I drove a new Mini JCW Convertible on Thursday in central London. It has 18" wheels with run flat tyres and sports suspension.

It rode very well on the terrible roads. The car is compliant, handles well, steers quite well, sounds good, and feels rock solid. And plenty fast enough. Beautifully put together. To me, it's feels more preimium than any 1 or 2 series BMW.

I also drove a Cooper Convertible and a Cooper S Convertible; the former has 16" wheels and standard suspension and was very comfortable, but slightly wallowy; the latter has 17" wheels with variable damper control, but the ride was terrible and the chassis was very unsettled.

The JCW was leagues ahead.