New Mini Convertible is sure to convert you

10:17am Monday 5th January 2009

It is pretty hard to take exception to Mini’s second generation Convertible. It looks sportier, yet it’s cheaper to run and more eco-friendly.

It offers more space and plenty of hi-tech features. But best of all, it is still just as much fun to drive as the original.

As with the fixed top second generation Mini models, the MK2 convertible ditches the old Isuzu engines and adopts the less characterful but more efficient units which BMW developed in partnership with Peugeot and Citroen.

That means we loose the glorious supercharged whine of the old Cooper S version, but its 175bhp 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged replacement makes up for that with far better fuel economy figures and emissions.

Rest to 60 takes 7.4s on the way to 138mph and there is 240Nm of torque. This engine currently holds the title of International Engine of the Year in the 1.4-1.8-litre category.

Go for the 120bhp 1.6-litre engine you get in the standard Cooper model and 60 takes 9.8s on the way to 123mph, still quite fast enough for most, even if, with 160Nm of torque, you’ll need to rev it a bit more to properly enjoy that performance.

With a raised shoulder line, highlighted by a chrome strip which extends around the body of the car, the MK2 Mini Convertible has a more purposeful and dynamic stance than its predecessor.

The automatic canvas roof can be fully retracted or closed using a roof-frame mounted toggle switch in just 15 seconds.

In the event of a driver being caught unexpectedly by a sudden downpour, this function will fully operate with the car at speeds of up to 20mph. As an alternative to the complete top-down driving experience, the full-width of the electric roof can be retracted by about 40cm to create the effect of a sunroof.

This car has so much more street-cred than obvious rivals and is far-less gender-specific, which will matter to male buyers. So expect to see plenty of them.