What Car? Car of the Year 2005 - Convertible

Mini One Convertible
List Price £13,325
Target Price £13,325

Roof up or down, the Mini soft-top’s cute looks turn heads, but the real fun starts once you’re behind the wheel. With prodigious grip, responsive steering and a snappy gearshift, the Mini provides a really engaging drive.

Don’t expect sports car-like acceleration from the One’s 90bhp 1.6-litre engine but look for a brisk, relaxed pace and you won’t be disappointed.

The convertible hasn’t lost any of the hatchback’s handling ability. The roofless Mini can still be threaded nimbly through traffic and is free from the shudders that affect many convertibles.

The electric roof folds in just 15sec and doesn’t involve any fiddly catches. With the roof down, the windows up and the rear wind-blocker in place, the cabin is draught-free. Rearward visibility is hampered by the hood, wind blocker and roll-over bars behind the rear seats, so it’s just as well parking sensors are fitted as standard to help overcome this problem.

Fitting four adults inside is a squeeze. Like the hatchback, the Mini Convertible is more of a two-plus-two, but there’s enough luggage space for a weekend away.

Broadband users click here to see our video review of the Mini Convertible

Dial-up users click here to see our video review of the Mini Convertible

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