There’s nothing that epitomises summer driving more than a convertible and when it comes to a driver-centric car it has to be that British icon, the Mini Cooper S soft-top.

Priced from $69,300, the Cooper S soft-top is powered by a 2-litre, twin-turbo petrol engine that produces 141kW of power and 280 Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Cooper S has a fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km.

The convertible is based on the Mini three-door hatchback but is 90 kg heavier than its sibling. The Mini Cooper S takes it a step further and is well-known for its compact size and distinctive, timeless design – both inside and out.

The ‘S’ designation indicates that it's a sportier version of the standard Mini Cooper.

That means a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and other enhancements to deliver a more engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Mini balances modern technology with heritage, with delightful nods to the Mini’s iconic history and vehicle innovations. While the Mini is built at the famous Oxford, England plant, the 2023 Mini Cooper S convertible can thank the BMW Group for the use of the German brand's safety and performance technology.

There is Performance Control that reduces understeering and increases traction and stability in cornering. There’s also Dynamic Cruise Control; City Crash Mitigation with pedestrian detection also known as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Add Forward Collision Warning with a visual and audio warning signal, plus braking preconditioning and you have a safe city car.

When it comes to parking in the city, there is Park Distance Control (front and rear), including Parking Assistant (that can help you maneuver). To help further there is a reversing camera with guidance lines.

I also loved such modern features as Speed Limit Info, a camera-based system that detects road signs and displays the current speed zone info. This was particularly useful driving in Auckland CBD with differing speed zones.

Then comes the notorious lane departure warning that most modern cars have, you either love or hate it. The system either visually warns you that you’re out of your lane or with some brands the car moves you back into the lane with a jolt on the steering wheel. Luckily the Mini has a more passive reminder.

And talking of reminders, there is a cute lighting design favour that harks to the Mini’s UK heritage as the rear taillights have the Union Jack design.

The overall exterior design of the Mini convertible keeps to the traditional styling, with the 18-inch wheels on each corner to create that go-kart driving style synonymous with Mini.

Inside, the Mini convertible keeps the nostalgia with the on-off toggle switch but the modern feature of keyless entry so you just need the fob on you to open the car.

The retro-themed dashboard includes an 8.8-inch touch display that has such functions as radio, navigation etc while there is a 5.5-inch digital instrument panel giving your speed. For a bonus, there is a head-up display that gives you speed too.

The four-seater is a practical car for two people, and if you add two in the rear you’ll find seats are small and suitable for short trips for passengers when the roof is on. But retract the fabric top fully and you have perfect driving conditions for four people.

For day-to-day use, the four-seater is practical for putting your bags on the back seat.

The electronic roof can also slide to be open just over the driver’s head for temperate weather or fully retracted back for that wind-in-hair experience.

So let’s hit the road in the Mini convertible – roof off. There are three driving modes, with the names self-explanatory: normal, sport, and green. I kept it normal for most city driving and in stop-start suburb driving I’d switch to green to help with fuel economy. On the motorway, I’d put the car in sport mode with the steering and suspension firming and it holding the gears for longer.

A nifty addition is Mini Connected which keeps your navigation system supplied with the latest traffic data, so you’re always on the best route to where you need to be.

The Mini Cooper S Convertible is well-known for its go-kart-like handling, precise steering, and lively performance. The open-top driving experience adds an extra layer of enjoyment. But with the roof on, you had rear blind-spot issues though the parking sensors help with reversing.

At slow speeds, the Mini’s steering is heavy, while it lightens once you’re on the move.

The Mini can be enjoyed all year round – often roof-down in even the chilliest conditions - you just need to wrap up well. And during summer, don’t forget your cap and sunblock on your face, arms and hands.