To ensure that sales of the MINI Convertible don't take too much of a dip as buyers anticipate a new model based on the new MINI, a special edition has been launched. The MINI Convertible Sidewalk will make its debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show and despite its American name will be on sale in Britain early in 2007.

The Sidewalk model comes in a choice of four colours, all with distinctive Malt Brown English leather, 17-inch 'Night Spoke' alloy wheels, "Sidewalk" badging and special trim including a two-tone leather steering wheel. Standard equipment includes Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T), stereo and computer controls mounted on the steering wheel, mirror caps in body colour, chrome line interior, passenger seat height adjustment, sports seats, the storage compartment pack, front fog lights, air conditioning, on-board computer, the interior light pack and white indicators.

Buyers will be able to specify the Sidewalk specification on either the One, Cooper or Cooper S Convertibles, at £16,910, £17,960 and £20,235 respectively. Though the new MINI is already on sale, the Convertible has only been around since 2004, so don't expect a replacement to be shown for at least another year or two.

Shane O' Donoghue - 20 Dec 2006