AutoExpress gives us their take on the newly released MCS Convertible (free reg. required). Here's an excerpt:
Potholes cause obvious body flexing, and the noise from the windscreen pillars could become tiresome for owners who intend to drive their Cooper S as it's intended. Yet despite the loss of some stiffness, the range-topping Convertible is still an entertaining drive and retains the sense of fun that has made other variants so popular.
It's not only the driving experience that will bring a smile to your face. While it doesn't stow away with any elegance, the hood folds at the touch of a button, and the rest of the Convertible's characterful cabin will be familiar to any MINI hatchback owner.
You can read the entire article here.
<p>Thrusday, I had the opportunity to test drive a new 2005 MCSC (In Cool Blue) with 250 miles on the odometer. It is a very cool experience driving a MINI topless. The car itself was surprinsingly solid feeling but it did feel a lot more sluggish off the line in comparison to my '04 MCS. Those 168 ponies really work hard on the convertible version. Honestly I did not notice that big of a difference between the '04 and '05 MCS Getrag gearbox, but then again the added weight of the convertible model may hide the extra 5 ponies and the little bit of extra torque.</p>
<p>In all and all, it was a terrific car. High quality all around and the roof fabric and mechanism all are top notch. Cool blue with the cool blue dashboard trim is simply awesome.</p>
<p>I am not a convertible type of guy but if you are, this car will certainly please. I personally, still much prefer the hardtop MINI in terms of looks, less added weight, less insurance and better acceleration not to mention that a hardtop MCS is $5K cheaper than a MCSC.</p>