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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/mini_cooper-convertible_2005

  TheCarConnection Team
 TheCarConnection Team

By John Matras

 

MINI Sales Hit The Max by TCC Team (9/6/2004)
But can it keep the momentum going?

Panke Pushing BMW for More Growth by TCC Team (9/6/2004)
CEO sees plenty of opportunities, also rues quality problems.

 

Can you spell SPF? MINI USA is requiring new purchasers of the convertible MINI introduced here to sign a Convertible Contract (the car is a convertible, the contract is not) that has a “90-10” clause by which the new owner promises to keep the convertible top lowered at least 90 percent of the time. There are certain exceptions, including while washing it, driving in the rain at less than 25 miles per hour, after hair plug surgery or when the temperature is lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the top goes down. So you’re going to need that sunscreen.

Which is not a bad thing. Driving a MINI Cooper is one of the most fun things one can do within the length and width of any automobile, so taking the top off at least doubles that. Depending, of course, on your proximity to a swarm of angry hornets.

Seriously (more or less), MINI is keeping its promise to keep its lineup fresh by adding new variants, such as the 200-horsepower John Cooper Works modification of the Cooper S. The 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible are the next step. (What’s next? MINI won’t say).

The convertible loses none of the functionality of the sedan and even adds some. You couldn’t carry a surfboard, Beach Blanket Bingo style, stuffed in the back seat of a sedan. You can in the convertible.

And it remains just as much a four-passenger vehicle as the sedan, which means the back seat is more than snug with the front seats back where the driver and front passenger would likely have them. What, you want legroom? On the other hand, with the top down, rear headroom is unlimited, and shouldn’t be a problem for anyone whose legs will fit in as well.

By John Matras   Related Articles: MINI Sales Hit The Max by TCC Team (9/6/2004)But can it keep the momentum going?Panke Pushing BMW for More Growth by TCC Team (9/6/2004)CEO sees plenty of opportunities, also rues quality problems.   Can you spell SPF? MINI USA is requiring new purchasers of the convertible MINI introduced here to sign a Convertible Contract (the car is a convertible, the contract is not) that has a “90-10” clause by which the new owner promises to keep the convertible top lowered at least 90 percent of the time. There are certain exceptions, including while washing it, driving in the rain at less than 25 miles per hour, after hair plug surgery or when the temperature is lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the top goes down. So you’re going to need that sunscreen. Which is not a bad thing. Driving a MINI Cooper is one of the most fun things one can do within the length and width of any automobile, so taking the top off at least doubles that. Depending, of course, on your proximity to a swarm of angry hornets. Seriously (more or less), MINI is keeping its promise to keep its lineup fresh by adding new variants, such as the 200-horsepower John Cooper Works modification of the Cooper S. The 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible are the next step. (What’s next? MINI won’t say). The convertible loses none of the functionality of the sedan and even adds some. You couldn’t carry a surfboard, Beach Blanket Bingo style, stuffed in the back seat of a sedan. You can in the convertible. And it remains just as much a four-passenger vehicle as the sedan, which means the back seat is more than snug with the front seats back where the driver and front passenger would likely have them. What, you want legroom? On the other hand, with the top down, rear headroom is unlimited, and shouldn’t be a problem for anyone whose legs will fit in as well. By John Matras Related Articles: MINI Sales Hit The Max by TCC Team (9/6/2004) But can it keep the momentum going? Panke Pushing BMW for More Growth by TCC Team (9/6/2004) CEO sees plenty of opportunities, also rues quality problems. Can you ...