Topless joy for the young

Lets's face it. The Mini Cooper range is primarily aimed at young people - and this applies particularly to the convertible.

Sure there is lots of fun to be had dodging traffic on an autumn morning with the roof down and foot to the floor as you rip through the six-speed manual gearbox.

But that's if you are a 20-something, have skin that could be used in a Ponds advert, teeth that look as if they have just had whitening treatment and a mop of hair that would make even Beyonce envious.

But if you are approaching 50 years of age, are overweight and bald, driving around with the roof down means either a) you are having a mid-life crisis; b) you're an absolute tosser or c) both!

So for the majority of the time I had the convertible, its top came off less often than that of a retired stripper. But this still didn't deter me from enjoying all its other features.

Like its sibling, it handles superbly, thanks to an array of features like ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD (electronic brake distribution) and quite critically, CBC (cornering brake control).

Six airbags are also a standard feature and the low chassis and suspension means you are in for a firm, yet dynamic, drive.

Hop into the car at night and you could be forgiven if you thought you were in The Hef's main bedroom at the Playboy mansion with the decidedly wicked, soft glow of pink emanating from the door sills.

Other "pimp my ride" features are the intake scoop on the bonnet, fog lamps and the tasteful use of chrome both on the interior and exterior.

So unless I lose some weight, have a hair transplant and pop down to the dentist for some treatment, I think I'll just stick to the Cooper S!