Mini Cooper S convertible - Times Online
Granted, 2009 has barely begun, but already there is a clear leader in the race by car makers to include the most useless gizmo in their vehicles. The new Mini convertible has a dial (the “Openometer”) next to the rev counter that records how long you have driven with the roof down, then saves the data to the trip computer so that drivers can . . . er, what exactly?
Although the new Mini Mk2 arrived in 2006, BMW has let the convertible model continue in its original Mk1 form until now. As with the Mk1 and Mk2 hatchback, you’ll have to concentrate hard to be able to tell new from old, although if you look closely, you’ll see that the new convertible is larger, plumper, and with higher body sides and gentler curves.
This combines to make the Mk2 drop-top better looking than the original version it replaces, especially now that the rear rollover protection bars are hidden inside the car — only to be activated in an emergency. With those awkwardly high-set rear hoops banished, it no longer has the look of a gigantic pram.
