The MINI Cooper is simply a great car. But for drivers who crave high-performance, the John Cooper Works version dials up the power quotient. And, for those wanting performance wrapped in a special package, the new-for-2019 John Cooper Works Hardtop International Orange Edition is a stylish, super-athlete. The car’s unique features include 18-inch ferric gray wheels with performance tires, high-gloss midnight black metallic rear spoiler, exhaust with Bluetooth-controlled flap, carbon fiber mirror caps, and black body side stripes. A week-long test drive of this vibrant model underscored admiration overdrive for the numerous fun-inspired design cues -- like the headlight surround that illuminates when the turn signal is used.

Powering the tested MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop was a 2.0-liter twin-turbo 4-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Engine mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. In its International Orange Edition presentation, this snazzy subcompact includes a long list of standard fare, including panorama sunroof, heated front seats, Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate control, LED headlights, LED center instrument ring, 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, and eight airbags. The 2019 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop International Orange Edition carries an MSRP of $41,600, and the tested model with automatic transmission collected estimated mpg of 25 city/32 highway.