Unveiled: 2009 Mini Convertible

The styling changes, as with the hardtop, are evolutionary, but parent BMW has put some thought and effort into the redesign of the two-door four-seater.

The powered soft top comes with a sliding-roof function and can be opened or closed at speeds up to 20 mph. New rollover bars behind the rear seats deploy automatically in an accident. Mini has increased storage space, with an expanded luggage compartment and a pivoting two-position package shelf.

The color palette also has been expanded, and there are new choices available in upholstery, interior trim and wheels.

The standard Mini Cooper convertible is powered by a 118-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S convertible gets a turbocharged direct-injection 1.6 engine, rated at 172 hp and 177 pound-ft of torque (192 lb-ft with overboost). With the six-speed manual gearbox, the Cooper S convertible sprints from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 138 mph. With the six-speed automatic, the 0-to-60-mph time is 7.2 seconds, and top speed is trimmed to 135 mph.

There's plenty of high-tech hardware, including electromechanical power steering, dynamic stability control, cornering brake control and dynamic traction control with electronic differential lock control, as well as run-flat tires and a tire-pressure monitor.

Mini says it will begin convertible deliveries in late March.

Inside Line says: Just in time for the warm weather. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent