2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible

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reinforcing hoop, though there are two roll hoops behind the rear seats for rollover protection. Although you'd need a sedan alongside the coupe to see it, the convertible has different headlights, bumper and grille. The new lights provide better illumination and self-leveling xenon headlamps are optional. There are new taillamps as well.

The convertible also has two exclusive colors, Cool Blue and Hot Orange, along with three top fabrics: black, green and blue. Syracuse and University of Illinois alums can combine the latter of each for that old school spirit. Alloy wheels are standard, starting at 15 inches with 175/65R15 tires, going up to 17-inchers with 205/45R17 inch rubber, optional on the S. All-season or sport tires are a no-cost option. They're all run-flat because there's just no room for a spare.

MINI basics

That MINI dash with the large central speedometer and column-mounted tachometer can now be replaced with a "Chrono Gauge Package" that combines fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and oil temperature in the center circle with the speedo and tach both mounted side-by-side on the steering column. It's nowhere as funky as the standard setup, and the red LED info panels on their faces are so small that, especially in the sun, they're all but impossible to read.

Chrome trim is available inside and out but it's all plastic. Stick with the integrity of the standard fittings.

The base MINI engine continues with a choice of a five-speed manual or CVT automatic and standard, a surprisingly frisky 115-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The S boosts that, literally, with a supercharger that for 2005 has an output of 168 horsepower, up eight from before. MINI claims a 0-60 mph run of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 138 mph. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available for the S.

The S feels even stronger than its numbers, thanks in part to overall lower and more closely spaced gear ratios, and also to the relatively low curb weight, a mere 2844 pounds. It also produces more aural horsepower than the base engine, and with the top down sounds otherwise reserved for onlookers can be heard by those on board. Drop the hammer and run to its 6000-rpm power peak. The supercharger whines and the exhaust rips. Ooh, the chills.

Bang off shifts-the Getrag six-speed clicks off the changes with a short shifter throw and great tactiles-and the exhaust barks. There's no time wasted in the gearbox and the take-up on the clutch make smooth gearchanges easy as licking pudding off a spoon. Lift the throttle and the exhaust burbles, crackles and snaps like the Green Giant's breakfast cereal. Ooh, more chills.

Disc brakes are 10.9 inches front and 10.2 at the rear and stop the MINI like a Velcro ball thrown at a Velcro wall. The steering is quick and even MINI claims a go-kart like feel, but the MINI Cooper, including the Convertible, is as stable at speed as an anvil on the basement floor.

Cruise with the top up and conversation is easy even at 75 mph, unlike the ungodly wind din of a Miata. However, slide the sunroof open and you can't hear what you say to yourself, much less to your passenger. It's even quieter with the top down. An optional wind blocker covers the rear seats but reduces buffeting. It's also low enough to see over through the rear view mirror, as is the convertible top stack.

So go ahead and sign MINI's Convertible contract. You'll keep the top down at least ninety percent of the time. After all, even Minnie Mouse goes topless. So can MINI Cooper.

2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Base price: $21,500 (Cooper); $24,950 (Cooper S)

Engine: Supercharged 1.6-liter in-line four, 168 hp

Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive

Length x width x height: 143.9 x 57.5 x 56.2 in

Wheelbase: 97.1 in

Curb Weight: 2678 lb

EPA fuel economy (city/hwy): 24/33 mpg

Safety equipment: Driver and front-passenger airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel-disc brakes, side-impact door beams, all-season traction control, dynamic stability control, tire pressure warning system

Major standard features: Automatic air conditioning, power windows and locks, six-speaker AM/FM cassette player, electric rear defrost, remote keyless entry, power convertible top

Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

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