More fun on the run

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), August 5, 2005

Byline: By Stewart Smith

Demand for the big-selling MINI shows no sign of abating. Its outstanding success has far outstripped BMW's expectations and it's not hard to see why.

The little Oxford-built icon has a personality all of its own and is aimed at drivers who want much more than mundane A to B transport. What they want is fun and the MINI provides it in spades.

So, what car offers even more fun and excitement than the MINI? Answer: The MINI Convertible.

It looks cute, performs well and satisfies the craving that many people in the UK have for open-top motoring, despite our usually dismal summer weather.

I was lucky to get hold of a Cooper version when the sun actually did shine and it was great fun to drive with the top down.

Despite being heavier than the tin top version, the convertible handled as expected with pin-sharp steering adding to the driving pleasure. It skates round corners like a go-kart and it's hard to unsettle, even when pushing hard.

With 115bhp under the bonnet, performance is lively and there's a satisfying engine note, especially when the electric folding hood is down.

Incidentally, the hood takes just 15 seconds to operate and slots neatly into its rear storage compartment. It does take up a bit of the already limited boot space in the MINI but it's something you have to put up with if you opt for style rather than practicality.

The same applies to rear seat space. Although it's billed as a four-seater the MINI family offers very little room for back seat passengers.

With the top down I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of protection the MINI has against buffeting wind while on the move, even at high speed.

Body structure is solid and substantial for a convertible and the general fit and finish is up to BMW's usual high standard.

The Convertible has a five-speed Getrag gearbox which is slicker and more precise than the earlier hatchbacks, with lower-ratio gears for zippier takeoff.

The MINI Convertible has been extensively reinforced for structural rigidity and crash safety and has a pair of rollover bars behind the rear seats.

Security is always going to be an issue with a canvas roof, but it seems as tough as a fabric roof can be, and there is a full complement of immobiliser, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and lockable glovebox.

Other kit includes ABS anti-lock brakes with cornering brake control, tyre pressure warning, front head and chest airbags and disc brakes all round.

Power for the MINI Cooper Convertible comes from its 1,598cc four cylinder in-line engine which gives it performance times of 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and a claimed top speed of 120mph.

Overall fuel consumption is just short of 40mpg , although most Cooper enthusiasts with a heavy right foot will achieve a bit less.

Small though the MINI is, it's not short of creature comforts and has equipment levels which are not always found in cars in this class.

Features include park distance control, crash sensor, front and head airbags, heated rear glass window, electric door mirrors, tinted glass, 50/50 split folding rear seats, CD changer, digital clock, remote central locking, 15-inch alloys, chrome grille bars, tailpipe and boot handle, footwell lights, body-coloured door mirrors, etc.

At pounds 14,625 the MINI Cooper Convertible isn't cheap, but you do get BMW quality, great residual value and fun, fun, fun.

Facts and figures

Make: MINI

Model: Cooper Convertible

Price: pounds 14,630

Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 9.8 seconds

Combined mpg: 38.7

Insurance group: 9

CO2 emissions: 175g/km

BiK rating: 22%

Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited mileage; 6 years paint; 6 years anti-rust