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Its spring, and our thoughts turn to going topless. And what better way to be topless than in the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible? I'm not sure why the original Mini never caught on here in the United States during the 1960's when we loved everything British like the mini skirt and Beatles. But our choice for the entry-level odd shaped car came not from our English allies but directly from Hitler's idea of the "peoples car." The Mini was to the rest of the civilized world what the Volkswagen Beetle was to the United States. "European car of the Century" is what 130 international journalists called the Mini in 1999 as it defined the transverse engine layout for front wheel drive cars. We bought cars from our former enemies. While the Mini had its cult following here in the United States it was not until BMW bought and redesigned the Mini Cooper that the Mini came into its own. Since its rebirth in 2002 the Mini has exceeded all expectations, with BMW recently announcing a huge investment allowing for increased capacity. This Mini Cooper S Convertible is the best Mini yet. For less than $18,000 the regular hard top Mini is a bargain but real fun begins when you opt for the supercharged "S" version. Dropping the top on the Mini Cooper S Convertible makes for the ultimate Mini and pricing starts at less than $26,000. My test vehicle had almost every option available and topped out at only $28,920. Let's talk about the convertible top. It is all electric with a sunroof feature allowing the front section of the top to be opened without disturbing the folding convertible top frame. The folding top is an ingenious design that stacks at the rear of the vehicle and does not intrude on the functional trunk space. The negative part of the design is that a significant blind spot is present with the top raised. All Convertibles really should be driven with the top down except in an emergency. At 12 feet long the Mini is deceptive. Surprisingly roomy for even the largest driver and passenger this car makes excellent use of space. While the mini is a true four-seat vehicle the rear seat legroom is non-existent if the front seats are pushed back. Rear seat backs can be folded down increasing room for the small but functional trunk. Handling is a fun "go-cart" style experience that always gives confidence in tight turns and on back roads. Electronically assisted power steering is efficient and precise. So legendary is the handling of the Mini that it has traditionally been a favorite of autocross racing. The 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible that I drove was simply incredible accelerating out of the cloverleaf ramps onto the highway. Yet with all of the acceleration and handling advantages the car stops with complete control and on a dime due to the advanced "Alphabet Brakes" and run flat tires. A rock solid ride and luxury appointments make this a logical vehicle for long term daily driving as well as the weekend jaunts. Interior appointments are pure luxury including the optional heated leather seats that fully support you in the tightest curves. In true European fashion some controls take a while to get used too but the basic design is intuitive and easy to learn. Cup holders are worthless and the optional add-on cup holder was an intrusive afterthought. This is a car to be driven and the attractive sport gauges give a complete picture of what is going on in the engine. The 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible will demand attention wherever you go. The Mini is unique enough so the convertible adds an extra curiosity for the admiring public. In a world of "look-alike" sport sedans from Asia this European beauty still turns heads. With a modern retro look the Mini Convertible is at home everywhere. Standard Warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles and all scheduled maintenance is provided for the first 3 years/36,000 miles. Priced solidly in the mid to upper $20's the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible will hold value better than most any other car on the road today. Figure in the "fun-factor" and you have a great car at a great value to provide you with many years of topless motoring pleasure.
2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible 2 door front wheel drive four seat convertible 1.6 liter Supercharged four-cylinder engine
Price as tested $28,920 EPA MPG 25/32 Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2005 - Stan Risener