Even a parked MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Coupe looks incredibly tantalizing. But insert the key fob and press the dashboard starter, and be prepared to drive and drive and drive. This is the kind of performance car that makes it hard (very hard) to get out of the driver’s seat. The test driven JCW Coupe’s turbocharged, direct injected 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine cranks out 208 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 192 pounds-feet of torque between 1750-5500 rpm. It’s not whip- snap acceleration, but the travel time is sensational throughout the 6.3 seconds consumed on a 0 to 60 mph straight-line when fitted with the automatic transmission.

The 2013 models provide Bluetooth connectivity as standard equipment versus the 2012 model year’s $500 option. JCW Coupe has a 6-speed manual Getrag transmission as standard equipment. A 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is a $1,250 option. The automatic transmission’s gears can be changed manually via gearbox selector lever or steering wheel shifter paddles. This two-seater was comfortable for a 5-foot, 4-inch driver and a 6-foot, 4-inch passenger thanks to 41.7 inches of legroom. Full access to the cargo zone is via the outside trunk. There’s also a pass-through door that opens from the inside. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupe with automatic transmission collects estimated mpg of 26 city/34 highway. The MSRP with manual transmission is $31,350.