THIS is the new MINI John Cooper Works, packing the most powerful engine ever for a production MINI.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo unit delivering 231bhp.

Drawing on MINI’s motorsport expertise, it features a package of suspension, brake, aerodynamic and interior modifications which they say will deliver race-car sensations for the driver.

Compared with the previous MINI JCW, the new model delivers 10 per cent more power and 23 per cent more torque. This brings the nought to 62 mph time down by 0.2 seconds to 6.3 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox, and by 0.6 seconds to 6.1 seconds with the optional six-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

Acceleration from 50-75 mph is now ten per cent quicker at 5.6 seconds, accompanied by an emotive rasp from twin tailpipes of the sports exhaust.

Combined consumption with the manual gearbox is 42.2 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km. With the optional Steptronic sports transmission fuel economy improves by 20 per cent to 49.5 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 133 g/km.

The suspension and the Servotronic electromechanical power steering have been tuned to allow drivers to exploit the new JCW’s extra power and torque in complete safety, and there are newly developed four-piston Brembo brakes within 17ins John Cooper Works Spoke light-alloy wheels.

Interior highlights include exclusive bucket seats with integrated headrests, a multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles - in conjunction with Steptronic transmission - gear selector, instrument displays and stainless steel pedals and footrest.