MINI’s most powerful production model ever made, the JCW, has taken the brand’s three-door hatch to really impressive levels of performance.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol delivers 231PS (228hp) and 320Nm (236lb-ft) of torque – numbers that are really similar to the VW Golf GTI Performance.

But the MINI is significantly smaller, which means it’s quicker to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standing start: 6.1 seconds with the six-speed automatic gearbox and 6.3 seconds with the six-speed manual.

As Carbuyer’s review of the JCW found out, this is a car all about driving fun. It has a very hard suspension, so don’t go and buy one simply because you like its looks – test drive one first to see if your kidneys can cope with the ride. That being said, the MINI JCW Hatch is a hoot to drive, as the following video review points out.

VIDEO