The Mini with the works
Mini John Cooper Works, from $49,400 plus on-road and dealer costs.
Vital statistics: 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cyl; 155kW/260Nm; 6-sp man; 6.9L/100km and 164g/km CO2; FWD.
He: Mini recently updated its Cooper range by adding new goodies inside and giving the outside a minor facelift. We tested the range-topping John Cooper Works model, which is fitted with a higher-output turbocharged engine as well as some sporty add-ons. I couldn't get enough of the exhaust note.
She It's an absolute gem of a car. I love that its agility is backed with a really solid, well-put-together feel inside and out. My kids loved it, too, and say the back seats are as comfy as the front. One complaint though: a clown-sized speedo means way too much comment on speed from the back seat.
He: That speedo isn't to all tastes but I liked it in combination with the mood lights above the seatbelts and the Bang & Olufsen stereo. It does feel well put together and the body-hugging seats help cushion occupants from the sporty, sometimes bumpy, ride.
She: I liked the way it rode, too. I think Mini designs close, supportive, yet generous-feeling small spaces well. Homogenous materials, well-thought-out finishes and a simple, well-detailed layout make the JCW a pleasure to be in. Did you get lots of comments?
He: Yes, it's undoubtedly a head-turner, even if the design hasn't really changed in about 10 years. The JCW model, in particular, combines fun and funky, while the stiffer suspension and added oomph make it the sort of car you'd love to take on a winding-road weekend away. But I've got to say, the circa $50,000 price tag is a big ask for a small four-seater car.
She: It didn't nuke me. If I had to choose between this and a Golf R, for instance, I would go for the personality and solidity of the Cooper. It hit the mark on fuel consumption, design and performance. This is a car that is going to go the distance. What would you buy instead?
He: It does have a strong engine, nicely weighted gearshift, beefy steering and a solid feel but I'd probably want to drive the Audi A1 (with 136kW) first. Renault's Megane RS250 is cheaper, too, and is bound to be a rarer sighting.
She: For me, the John Cooper Works.