MINI is upping the ante with its new convertible by adding a high performance John Cooper Works model to the line up.

With the new open top due for release in the spring, the uprated JCW version will be priced from £26,300 - £4,200 more than Cooper S.

Power from the 2.0-litre turbo engine is up 39 horsepower to 231hp which results in a 0 to 60 time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 149mph.

Automatic versions, fitted with a steptronic box and costing from £28,205, are marginally quicker yet more frugal thanks to stop/start and a coasting function which gives it an official fuel return of 47.9mpg with emissions of 138g/km. As a manual it is rated at 43.5mpg.

Uprated brakes and suspension are fitted to cope with the extra power and like all versions of the new MINI convertible, the JCW model comes with the option of a Union Jack pattern on the hood.

The John Cooper Works convertible also features additional aerodynamic features including extra air intakes at the front, prominent side sills and a rear diffuser.

Like other JCW MINIs the convertible will be available in a special Rebel Green paint finish.

The hood takes 18 seconds to operate and can be open and closed electronically at speeds of up to 30mph, while the car can also be fitted with a ‘weather app' which warns when rain is imminent.