BMW now offers Mini fetishists the ultimate performance and personalisation package in the JCW John Cooper Works edition, a factory-built special from the Oxford (formerly Cowley in the old BMC days) plant where the latest Minis are built. While the individual gains over the regular Cooper S are fairly small, collectively they turn the Mini into quite a rabid little performer, upping the fun quotient considerably beyond the premium charged. But, since the Mini’s already an expensive proposition, the JCW Clubman model tested here – with a few desirable options – blows right out to become quite a pricey proposition.

And there are a couple of other issues to consider as well…