For some people, only the best will do. So if money's no object, there's only one car to choose here – the MINI John Cooper Works.

This is the most expensive, highly tuned performance flagship of the MINI range, featuring the legendary tuning house John Cooper Works logo, a bigger engine and ultimate performance.

Yes, it does cost £20,995 but for that you get the ultimate MINI – powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine that blasts the car to 62mph in an indecently quick 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of more than twice the maximum speed limit.

OK, it's expensive, especially considering the base model MINI One costs £11,925. But we're talking history here, heritage in abundance and a superbly built and appointed sports hatch that will always retain its value better than most and probably never go out of fashion.

MINI bills the brand as "The smartest thing to come out of Oxford" (where it's built) and its huge list of safety features win it letters after its name that send it to the top of the class.

Indeed the Works version could address its letter head thus:
MINI Cooper S Works, ABS, CBC, EDLC, DSC, DTC.

For those who are impressed but none the wiser, they stand for Anti-Lock Brakes; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; Cornering Brake Control; Electronic Differential Lock Control; Dynamic Stability Control; and Dynamic Traction Control.

And we haven't even mentioned the extra large disc brakes with bright red Brembo performance calipers and strengthened gearing to handle all the available extra power.

Before you tap into that mind-numbing performance, it's satisfying just to stand back and admire this sensational latest incarnation of the reborn icon.

The test car I drove, in vibrant red, was dressed in all its finery from the bonnet sports stripes through to the polished stainless steel tail pipes which emit such a satisfying burble and stirring soundtrack to every journey.

The test car's colour scheme continued inside, with red inserts on dashboard and door panels, offset by smart matt silver detailing.

So far as actual performance is concerned, if you don't enjoy driving the Works edition, you don't like driving. There just isn't anything to dislike. OK, the clutch is a tad heavy and the six-speed gearbox needs a a firm hand but once you show the car who's boss, it responds only a thoroughbred can.

The sensational 1.6-turbo blasts you into the stratosphere with the minimum of effort – you're there buzzing at maximum speed in nanoseconds.

It's a question of point and shoot and the MINI Works will send you there pronto. There is never a shade of doubt that corners will be tackled and conquered safely, with the car staying stubbornly flat and with tenacious grip.

Nor is there any 'fightback' from the steering under rapid acceleration, as is the case with some rivals.

The superbly built Works edition even gives you the choice of 'normal' or 'performance' driving, thanks to a button slightly awkwardly located in front of the gearstick – press it for Sport and it activates a tailor-made engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range.

Despite all its attractions, some aspects of MINI's retro design irritate, as well as charm.

The soup-plate like speedo dominating the centre dashboard is a waste of space and gives a poor readout (there's a small digital speed check in front of the driver anyway).

The shin-level bank of tiny switchgear looks great but is hard to identify on the move; turn dials for the CD-tuner are confusingly similar; and there's little room for rear passengers, oddments or luggage.

Even the slot for the starter is hidden away annoyingly behind the steering wheel and almost impossible to spot in the dark.

But to some people, none of this will really matter. There is only one MINI and one Works edition. And they're prepared to pay the price for glory.

At a glance:

• MINI John Cooper Works, £20,995.


• Powered by 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged petrol engine producing 211hp.


• 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, top speed 148mph.


• Fuel consumption: 40.9mpg combined cycle.


• CO2 emissions 149 g/km.


• MINI is currently the third largest car manufacturer in the UK and in 2007 produced a record 237,709 cars.


• Sports steering wheel, sports seats, rear roof spoiler, air conditioning, glossy black interior trim and anthracite roof lining.


• Sport button offers choice of driving styles.


• Works tuning brand logo on boot, grille, brakes and door sills.