What is it?

It is the production version of the MINI Coupé that the British brand has been teasing us with over the past few years. With two less seats than the hatchback on which it is based and wearing a backwards baseball cap for a roof the Coupé is set to go head-to-head with the Peugeot RCZ and Audi TT. Offering even more focused 'go-kart handling' than before the Coupe will be a sure fire hit even if it is a little expensive.

Why's it here?

As the final showcase before it appears in showrooms. The one that you will walk in with all intentions of purchasing is the 211bhp John Cooper Works version before common sense prevails and you plumb for the 143bhp Cooper D instead. The range is completed with the 184bhp Cooper S Coupé and a 122bhp Cooper Coupé. A six-speed gearbox will be offered as standard with all but the JCW model (pictured) is available with an automatic gearbox. Expect the usual array of MINI personalisation and silly spec names.

Show stopper or floor filler?

When you consider the bizarrely doored MINI Countryman attracted crowds like flies to the proverbial the MINI Coupé should certainly stop a bit of a crowd. Some may back away slowly when they hear the price of a car some reckon does not really do much more than the various Cooper badged hatchbacks.

Frankfurt Motor Show