Use the scroll buttons on the right to view the pictures

Let me be clear up front. I don't like convertibles. I particularly don't like convertibles that started life as tin-tops, which then underwent a little nip and tuck to embrace wind-in-the-hair motoring.

No amount of body modification will ever compensate for the lack of rigidity a proper roof brings to the equation. The situation is exacerbated when the convertible in question has sporting pretensions. It's all scuttle-shake and body shudder as soon as a thought of press-on motoring is entertained.

Misgivings confirmed

My initial misgivings were therefore confirmed as soon as I tried to put the Mini Cooper S Convertible through its paces. You see here's the thing: despite some initial flatness in throttle response at reef altitudes, that gem of a motor rewards with enthusiastic acceleration once revs are piled on.

It's a Mini too, and one is encouraged to drive with verve. Unfortunately this is where the lack of rigidity manifests itself and despite the initial crisp turn-in, a casual glance in the rearview mirror mid corner confirms that the chassis is shaking itself like a Golden Retriever following a dunking.

Making sense

In fact this car made no sense to me at all — until I put the roof down. Mini's advertising campaign exhorts drivers to keep the roof down at all costs. Not a bad thing. With the warm winter sunshine beating down on me during a crisp Highveld day, all felt right with the world and any thoughts of pressing on were forgotten.

The heater warmed my feet while the breeze chilled my cheeks, I felt good. This car had a purpose after all. Somehow a little bit of scuttle shake can be forgiven when there is no roof above to amplify the vibration. And the Mini charms when driven more sedately. It's one of those cars that brings feel-good-factor with the sticker price.

Page two ... Ups, downs and specifications

Volvo S80 - be amazed Volvo dares you to test drive its new S80 and be "amazed at what we have achieved".

Easy Rider goes digital It's waterproof, can be read in bright sunlight and the four-wheel crowd can't have it.

Porsche scorches Ring A new version of the Porsche 911 Turbo has killed its predecessor's Nurburgring lap time.