It stands for John Cooper Works and when slapped on the back of a Mini Cooper S it means the car has been fitted with an all-new official tuning kit. It adds £1,545 to the cost, taking the total to £17,550, and boosts power from the 1.6-litre turbo engine to 192bhp – that’s a lot of poke for a small motor. And we can tell you the JCW-tuned Mini really does fly (no, not like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). Top speed is a licence-losing 144mph and 0-62mph takes just 6.8 seconds. This is the same performance as a Ferrari 308 GTS. And they have rear seats, so you can give your mates a lift. Although, unless they’re midgets, it’s unlikely they’ll be comfortable as there’s very little legroom. But who cares? From the driver’s seat the Mini Cooper S JCW absolutely rocks. With the performance of a ballistic missile and more cornering grip than a cat on carpet, it made us feel like Lewis Hamilton. In short, it’s one FAC (Flippin’ Ace Car).

Hot or not?

Will a MINI Cooper S JCW impress your mates and improve your pulling power?

Women
88 per cent rated the car as hot. Marketing executive Liz Moores, 24, from Southampton, says: ‘It’s a good looking car, but not too flashy. I reckon the driver would be interesting and confident, but not a show off –just the type of man I’d go for.’

Men
33 per cent rated the car as not hot.IT Consultant Ross Burridge, 30, from Bournemouth, says: ‘This car is way too camp for my liking. It’s something you’d expect Graham Norton’s plumber to drive. And it would get bullied by 4x4s, it’s not for me.’