THE fastest-ever MINIs ever produced and approved for use on public roads are about to go on sale - at prices which also arguably make them the most expensive roadgoing production models in the brand's sixty year history.

But even with prices of £34,250 and £35,550 respectively, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman offer plenty of power to the pound and the potential for peak excitement.

On sale in July, they come with a 306hp turbocharged engine which endows the Clubman with a 0 to 60mph sprint time of under 4.9 seconds, with the Countryman version taking just 0.2 of a second longer at 5.1 seconds - 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models.

For the first time in any roadgoing MINI, the maximum speed of the new top sports performer has had to be electronically limited to 155mph.

This latest generation of the two-litre four-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models offers an extra 75hp at peak output and maximum torque has also increased by 100Nm to 450Nm. The latest engine is combined as standard with a new eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive.

Modifications have been made to the suspension and brakes to cope with the enhanced power and performance and an adaptive chassis with electronically controlled dampers is available as an additional option.

Standard equipment on both models includes LED headlights, MINI driving modes, a navigation pack with a 6.5 inch touchscreen display, real-time traffic information, front and rear park distance control with park assist, a rear view camera, seat heating and folding mirrors.