Now, before I go on, I should point out the fact that my tester came quite well equipped before the JCW package was added. It already had the Premium Package ($ 1,600), the Sport Package ($ 1,200, Almost a must if you're going to add the JCW kit to it), and the Chrome Line Package ($ 390) which I must say, certainly adds to the look of the vehicle.

My tester also carried the optional Limited Slip Diff ($650, Again, wise to have with the JCW package), and Comfort Access, Piano Black Trim, and the Lounge Leather interior. The last one prices out at $1,900, but I dare anyone out there to view it and not order their vehicle with it, because it's stunning!

Of course, when you add this all up, you may get a bit of a shock because you'll find that you're only just under $40k ($ 39,292 to be exact). And don't expect to find too many deals on one, because as I hear it, Mini's are selling like hot cakes at the moment.

Now that begs the question, why? After all, the Mini is a pretty small vehicle to warrant those kinds of bucks.


Well, I've thought about that, and I think that I can sum that up in one simple sentence..."No other vehicle on earth drives like a Mini".

Yes, a Shelby Mustang, or a Charger SRT8 might turn heads, but if they could turn corners as good as a Mini, they could be a lot better. Ask anyone who has ever driven a Mini...They go around corners as if on rails!

Naturally, there are one or two cars out there in this price range which offer similar performance and road holding. I'm perhaps thinking of the VW GTI, and possibly the Mazda Speed 3, both of which are great cars. In fact, on the track, I'd put the Mazda pretty close to the Mini in handling.

However, the BMW has a huge advantage over them in the Mini. Not only can it produce the cutesy look, whilst at the same time being known as a tarmac ripping pocket rocket, but its basic design is hard to top.

Think about that for a moment. You go out today and buy the VW or the Mazda, then crash bang wallop, next year the new model comes out. Now you're driving around in what everyone's calling "the old version".

Not with a Mini! BMW specifically designed it to look like the old original Mini, and to cash in on the heritage factor. Therefore, it's a little difficult for them to go off track and design a completely new looking one. In fact, very few people can tell the difference between an 06 Mini and the new current shape.

In my mind, this makes it the perfect little vehicle to own long term, which nicely brings me back to, why spend the extra money for the JCW package?

My answer is, why not. If you are going to buy the best small performance car on the planet, pay the extra money and get the whole kit and caboodle. After all, you're never going to want to sell it!!!

You think that I'm joking, but I'm not. To prove that point, I'm going to tell you a true story...I've just had a conversation with a friend of mine. He owns a new Porsche Cayman, and his wife has a Boxster. He also owns a Land Rover and a few vintage race cars. He purchased a Cooper S when they first came out. He drove it, his wife did, and now his daughter has it. However, she is going away to Europe to study, so he tells me, and he's decided to sell off his Cayman and go back into the Mini for the summer.

Doesn't that just say it all!!!!