Some negatives

Sure, there were some negatives. The roof timer, which sprouts from the rev counter, is a triumph of style over substance. I believe it is there to inform the driver just how much time has been spent driving with the top down. It's a sweet idea, but all it really does is block the centre dash air vent.

I must also confess to entertaining thoughts of just how many people at any given moment where wondering whether or not the driver of this little icon was a hairdresser. I suspect this is not a car for manly men. I could also question some aspects of its practicality, but honestly if that's what you're after, go and buy a sensible family saloon.

Little charmer

Still, it is a little charmer. Put the top down, revel in the goodwill ordinary folk feel toward the brand, and just cruise.

This car does that bit magnificently. Leave the performance to the hardtop variants for that is their realm. At the end of my day with the car it did what few vehicles do: It put a smile on my face

Surely there is nothing more you can ask of your daily driver?

Specifications

Mini Cooper S Convertible

Key: c = claimed, g = gauteng