Mini fun in the sun

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), April 28, 2006

Since its re-launch in 2001, the mighty MINI has gone from strength to strength and with open-air adventure on board the convertible, the appeal just keeps on growing.

At the flick of a switch, the roof lowers and folds down neatly behind the rear seats ( then at the flick of a switch again the roof can be raised in seconds, which is a most valuable commodity, especially with our spring showers.

Inside, the MINI is packed with spherical shaped features and everything from the seats to the steering wheel oozes quality.

My only criticism after a week behind the wheel is the visibility which at times is somewhat hampered by the arched rear seat headrests ( in fact it was like trying to peer between the two humps of a Bactrian camel!

Although the MINI never claims to be big on size, the room for rear seat passengers is virtually non-existant and it really is a car for singles or couples.

Oh, but what a car ( the Cooper responds to every challenge with aplomb. It hugs the road superbly, is very nippy in and around town and has ample power to deal with the open road too.

Features include CD player, a three-part fascia, and a whole host of colour and specification choices ( in fact, statistically only two in every 100,000 Minis built are exactly the same.

The curved theme continues outside the vehicle with oval-shaped wing mirrors and large round headlamps. Safety also features highly with an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, extra strong roll bars and numerous airbags.

But to sum up the MINI really is simple ( one word does nicely ... fun.

Make: MINI Cooper Convertible

Price: pounds 14,925

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

Max speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 9.8 secs

Combined mpg: 38.7

Insurance group: 9

CO2 emissions: 175g/km

BiK rating: 22%

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