Standard electronic stability control and six airbags ensure the John Cooper Works is one of the safest cars on sale. The MINI hatch has also scored well in official European crash tests, with a maximum five-star score for adult occupant protection.

The hatchback version of the MINI John Cooper Works will feel small and cramped compared to rivals like the Renaultsport Clio 197. Rear leg room is tight and the boot is much smaller than expected in a modern small car with just 160 litres of space available (that’s less than a Ford Ka). The 2009 Clubman version has more space with a 260-litre capacity, but rear visibility is poor because of the twin rear doors.

However the extra side door (on the drivers’ side) makes getting in and out of the back slightly easier. The convertible actually has slightly more space than the hatch with 170-litres but it’s still very small and with the roof lowered this is cut to a mere 125-litres so you’ll struggle to carry anything more than a few shopping bags. The Paceman JCW’s loadbay is 330 litres which extends to 1,080 with the rear seatbacks down.