Mini One/Cooper

Mini's Cooper S cabrio is something of an odd mix: a poseur's car with hot-hatch performance. But, says Kelda Warden, that's why it's fabI'm a mini virgin ever since I spotted one of the first new Minis I've really wanted to drive one, and my patience seems to have paid off. The best things do come to those who wait. And I think that the mother of all new Minis, the Cooper S Convertible, was well worth hanging on for - it's fast and flash so what more could a girl want? (Well, actually I'd have preferred mine in Pepper White...)

The classic Cooper S achieved superstardom when the 91bhp Works-spec cars won the Monte Carlo Rally four years running (alright, three times). I wonder what the fans out there will think of this tarted-up version? It might be girly on the outside, but if it's what's inside that counts then the modest engine tweak earlier this year should help its case - the lack of a hard-top only loses it 0.2 of a second over the 0-62 dash.

It's powered by the 1.6-litre four-cylinder, which will manage a modest 90bhp in the Mini One, a respectable 115bhp in the Cooper, but a spectacular 170bhp in the S care of the supercharger and intercooler. And with a maximum torque of 162lb ft at 4,000rpm, this all adds up to a car that can reach 0.62mph in 7.4secs and turn the dial all the way round to 134mph.

The car was a lot chunkier than I'd imagined. The doors are heavy, and there's room in the back for two (smallish) friends. The 16in seven-spoke alloys come as standard. Ours also had satnav and leather - upping the cost to £20k.

And now for the topless bit: the powered roof has two functions - you can either open an integrated sliding top panel for a sunroof of sorts, or you can open the entire roof in 15 seconds. When up, the roof creates a bit of a blind spot, and when down, it creates a stack of folded fabric atop the rear of the car, but the car looks great, and somehow bigger with the top down. The boot is a decent size, and has that handy tailgate. Parking sensors are standard, which is wise, as most buyers will be townies.

On the road, it's great fun. Well-weighted steering, decent grip and compliant but stable ride producing one of the best hot hatches on the market. The only downside is the price - £17,595 - a lot for a small car, hot hatch or no. The old Mini was a car we could all afford. The Cooper S Convertible is a luxury bauble, but a fine one.

Tom Ford

3.0 TDI SEFact file:
We say: Very handsome, very good to drive, very enviable on the street and very expensive
Price: £17,595
On your drive for: £483pcm
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.4secs, max speed 134mph, 32.1mpg
Tech: 1598cc 4cyl 16v, FWD, 170bhp, 162lb ft, 1250kg, 211g/km CO2