Review of the new MINI Convertible Sidewalk Range

The MINI Convertible has been a huge hit with the UK's motoring public ever since its launch in 2004, outselling its nearest competitors by a massive 27 per cent. The MINI Convertible Sidewalk Range that we look at here includes luxuriously-appointed versions of the MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S derivatives.

Just to be clear here, this is the first generation version of the modernday MINI, not the latest car, re-launched recently with Peugeot engines and slightly different looks. Though a drop-top version of that model will be along in due course, for the time being, the original Convertible has plenty of life in it - especially in this 'Sidewalk' guise.

The styling is still beautifully resolved and that's all the more surprising given that most small cars resemble prams as soon as you take a hacksaw to the roof. There have been some really sorry attempts at bringing us appealing little convertibles down the years but even amongst the more successful efforts, few have managed to look as good as the MINI.

The up-market Sidewalk includes a choice of four paintwork colours, Malt Brown English leather upholstery, 17-inch Night Spoke light alloy wheels, a two-tone leather steering wheel and gear knob as well as special 'Sidewalk' interior trim, floor mats, badges and door inserts.

The manufacturer has also included additional MINI options that are standard on all Sidewalk models. They are Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T), multifunction steering wheel, mirror caps in body colour, chrome line interior, passenger seat height adjustment, sports seats, storage compartment pack, front fog lamps, manual air-conditioning, on board computer, interior light pack and white indicators. Not bad as this little package is discounted by twenty-five percent over what you would pay if you selected it all from the options list on another MINI model.

MINI claim their Convertible offers the same go-kart style handling as the original hatch and this is testament to thorough bracing. Weight has crept up and as a result, acceleration is a little blunted compared to the old hard top sibling but the One will still hit 60mph in 11.6 seconds and the Cooper will stop the watch in a very reasonable 9.6 seconds. Get the Cooper S and we're talking 7.4s: that should be fast enough for most.

".few have managed to look as good as the MINI Convertible and none of those that did have space for four passengers inside."

The MINI One and Cooper Convertible Sidewalk editions come with a five-speed manual gearbox, with the more powerful Cooper S version featuring a six-speed transmission. As an option, the MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk is also available with a CVT transmission, while the MINI Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk can be fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both automatic gearboxes are equipped with a Steptronic function that provides for a sportier driving experience.

The roof itself is a fully automatic fabric affair, MINI wisely choosing to reject the far more complex folding hard top fashion. Opting for this more complex engineering solution would not only have ruined the MINI's shape but also severely impinged on its luggage space. As it stands, the MINI retains a characteristic profile with the roof in place yet looks appealingly cheeky with the hood down. Press a button once and the roof slides back by 40cm, creating a sunroof effect. Press it again and the hood retracts fully, folding down behind the rear seats. It's not the neatest stowing arRangement but it only takes 15 seconds to get there and you'll retain a healthy 120 litres of storage space in the boot.

The boot itself is worth taking a look at - and it's not often I find myself saying that in a road test. It's redolent of the original British Leyland Mini insofar as it has a drop down lid which can double as a loading platform. A pair of steel cables mounted on a sprung retractor act as boot hinges and can hold up to 80kg, which in old money is nigh on 13 stone. With the roof in place - i.e. up - there's 165 litres of stowage space, but those wishing to transport bulkier items are also accommodated. By flicking a pair of levers located in the boot, the rear fastening of the roof can be detached, allowing the entire rear section to be raised. This in turn creates a wider space through which bigger items can be loaded. Couple that with the folding rear seats and you'll be able to jemmy in some surprisingly loads. MINI claim a total capacity of 605 litres.

There's no doubt the MINI is a controversial design. The first thing that strikes you is its size. It is definitely more Midi than anything else, with some proportions that look as if the designers have decided to supersize their sketches. The waistline of the car is high and the roofline is low, creating a hot-rod style 'cut and shut' effect in profile. Whilst elements of the original are preserved, the effect is one of subtle influencing rather than a more slavish modern resurrection of Alex Issigonis' brainchild.

Despite its unashamedly retro appeal, the MINI has some reassuringly modern foundations. Clamber underneath and you'll spot BMW's Z-axle multi-link rear suspension. The rear seats of the MINI Convertible are still best left for children but the interior is a delightful place to detail spot. Retro themes abound, from the chrome detailing to the cavernous door bins. The centrally mounted speedometer and winged MINI badging all act as visual throwbacks to the Fifties.

The MINI has a tradition of crossing class barriers. Even the original, first seen in 1959, was owned and enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life. With the MINI Convertible Sidewalk, however, BMW have recognised that there is a growing market for a MINI with a 'touch of class' and this one should appeal to those who demand their creature comforts.