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Big fun in a small, open package

We are now all familiar with the sight of the stylish modern day version of the Mini on the roads. It has been selling well since its launch in 2001 and has developed a cult following, proving that the BMW Group were correct to keep the brand when it dissolved its association with the Rover group.

The Mini has become nothing short of a roaring success. It is so popular that initially BMW could barely keep up with demand and second-hand values are holding strongly, with little depreciation.

In late 2006 the range was modified and upgraded with cosmetic, technical and engine changes. Most significant for Ireland was the arrival of the 95bhp 1.4 petrol entry level model and the addition of an all-new 1.6 litre, low emission 110bhp turbodiesel.

Now there's a Mini to suit all tastes and budgets, with the Mini One starting at €20,346, the Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper Diesel, Mini John Cooper Works, Mini Clubman, and as tested here this week the Mini Cooper S Convertible.

All in all there are 20 versions available. The convertible range starts at €26,187 however the model tested is the top of the range Mini Cooper S convertible.

BMW has done a fantastic job on the styling. The New Mini Cooper S convertible has many design cues from the true original Mini on which its style is based. The short bonnet with bulging front wings, the upright A-pillar, the short rear end with the small original Mini style tail lights, it's unmistakably a Mini, yet the design is modern.

The effect is superb and this car is a real head turner; in the hundreds of cars road tested over the years few if any drew admiring glances like this one.

Behind the Wheel

Slip inside the cabin and again you're definitely in a Mini. The large speedometer is in the centre of the dash, and even the numerals on it are a replica of the original (mind you, the original wasn't calibrated to 250kph). The heating and ventilation controls are 21st century but the toggle switches below hark back to the sixties, which looks great.

Finally with the rev counter positioned on the steering column in front of the driver the sporting nature of the New Mini Cooper S is emphasised.

The quality of fit and finish is typically BMW - beyond reproach. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags including side curtain airbags, ABS, CBC, EBD, DSC, electric windows, remote locking, courtesy light delay, walk you home headlight timer, a quality stereo system with CD player, sport alloy wheels and leather upholstery.

Operating the hood is a doddle; simply hold the roof-mounted chrome style switch and the whole roof opens or closes in about 20 seconds. There are two stages to it, allowing you to just open a sunroof like gap above your head or fold the roof completely. It all works well.

Performance

Powered by a 1.6 litre 16-valve 175bhp four-cylinder fuel injected, turbocharged engine the Mini Cooper S convertible is more sports car than town runabout. Acceleration from a standstill is lively, impressive again though is the mid-range punch. A wonderfully slick six-speed gearbox, with well chosen ratios give this New Mini Cooper S convertible tremendous acceleration from 80kph mph to 120kph even in 6th gear. On the economy front it consumed just 6.9 litres per 100km. Expect even better with a lighter right foot.

On the road the Mini Cooper S convertible proves as agile and nimble as expected. The result is pin-sharp handling and grip on wet or dry roads. The suspension is firm though, and that is most noticeable over poorly surfaced country roads.

Some passengers felt it was a bit too firm, but that's part of the sporting nature of the car. Levels of refinement are decent, with both engine and wind noise well suppressed, though there was an intrusive level of road noise at motorway speeds. On rough roads there were some rattles from the hood too.

The cabin is roomy in the front while rear seat room is really suited only to short journeys or for the kids. But this car is not designed to carry four adults and their luggage so most trips where the rear seats are occupied will be short and it's fine for that. Four adults can just about use this car but the boot is small.

Verdict

The style is a little different and true to the design cues of the original Mini but beautifully interpreted for the 21st century. The driving experience delights with sports car levels of fun and BMW's legendary levels of quality.

The Mini Cooper S convertible will appeal to those who really want something a bit different. The Cooper S convertible is pricey though at €40,358, but you might think it worth it...