You’ll always have a soft sport for the car you were driving when you met your high school sweetheart… And that soft spot is the same reason we’re so willing to overlook the nonexistent comfort of the Austin Mini.

Some things never change. The modern MINI is an eloquent testament to that fact. They may have altered the spelling, but BMW’s wizards have so faithfully reproduced the charm of the little soapbox that it remains a bone-shaker to this day.

The Cooper S Convertible is like a time machine. The myth has been given a modern twist to appeal to well-to-do, nostalgic drivers.

The 2009 Cooper S Convertible that we tested nevertheless had everything it takes to surprise both the buyer and the casual onlooker. Seductive lines, becoming cabin, powerful engine, attractive price – you name it, it’s got it.

Oh-so-desirable
Like the New Beetle, the MINI banks on a cleverly crafted and successfully cultivated myth. Alec Issigonis, father of the Mini, had originally created it for the common masses. The manufacturer nevertheless managed to transform the lowly maid into a princess designed for well-to-do buyers big on personal gratification. After all, don’t people choose a MINI to stand out from everyone else, motorists, neighbours, friends and work colleagues alike?

To do so, the original concept had to be dusted off and given a modern twist. The populist shrimp of my youth wouldn’t appeal to the target consumer of the 21st century. The body, for instance, has grown a good 20 centimetres to increase occupant comfort. The new architecture, the engine and the arsenal of active and passive safety systems have more than doubled its masse.

Different versions are coming fast and furious as well. After the launch of a first convertible in 2004, we’ll soon be treated to a small coupe (likely a two-seater) and a sturdy looking crossover. Myths need to evolve to survive.

The terrible three
For 2009 the maker of the modern MINI, BMW, is offering three very stylish versions of the convertible. All share a small, 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, direct injection engine developed by Peugeot.

With 172 hp, the 4-cylinder turbo engine of the Cooper S ensures a great power-to-weight ratio.

The entry-level Cooper relies on the fuel efficiency of a naturally aspirated, 118-hp version of the mill. Conversely, the Cooper S I tested is all about the impressive performance of its supercharged, 172-hp engine. The Cooper JCW (John Cooper Works), is the be-all and end-all of performance, powered by a fine-tuned version of the little mill kicking out 208 ponies.

The cockpit is attractive and comfortable.

The winding country road becomes essential driving when someone offers you the keys to one of these reputedly very manoeuvrable cars. Especially when you know the Cooper S’s mill has 192 ft-lb of torque in store for you at 1,700 rpm!

But first, you have to tame the interior layout. Easier said than done. The rpm counter behind the wheel and the over-size speedometer lording it over the centre dash are disconcerting. What’s more, a plethora of flip switches has joined the fray of push buttons, the lot of them so well integrated into the dash that they literally blend in.

Here is a car where you’re better off reading the owner’s manual BEFORE you start the engine.

Thrilling ride
Though the MINI is undeniably attractive, buyers are especially seduced by the driving experience – at first. With a 172-head stable, the power-to-weight ratio promises obvious road prowess. The 7 seconds needed to power from 0 to 100 km/h confirm the assumption.

Unfortunately, driving enjoyment is relative. The well-spaced 6-speed manual transmission isn’t as smooth as that of a Mazda MX-5. What’s more, the small 1.6-litre transverse engine does produce the anticipated torque steer. Though it’s a far cry from the second generation CR-X, slippery surfaces are better approached with a measure of humility.

As for ride comfort, with the sport suspension (optional) and low-profile, run-flat tires (205/45R17) the car deserves to be called a bone-shaker. Sweet memories of youth, to be sure, but at $36,350 a pop (options extra), the lack of comfort is tough to swallow.

The trunk is, shall we say, minimalist.

Finish, anyone?
All the more so when said vehicle sports a less-than-perfect finish. What to think of a Cooper S whose door mouldings are sagging? Of a car in which the front seat belt winders don’t wind much of anything? Of a convertible whose stereo system is there not only for your listening enjoyment but to cover up the noisy chassis’s protestations?

Are these isolated issues related to the pre-delivery prepping of my tester? For the sake of argument, let’s assume so – except for the noisy chassis, apparently the result of a platform obviously low on stiffness.

The 17-inch wheels are shod in low-profile, run-flat tires.

Tip top soft top
This MINI benefits from an electro-hydraulic soft top sporting a rear window and defroster, making life easier in both summer and winter.

The car is completely uncovered in 15 short seconds, and the top can even be folded down on the go up to speeds of 30 km/h. The automaker even included a button on the key fob to remote activate the soft top.

You can also choose to open just the sunroof portion of the cabin in the manner of a targa.

But don’t go thinking convertible and visibility go hand in hand here. The MINI’s rear window is small and limits rear visibility. And even when the top is folded down, it takes up a lot of space over the belt line and likewise limits rear visibility.

How ironic that in such a diminutive car you find yourself nervously backing up, afraid of hitting an invisible obstacle. At least when the top’s down you can lean on the seat back and lift yourself up to try to get a better view behind the car…

smart vs. MINI?
If your budget is a key factor in your purchasing process and you’re thinking of going with the cheapest European convertible available, the smart fortwo (from $21,250), know that the Alsatian munchkin offers neither the performance prowess of a Cooper (with naturally-aspirated engine) nor its engaging ride, despite the “limp” chassis.

The Cooper has an undeniable charm that the fortwo can’t hope to equal. In addition, the cabin can still pleasantly accommodate two adults and two children with flair.

The trunk? Meh. Though the smart offers up 340 litres compared to the ridiculous 143 litres of the Cooper, to remedy the situation you simply need to sacrifice the tiny Brit’s rear seats – two elements conspicuously absent in the smart.

In any case, MINI owners will quickly realize that the rear seats have a wide variety of uses, as much so today as in the past.