But is 208 ponies too much power for the small, front-drive chassis?

(Photo: John Leblanc, Auto123.com)

The LSD does a good job of quelling the inevitable torque steer. But it's only during low-speed/high-torque situations that there's any tugging at the tiller. At higher speeds, feel is not diminished in the steering, and if anything, the standard 205/45R17 run-flat radials combined with this suspension setup is even more compliant than the last Cooper S I drove. You could see that BMW may have maxed-out this first gen Mini chassis. Any more power increases will have to be saved for the forthcoming Mini 2.

Still, is this super subcompact hatch really worth $40 large?

(Photo: John Leblanc, Auto123.com)

On a twisty back road, from A to B, the Mini JCW Competition Package will thoroughly embarrass some so-called sports cars costing twice as much. However, with only 64 copies in Canada, the question may be moot, as most have been snapped up by now. However, any recent Cooper S with the JCW Works engine upgrades will have similar driving impressions. If you come across a Cooper S JCW in BMW Canada's MINI Next certified pre-owned database with all the right boxes checked off (JCW engine and suspension, LSD), go for it.