button (Dynamic Traction Control) activates the electronic diff-lock on the front axle. This system limits slip from a drive wheel by applying the brakes appropriately, allowing you to floor the accelerator pedal out of corners without understeering off into the bushes. The DTC system does allow a smooth and controllable amount of wheelspin, with the DSC system still able to assist in avoiding potential disaster – beware the lift off oversteer though. The MINI JCW is fitted with a set of John Cooper Works emblazoned, red aluminium brake callipers, with 316 mm discs up front and 280 mm at the rear.

As with the Cooper S Convertible, the JCW’s body has been crash-optimised and reinforced to provide extra rigidity. With the roof up there is still a fair amount of chassis flex evident through the creeks and rattles of the folding roof. The low profile 17-inch run flat tyres and taught sports suspension don’t help in this regard, but fold down the canvas roof (in just 15 seconds) and the car transforms into a smooth operator, with any obvious signs of scuttle shake dissolved. The topless driving experience is similar to that of the Cooper S Convertible we tested a few months ago, but with the major difference being the sound from the sports exhaust. The ‘wooosh’ from the turbocharger and a raspy exhaust note resonate at the slightest touch of the accelerator, while the two large tail pipes emit crackles and pops each time you lift off the throttle. And, if you lift off the throttle at high revs in 2nd or 3rd gear, you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying backfire and a scowl from innocent bystanders.

It’s an eye-catching car, especially in bright red and easily stands out from more ‘standard’ MINI’s in the range, thanks to a sporty bodykit consisting of deep bumpers, gloss black accents around the grille and on the side mirrors, vented side skirts, exclusive 17-inch JCW wheels and large twin exhaust protruding beneath the rear bumper.

At R378 850, before selecting any options, the MINI JCW Convertible is not cheap. But you don’t buy the JCW Convertible for its practicality or fuel economy. You buy a MINI Cooper JCW Convertible for its head turning looks and sound, its involving drive and the heightened experience of it all with the roof off. Plus, you can rest assured knowing you can blow off any pretenders from robot-to-robot.

The MINI Mk2 was launched in 2007 and received many styling and engineering changes to meet tightening safety regulations and improve efficiency. It’s clear however, that BMW is on to a winning formula, as concepts like the Beachcomber, Coupe, Roadster and Crossover have created much hype and anticipation among fans. Further proof of the brand’s success were the well attended 50th anniversary celebrations held last year, which took place across the globe, including the local town of Clarence in the Free State. We decided to find out what all the fuss is about and, being summer in South Africa, we could think of no better way to soak up the sun than in the Cooper S Convertible.

Interior
Hands down, the MINI has one of the most engaging interiors of any car available today. The retro design provides a feast for the senses and offers solid build quality to match. The exception is the ‘Always-Open Timer’ that pokes out from the rev counter, which feels a bit too plasticy and blocks the flow of air from the centre air vent. Even despite its gimmicky function of recording how much travel time has elapsed with the roof folded away, its foibles are forgiven in the name of funky design. But retro does not necessarily mean old, and the MINI Cooper S Convertible is fitted with an array of modern conveniences such as satnav, climate control, cruise control, bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary connection for MP3-players and more. Comfort levels in the Cooper S Convertible are high, with supportive leather sports seats holding you in place and all the instruments easily accessible – barring the centrally mounted speedo that was difficult to read at a glance. Rear passengers, well, lets just say that the rear seats are best used only if you really have to – rear legroom is non existent and after a 15 minute blast down the road our passengers were happy to disembark. Behind the rear seats lies a tiny boot with just 170-litres available with the roof closed, and a more useful 660-litres with the rear-seat backrest folded down. Equally as small is the fold-down tailgate through which we contorted our shopping bags in order to fit. But despite the lack of space behind the B-pillar, the car still offers a unique, fun and well appointed interior.

Exterior
The Cooper S Convertible loses none of its MINI pedigree when swapping its hardtop for a canvas roof. In fact, the convertible’s looks remain unchanged to those of the conventional Cooper S, with compact dimensions, 17-inch light alloy wheels at each corner, various chrome accents and centrally-mounted twin tailpipes adding to the S’s sporty appeal. Despite the MINI being a familiar sight on our roads, the Cooper S Convertible still manages to turn heads, especially with the roof folded down and the chrome roll-over bar glistening in the sunshine.

The Drive
It’s common knowledge that when a manufacturer removes the roof on one of their models, the car is going to lose rigidity in its chassis and will be more flexible. As a result, the MINI’s body has been crash-optimised and further reinforced to provide extra rigidity. But despite losing 10 kg’s over the previous generation convertible, the already stiff ride has become particularly choppy on all but the smoothest of roads. The MINI creeks and rattles along on run flat tyres and taught sports suspension. Drop the roof however and the car seemingly transforms into a smooth operator with any obvious signs of scuttle shake dissolved. Open top cruising is a pleasure and the wind-deflector fits quickly and easily in place to prevent buffeting. We weren’t quite sure why the MINI is fitted with park distance sensors at the rear, until we noticed that because the canvas top stacks itself behind the rear headrests, it wipes out the view from your rearview mirror. With such short overhangs we still don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s a nice touch. The canvas roof also features a separate sliding roof function that allows it to open just above the driver and passenger area, acting as a sunroof. Steering response is lightening quick and combined with the sports suspension, makes for a nervous ride on most roads. Head for a freshly tarred strech of tarmac however and the Cooper S Convertible delivers accurate steering, surefooted grip and a truly sporty drive synonymous with the ‘S’ badge. But this is a convertible we’re talking about after all and although it is fun to drive, if not a little skittish on bumpy roads, it does do cruising best and we’d recommend the more focused, and cheaper, JCW model for more spirited driving.

Performance
Beneath the bonnet of the Cooper S Convertible lies a 1,6-litre 4-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection that delivers 128 kW at 5 500 rpm and maximum torque of 240 N.m. Combined with a rorty exhaust note, low seat height and direct steering, the engine seems to fire the little car toward the horizon at what feels like a wicked pace. This MINI seems far quicker than the 7.4 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint would suggest and the same goes for in-gear acceleration. A smaller capacity turbocharged engine means fuel consumption is an economical 7.2 l/100km, but when that’s not your primary concern, the MINI Cooper S Convertible offers a “Sport” mode with the push of a button. When engaged, this mode tightens the steering and quickens the response of the drive-by-wire throttle, to give the MINI real go-kart like characteristics. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers short throws and is fun to use, although the torquey engine often makes changing down unnecessary.

What we like…

• Great performance from the turbocharged engine.
• Engaging interior design and functionality.
• Funky convertible with near limitless personalisation.
• Nothing else like it, but the Fiat 500C will arrive this year to offer a cheaper retro-chic alternative.

What we would like…

• Better sound insulation with the roof on.
• More compliant suspension to take the harsh edge off the ride.
• A cheaper price tag – unless of course you like flicking your hair back and thinking “I’m worth it”.