2016 Mini John Cooper Works Convertible Unveiled

Mini's drop-top follow-up to the speedy John Cooper Works hatch has finally broken cover, boasting the same mechanical package as the tin-top but in a more suntan-friendly package.

There are sacrifices made, however, thanks to the extra weight of the JCW Convertible's power-retractable fabric roof.

Kerb weight rises by 130kg (add a further 10kg for the auto) compared to the JCW hatch, and the 0-100km/h sprint is 0.3 seconds slower for the manual at 6.6 seconds, and 0.4 seconds slower for the auto convertible at 6.5 seconds.

That said, compared to the previous-generation R56 JCW Convertible, the new F56 model is 0.3 seconds quicker in manual form and a notable 0.6 seconds faster as an automatic.