Be prepared to smile when driving the Mini Cooper S. The soft-top convertible had its occupants relishing every in-vehicle outing, even top down trips in 40-45 degree temperatures. Since lowering or raising the manual-operating soft-top takes only 10 seconds, it was quick and easy to give first-time Cooper convertible riders the full open-air effect. Interior-wise, the Mini is in a league of its own with a super-sized speedometer in the very center of the dashboard. And, there’s cavernous room for both driver and front passenger. While riders had high-praise for the cabin’s look, materials, and roominess, the opt-repeated complaint was the hard-to-reach seatbelt. Mini Cooper convertible’s trunk isn’t oversized, but it’s capable of accommodating a couple pieces of luggage.

From a driving perspective, the car’s performance is a stand-out in its class. The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that pumps out 181 horsepower. Whether making acceleration commands for passing power or quick take-offs, the engine handles the tasks handily. The vehicle’s MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear suspension is key to a silky-smooth ride. Compared to the 2011 Cooper, the 2012 model year marks the debut of MINI Yours--the vehicle maker’s calling card for upscale interior surface options available as part of a package or individually. The test driven Mini Cooper S with 6-speed manual Getrag transmission collected estimated mpg of 27 city and 35 highway. MSRP of Cooper S is $27,350.