The car's automatic roof opens in two stages, the first stage creating a 'sunroof' above the driver. The whole roof folds away in 15 seconds and, as with the original Mini, the new bottom-hinged bootlid doubles as a loading platform. Pace and economy take a small hit because the stiffened body is heavier. A supercharged Cooper S model will be added to the line-up after the first two are launched in the summer, though there seems little doubt about the target market - parking sensors are standard.

The cabin shows the new 'Chrono Pack' option - speedo and tacho are mounted on the steering column and the space freed-up is used for fuel, oil pressure and temperature gauges. The car also debuts a new steering wheel design and other minor trim changes.

We hear that the Convertible ushers in other developments including a new Getrag five-speed 'box and redesigned seats with a much-needed new recline/fold mechanism. A redesigned lower radiator grille and body cladding are expected to find their way onto the fixed-roof Mini in coming months.

Although Mini stylist Frank Stephenson told us that he was working on a long-wheelbase Mini estate when he left BMW, a senior source said it was highly unlikely that any more investment would be made in the current Mini range. Early work on the next-generation car is underway, with new BMW/Peugeot engines being tested. Expect a re-engineered but very similar-looking Mini in 2006. Two lengths of chassis are expected, the longer one creating a five-door Mini MPV.