2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

An absolute blast to drive
The SOHC, 16-valve 1.6-liter four with a supercharger bolted on delivers 168 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to thrust this little droptop to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. There's enough low-end torque that you don't even have to downshift on the highway when you want some extra giddyup. It does become quite noisy past 120 km/h, however.

The Cooper S is always eager for some sporty driving, and you, well, can't resist either. You'll be speeding around street corners at every chance you get, since the car handles like a high-powered go-kart. The steering is so direct and precise, that sneezing while driving at highway speeds makes you change lanes. Fuel consumption suffers a bit with all this fun, as I average 10.6 L/100 km. In addition, she requires super unleaded champagne...

Needless to say, those who accepted my offer for a spin in the MINI (read: everyone) all said the same thing: "I want one."

And now, the morning after...
That supermodel you brought home for the night has a couple of, ahem, issues when you wake up in the morning. The biggest drawback of this MINI convertible is the top's mammoth blind spots at the rear when the top is up. They're so wide that yellow Hummers with 22-inch chrome wheels disappear from your view.

2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

To make sure you're not hitting someone while changing lanes, you have to look out the small backlight (heated glass, thankfully), look in the outside mirror, then lean forward and peek out the side of the car. This problem is cured by lowering the top, but there still are those rollover hoops and the stacked-down top that block the view. The rearview mirror also hampers visibility in front.

Among other morning-after scares, there is a bizarre cupholder screwed on the side of the centre stack, which always seems to be in the way.

Conclusion
The MINI Cooper S Convertible is nothing short of thrilling. It's fun to drive, and an attention-grabber. You feel proud driving this car around. But let's face it: on how many sunny days will you lower the top? My guess is 30 to 50 days out of 365. The rest of the time, the limited view outside just gets on your nerves. And at $40,250 as tested, including the aforementioned Premium package and $1,800 Sport package, these mixed feelings don't come cheap.

On the bright side, you'll meet this beauty's sister, the $30,600 hardtop Cooper S, who doesn't take off her top but is just as stunning and entertaining. Plus, she'll come home with you for a lot less money. That's love at first sight.

2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

What I like:
Excellent thrust and handling
Gorgeous body and cabin
Four-seat practicality (for a convertible)

What I don't like:
Can't see much when the top is up
Expensive
Noisy on the highway

CLICK HERE to view the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible's specifications.