I’ve enjoyed the John Cooper Works but I can’t help feeling that compared to an original Cooper, all modern superminis are a bit sanatised and soulless these days.

Yes, I know this JCW is faster, safer and infinitely better equipped. But it’s not a machine that truly moves me. To put it bluntly, I could never fall in love with this car.

It’s perhaps unfair to level such a charge just at the Mini. It’s the same with the current VW Beetle and the Jeep Wrangler – all perfectly decent cars but they don’t get into your heart.

Car Couture hasn’t driven one for a while but only the Fiat 500 makes me feel slightly warmed. Maybe the new Fiat convertible has a chance too..