John Cooper Works hardtop and convertible trade an eighth gear ratio for 52 lb-ft of torque and better gas mileage.

While Mini has since ventured into other classes ... a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produced 134 horsepower; performance-tuned Cooper S versions got a 189-hp, turbo 2.0-liter.

Two years after the MINI Cooper hardtop hatchback was redesigned ... upgraded braking and a sport-tuned suspension.

Take the standard Mini Cooper’s compact footprint, cheerful personality, and almost-a-go-kart vibe, bestow it with a more powerful engine tune, a suspension modified for sharper handling ...

The MINI Cooper S Convertible and John Cooper Works ... according to MINI. Both models are tuned for a sporty feel and agile handling, and that certainly was the case on smooth, choppy, and ...

The Countryman incorporates the peppy and perky driving experience--and easy parking and maneuverability--of the MINI Cooper lineup ... the most of this car's excellent steering and suspension tuning- ...

Thanks largely to tweaks in the engine tune, the JCW models see a 44 ... Horsepower stays the same at 228, or 27 more than the Cooper S will give you. Mini estimates a zero-to-60 time of 5.9 ...