Speaking of looking better, the drop-top MINI has reached yet another level of sporty styling. For the 2005 model year the MINI

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

Convertible comes with a completely redesigned front bumper, front grille and headlights. Both the bumper and grille enhance the signature bulldog look and the headlights add to the practical yet fun feel of the car. The Cooper S also offers some upgrades including new lights and a body-colored grille design. The MINI's keep getting more attractive on the outside and in. This year the Convertibles come in ten different colours and two new signature BMW colours; Hot Orange (the colour of my test Cooper) and Cool Blue (the colour of my test Cooper S). There is also the option to literally bring the outside of the car in; the dashboard can be the same colour as the exterior. Also, an optional Chrono Gauge package ($250 USD) is available for the interior which houses analog readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure and oil temperature. The gauge package is located in the center dash and is designed with contrasting sized and coloured gauges reminiscent of a fine chronograph watch. Unfortunately with this option it requires the speedometer to be located adjacent to the tachometer on the steering column, not in its traditional centre console

The Convertibles come in ten different colours and two new signature BMW colours; Hot Orange and Cool Blue . (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

location. Both options came as part of my test Cooper Convertible. They're both quirky ideas but nonetheless cool. Along the highways and byways of foreign-to-me roads, the cool colours of the MINIs did attract some attention. But what really caught mine was the car's handling. It is nothing less than spectacular. In addition to its four-wheel independent suspension (sport tuned in the Cooper S) and already stiff body structure, the floor and side sills are specially reinforced due to their larger and sturdier components, as well as the use of additional B-pillar crossbars and floor pan stiffeners. It is extremely smooth whether driving on the highway of getting lost on County roads somewhere in Wisconsin. What a hoot.