Mini John Cooper Works GP review

What could be wrong with that? Well like the two previous Mini GPs, that weight reduction has been achieved largely by removing the rear seats and you might think that this car’s biggest problem. In fact it is only its most conspicuous – on the assumption you like its somewhat steroidal appearance. You’ll notice next it has an automatic gearbox and not a dual clutch transmission. There is no three pedal option.

Then you drive it. It annoys at once. The problem is not the performance, which is as good as the numbers suggest, but its delivery. The engine is strong, but the gearbox has no bite and is wrong for this kind of car. But the chassis is worse, offering ride quality that varies between poor and terrible and torque steer and tramlining that keep you busier than you want to be for all the wrong reasons.

If you can filter out this nonsense you’ll find great grip, commendable balance and decent brakes, but it’s not worth it. It might work on a track, it may be one of the fastest hatches, but on road I’ve driven nothing similar in price and pace I wouldn’t rather have. I’d take a Cooper S for two thirds the money too, let alone a Fiesta ST. Less is often more, but it works both ways, as the Mini GP proves unintentionally well.

Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP

Engine: 1998cc, 4 cyl, turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, FWD
Power: 302bhp @ 5000rpm
Torque: 332lb ft @ 1750rpm
Weight: 1255kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 241bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 164mph
Price: £35,345

Ti rating: 5/10