The Mini John Cooper Works is fast, exhilarating to drive and looks sexy but as with any Mini there are downsides

I’LL confess I’ve always thought of Mini as a bit of a toy car.

They look cute and fun but if I’m dropping £30k on a ride I’ll be wanting something that’s a bit more . . . maxi.

But then I’d never driven a John Cooper Works before.

The phrase “pocket rocket” doesn’t even come close – it’s sniper’s bullet wrapped up in intercontinental missile.

With a 2-litre petrol engine, this little beauty has an incredible power-to-weight ratio and an impressive 320Nm of torque, firing you from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds.

Top speed is a tidy 153mph.

But like all tiddlers – it’s a mere 1.3 tonnes – it feels a lot more exhilarating than if you were in something bigger.

It looks sexy.

It sticks to the road and you feel confident in the corners, even when going at a fair old pace.

And the JCW Mini is more of a classic Mini size rather than the bulkier ones the firm also do.

Inside it also feels small but that’s no bad thing.

The cab is unfussy and dominated by the signature circular display in the centre of the dash.

All the gadgets are here – adaptive cruise control, head-up display, parking assist.

It rolls on 17in wheels but for another £700 you can bolt on 18in wheels, a full 8in bigger than those on the original Morris Mini in 1959.

The trim is tasty too – it feels solid and expensive.

Piano Black interior, carbon black leather seats, leather steering wheel.

A panoramic roof, darkened rear glass and racy paint job give it a cool feel and it looks sexy in the car park.

As with any Mini, there are downsides.

The back seats are minuscule with little leg room.

The boot has about enough room for a weekend away.

And that’s what this car is essentially.

Something for the weekend, a run-around for those with some disposable cash who want to explore Britain’s deserted hairpins.

For a few more grand you can get it as a drop-top for that extra man-vs-country lanes thrill.

Mini’s adverts used to talk about their cars giving you a Mini adventure and I used to think that was pretty naff.

But, at the risk of repeating myself, I’d never driven a John Cooper Works-tuned Mini before.