What is it?
The MINI Cooper Convertible, based on its hardtop sibling, has a canvas top that rolls back partially to become a sunroof of 15 and 3/4 inches (can be operated at speeds up to 75 mph), and fully to become an open-air ride (powered by an electro-hydraulic system), with a drop-top that stacks neatly above the fold-down rear hatch door (it has no tonneau cover because the roof stores behind the seats). Despite its short wheelbase, it has a trunk that can hold an average amount of baggage, and a back seat that folds flush for accommodating longer goods and gear. Like its brethren, it comes in two versions, a normally-aspirated and a supercharged 'S' version. An even-more-powerful 'Works' edition drop-top with some 200 horsepower will follow.

When is it on sale, how much does it cost and where is it built?
On sale in September, prices range from $21, 500 to $24, 950 (this includes delivery). It is built in Oxford, England. Last year, 170, 000 came off the assembly line.

What car company owns this diminutive diva and when did it go from Mini to MINI?
The official Mini (only the 'M' was in caps) launched in Europe in 1959, and had a suggested retail price of $786.75. The public wasn't sure what to think, since they'd never seen anything like it and the press was baffled. But, some 45 years later, MINI (now all letters in caps since its rebirth in 2000) is an icon, an automotive legend, and the "little car company that could" has had a skirt named for it, was driven by the Beatles, won the famed Monte Carlo, and was featured in both versions of the Italian Job. MINI is now owned by BMW and made its official debut at the 2000 Paris Auto Show and came to the U.S. in 2002.

How Did We Like It?
It's no surprise that the drop-top versions handle just the same as their hard-top brethren, due to underbody reinforcements and a rear crossbar with integrated roll-over headrests. Known for their sporty, pinball-like ride and strong brakes, the S version out-performs the normally-aspirated version, with power that makes you feel like you've been catapulted from a sling-shot, when you go out to pass, or push into toward the three-digit zone. Particularly of note is the improved shifting of the 6-speed manual, now with shorter throw between gears, and road-hugging handling. A rear windscreen helps reduce the whip of the wind, but we found talking, listening to the CD and keeping our hats safely situated on our head worked best with the side windows raised.

What are the newest MINI's surprise and delight features?
A new, large-sized cupholder, rear seats that fold flat for stowage, a tailgate that supports 175 pounds (maybe your cooler and goods for the football game or party) and some 23,000 variations of interior/exterior colors, materials and choices.

Any complaints?
Yes. Rearward visibility on all counts! Small outside mirrors, a small interior rearview mirror and compromised visibility with the rear rollover hoops made passing on the freeways a more laborious task. Also, with front seats extended for legroom, this becomes more of a two-seater than a true four-passenger cruiser, as rear seat legroom is poor. Better to stow packages and pets.