C/D: Driven: 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Closes All Its Rings

I just bought a ‘25 JCW Convertible and I will explain why I spent $50,000 on a “less” powerful car than alternative options. (It really came down to one very rare feature) The car design allows it to be a Targa or full Convertible at anytime. Why is this important? Well, outside of Jeeps and Broncos there really isn’t another vehicle with this ability especially under $50,000. Even more over there’s barely any convertible options anymore under $50,000. So yes, your GTI, Golf R, Elantra N etc…are “better” performance buys but the tops can’t come down. Then there’s Ecoboost mustangs and Miata’s - but here’s the fatal flaw that makes the one feature above so important. Convertibles compromise storage space, so for long trips you need to utilize the backseat space for additional luggage and storage, but in a Miata that doesn’t exist, and in a Mustang if you do that you only have full top down or full top up essentially turning long road trips into a Coupe drive…defeating the purpose. Miatas also don’t have back seats and can’t seat 4 people. Not in the Mini…in the mini you can still get the open air experience while still protecting luggage in the back seats because of the Targa option for the roof. Couple this will solid performance (the thing hauls from a roll), AMAZING steering weight, incredibly Mini handling and a great time on the twisties and it was the right option under $50,000 to give performance, handling fun, and long road trip top down experiences to enjoy the weather on long drives. Outside of Jeeps and Broncos nothing else offered this complete package, and thus we made the choice and we’ve been having an amazing time with it since.