Mini will unveil the world’s fastest small premium cabriolet at the Geneva International Motor Show next month.

The Mini John Cooper Works Convertible will take centre stage at the event and is on sale in the UK from March 28, priced at £23,470.

Featuring the same high performance engineering modifications as the hatch model carrying the John Cooper Works badge, the Convertible’s 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine produces 211 horsepower.

The newcomer’s petrol power plant is a significantly revised version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit found in Mini Cooper S models, and the same as that in the Mini Challenge race car.

The engine is lighter, stronger and is supplied with a larger air intake and an exhaust system specifically designed for John Cooper Works cars. The transmission’s gearing is strengthened to handle the extra available power; power that pushes the car to a remarkable output of 132 horsepower per litre, yet still able to offer 39.8mpg.

The lengthy standard kit list of every Mini John Cooper Works Convertible includes a bespoke John Cooper Works Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, John Cooper Works floor mats and glossy piano black interior. Air conditioning is fitted as standard, as it is now on every new Mini.

Performance of the Works car is underlined by an exclusive speedometer, which runs to 160 mph to account for the car’s higher top speed than that of any other Mini.

A Sport button is located in front of the gear stick. When pressed it activates a bespoke engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range and sharpening steering and throttle response. The gear knob featuring a red gearing diagram is unique to the MiniJohn Cooper Works.

Unique lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels in Cross-spoke Challenge design, shod with run-flat tyres, feature on the new Convertible. A John Cooper Works Aero kit is standard and the tuning brand’s logo is positioned on the boot, grille, brakes and door sills.

Extra-large disc brakes paired with upgraded bright red Brembo performance callipers are supplied. Chassis technologies ensuring a sporty and safe driving experience are also standard features of the Mini John Cooper Works.

Jürgen Hedrich, Mini Plant Oxford’s new managing director, said: “The launch of the new Mini John Cooper Works Convertible is incredibly important as it signifies that our complete model line-up is now back in production across Mini's UK production facilities.”