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2005 MINI Cooper Convertible Road Test

Just How Fun Can a Car Get?

Its hard to believe that it was only two years ago that the MINI brand was introduced to North America. Before its launch in 2002, MINI brand awareness was at a mere 2 percent. Now, with its dashing good looks, daring personality, go-kart handling and mirth provoking add campaigns, brand awareness has escalated to between 50 and 80 percent.

And all within the two years of its introduction, MINI has launched multiple products including the Cooper and Cooper S (both in 2002), the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit (2003), which increased the Cooper S horsepower from 163 to 200 and is backed up by a the same new car warranty, and now the Cooper and Cooper S convertible models (2005). The lineup just keeps getting broader and better.

Not only have the British bulldog inspired

The new MINI Cooper convertible is just the latest model in the small brands impressive lineup. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Coopers marked their territory in the hearts of auto enthusiasts, their aggressive bite has earned them a top spot on the J.D. Power & Associates survey for Appeal.

With all that said, the new 2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S convertibles are sure to be instant hits the moment they start arriving in dealerships across the nation, especially considering that only the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, Volkswagen New Beetle Cabrio and less functional Mazda Miata directly

The new 2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S convertibles are sure to be instant hits. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

target MINIs entry level, premium compact convertible market. A recent trip to none other than "MINI"apolis, Minnesota to test out the up-and-coming convertibles reactivated my enthusiasm for the brand, and confirmed my high expectations of the models cheeky performance and cheery personality.

After arriving, unpacking, and eating dinner at a downtown Minneapolis hotel, I headed for bed. But as I was preparing for the exciting day ahead, I noticed flashes of light outside my window. Naturally, I thought someone was taking pictures

The sun greeted me and my driving companion as we set off on a MINI drop top adventure. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

of something but when I approached the window, I sighed. The flashes of light were none other than Mother Natures own lightening creation, accompanied with the pitter patter of rain. My heart sunk. By the time I was ready to repose, however, I peered out the window only to see the clouds clearing up and the moon beaming overhead. Now, the moon wasnt the only one beaming.

The next day couldnt have turned out any better, unless it was perhaps a little warmer. The sun greeted me and my driving companion on the empty streets of Minneapolis. While a little chilly I looked around for seat warmers, but unfortunately

The convertibles "Always Open" concept makes for a fair bit of wind noise while cruising down the highway. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

the Cooper Convertible I was testing didnt. Nevertheless, we set off on a MINI drop top adventure.

The first thing I noticed as I pulled onto the highway was the amount of wind that entered the cabin. Even with the heating on high, the cold air still managed to filter through. In addition, I had to talk a little louder when conversing with my copilot because of the wind. Perhaps the amount of air flowing through would have been better tamed with a B pillar stabilizer bar, one similar to the PT Cruiser Convertibles. Originally BMW did think about this idea but opted to make the high strength aluminum, headrest-mounted roll bars behind the rear

For the 2005 model year the MINI Convertible comes with a completely redesigned front bumper, front grille and headlights. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

seats due to the convertibles "Always Open" concept, and to make it as light and sporty as possible. I have to admit it looks a lot better this way, and MINI does provide a rear seat wind deflector for those who really cant stand getting their hair all messed up in the blowing breeze. But lets get real, if you dont like wind then why would you buy a ragtop?

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