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By Jim Jackson
Times Auto Writer | Wednesday, May 04, 2005 | (No comments posted.)
Mini Cooper takes the lid off cold-weather driving with the arrival of the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible.
The revitalized Mini Cooper coupe made its U.S. premier in Spring 2002, followed in short order by the long-awaited ragtop.
Styling cues from the 1960's British-built original still hold true to form with large, single-lens headlamps, tight front and rear overhang and a short wheelbase that gives Mini its go-cart handling.
Minis are still built in England but now fall under the corporate umbrella of German auto builder BMW.
"Today's Mini has evolved from the first designed in 1959," said Dustin Krause, Mini brand motoring advisor for Bill Jacobs BMW/Mini in Naperville. "The introduction of the Mini convertible is part of that evolution, opening the brand's customer product base even further."
According to Krause, of the 35,000 Mini Coopers imported to the U.S. annually, roughly one third are convertible models.
"Mini is a niche product with no defined demographic," said Krause. "It is not a vehicle for the average consumer."
Like its hardtop counterpart, Mini Cooper Convertible is available in base and high-output Cooper S model.
The base version is powered by a 115-horsepower, 1.6-liter, inline four cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The S model winds 168 horsepower supplied by a 1.6-liter supercharged I-4 with a six-speed manual gearbox.
A turbo-charged engine is planned for the 2007 model year.
Word on the street has it that an all-wheel drive and long wheelbase version may be coming. A Speedster model is also being considered.
The open-air Mini comes to market with a unique convertible top that offers an open sunroof position to those sun worshippers not quite ready for the full-blown effect.
A push of a button automatically retracts the top in an accordion fashion to a hold behind the rear seat - all in the matter of 15 seconds.
However, the stowed top quickly gobbles up precious trunk space leaving little room for anything other than small parcels or soft luggage. Carrying a bag of golf clubs in the trunk is out of the question.
Inside, the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible lives up to its name with a snug, four-occupant cabin. While driver and front passenger enjoy reasonable footwell space, rear passengers sit in close quarters with limited room.
Twin back seats have integrated roll bars located behind the headrests. Though there for safety, they greatly reduce the driver's view out the back window when the top is up. Couple that with a small rear window and backing out of any parking place can be a challenge.
But give the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible a "10" on the motoring meter for top-down touring enjoyment. Despite its bantam size, it is a whale of fun to drive.
The bottom line
Wheelbase: 97 inches
Length: 143 inches
Height: 55.5 inches
Curb weight: 2,700 pounds
Miles per gallon: Base model: 27 city/35 hwy; S model: 25 city/32 hwy
Base Price: Base model-$20,950; S model-$24,400
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