2006 BMW Mini Cooper Convertible

One might think some of the initial excitement surrounding BMW's Mini Cooper would have worn off by now. After all, the little four-seater is everywhere these days, such that you would suppose some of the "Oh, isn't that CUTE!!!!" reaction would subside. I am here to tell you it hasn't. I just spent a week with a Mini Convertible and received almost as many endearing looks and comments as when I first drove one back in 2002. Of course, it could have had something to do with the test car's "Hyper Blue Metallic" color, the fact that November was experiencing a euphoric warm snap so the top remained open and/or the two golden retrievers perched in the back seat, tongues wagging and ears flapping in the breeze.

But more than just the spectacle of this Mini, people are drawn to economy these days. If the first comment was "cute car," the second was "how's the gas mileage?" Thus, this Mini Cooper Convertible scores on many levels. But not all.

The good news
Driving as many SUVs and luxury cars as I do, it is nothing short of amazing to get 27 mpg city/35 highway. It is equally startling to put 6 gallons of gas into a near-empty tank and suddenly have ¾ of a tank which will last you for almost a week of daily driving. What makes this especially nice is the Mini does not feel like a tiny car in the vein of two-seaters like the Mazda Miata. The front seat offers ample room for two adults, and you can put adults in the backseat if front seat occupants are willing to rein it in a bit. Legroom may be somewhat wanting in the back, but the headroom is ample throughout. Without backseat passengers, you have plenty of room for stuff (or dogs), and the convertible even has a nifty little trunk space that isn't compromised by the lowered roof. It's a good place to hide purses, backpacks and packages. Fold down the rear seats for more cargo room.

Another reason the Mini doesn't feel overly small is the fact that it is solid. Even the convertible's structure doesn't bend and flex noticeably (but, I submit, it's so small, there isn't much to bend and flex). On the highway with the top up, this ragtop Mini is remarkably quiet and sound.

I was happily surprised to find the top is a totally automatic, one-button affair. There are no latches to undo like all the rest in the under-luxury class. Just push and hold one button and the top retreats first to a sunroof opening, then to full open. The button even rolls all four windows down and up -- quick and easy like a convertible should be. I also like the upscale sueded fabric of the top and the glass rear window with defrost. The flat windshield and low seating position mean front driver and passenger aren't buffeted by the wind as badly either.

In fact, this Mini Convertible is full of extras one doesn't expect of this price and class. Although mine was loaded with options (see below), the package far surpassed what I expected from an economy car at this price.

What I haven't mentioned is how much fun this Mini is to drive. Like its hardtop sibling, the Convertible is the ultimate run-around commuter car. It corners like a bug with thoroughly predictable steering and a stability that allows it to play willingly. Minis unite driver and driven, much like a go-kart does. Those who have never experienced such a connection are inevitably smitten.

The tradeoff for this precision comes in ride quality, but it isn't as harsh as I expected. It may slosh your coffee over rough roads, but it feels relatively tame otherwise.

Oh, and the only thing perhaps more fun than driving this Mini is parking it. You get to slip into that close, choice spot everyone else has to pass up.

Bad news
I have reservations about this car's rear blind spots. Most of what's behind you is soft top, save for the small rear windshield, creating an almost cave-like effect inside the car. Although this is not an uncommon problem to convertibles in general, I found it especially troubling here.

There were also quality concerns with my test car. The upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system's rear speakers were blown. The trim that held the interior passenger door handle and speaker was loose, and putting it in reverse was difficult. I didn't have trouble with any of the forward gears, but the clutch did not seem to want to let it go into reverse.

If I were going for this Convertible, I would spring for the S model's increased horsepower, even if it meant giving up a little on fuel economy. Although this base model is able, it doesn't have enough kick to accommodate its free-wheeling spirit.

Is it worth it?
Mini Coopers look like toys, but they aren't. They are sophisticated, finely engineered cars that are as delightful to drive as they are to look at. That makes them well worth the price. Keep in mind I spent the majority of the week with the top down cruising in 72 degree bliss. It's hard not to get attached to this convertible. Had it been a wintry 35 and rainy, I might not be so enamored.

Still, I stop short of a recommendation. As charmed as the driver in me is with this Mini, other aspects give me pause. I'm really put off by the quality glitches I encountered on the test car, and the blind spots are beyond reasonable.

If you live somewhere where open-air driving is the year-round rule or you plan to drive only on sunny days, the Mini Convertible may be a good choice. But approach with eyes open - and top down.

Particulars
Front-engine, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
Price
Base: $21,450;
As tested: $28,120.
Notable standard equipment
Rear parking assist, speed sensitive windshield wipers, air conditioning, remote keyless entry.
Major options as tested
Universal garage door opener; Xenon headlights with auto on/off; heated seats, washer jets and mirrors; auto-dimming rear view mirror; multifunction steering wheel with cruise/audio controls; Harmon-Kardon sound system; sports seats; fog lamps 16-inch alloys with run-flat tires; dynamic stability control; automatic air conditioning; etc.
Safety
Airbags: driver and front passenger with dual threshold, dual stage deployment; thorax/head/body side-impact air bags; side-impact door beams with interlocking anchoring system; reinforced A-pillars; rollover bar integrated into rear seatback.
Three-point seatbelts at all positions
Brakes: four-wheel discs with antilock (front vented/rear solid); Corner Brake Control (CBC) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), both standard
Engine
Type: 1.6-liter OHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder
Power: 115 bhp @ 6000 rpm; 110 lb ft torque @ 4500 rpm
0-60 in 8.9 seconds (BMW stats)
Drivetrain
Transmission: 5-speed manual Getrag (CVT automatic with Steptronic available)
Front-wheel-drive
Exterior/Interior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 97.1 inches
Length/width/height: 143.9/66.5/55.8
Curb weight: 2700 lbs.
Luggage capacity: 5.81 cu ft top up/4.2 top down/21.3 rear seats down (note: rear seats lock into place so luggage area is secure when top is down)
Suspension
MacPherson strut front suspension with Multi-link rear suspension; front and rear anti-roll stablizier bars
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 27 mpg city/35 highway

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.