This is the last time we’ll review a new first generation MINI, and the Sidewalk limited editions are a sort of “final hurrah” from MINI for the Convertible range, a special edition to see it through until it’s replaced by the second generation Convertible.

We doubt they’ve sold too many this summer in the UK though, and not because savvy buyers are holding out for the new more powerful, more economical make over that’s already happened across the rest of the range. No, it’s just been a pretty terrible summer here in Britain, and as I sit here writing this review, rain beating against the window outside, I need no further reminder of the blessed life I live, which was highlighted by a full week of unbroken good weather that coincided perfectly with our time with the MINI Convertible.

The heavens were certainly shining on us during our week with the Sidewalk, and when the sun is out and and you’re driving along, the wind in your hair, the supercharger whining ahead and the exhaust burbling away merrily behind it’s hard to imagine why anyone would want any other MINI than a Cooper S Convertible. It’s only when you get your head back out from the clouds you begin to appreciate the drawbacks and compromises the soft top MINI undoubtedly presents it’s owners.

We’ve reviewed the MINI Convertible many times before, and we really do have a soft spot for the soft top. But it has to be said, when the roof is up, it is dark, it is noisy, and while the handling is brilliant it’s all a bit wobbly compared to the steel topped siblings. So, thank goodness we had a week with the roof down.

What did we learn from our time with the Cooper S? Quite a lot actually. The seats in the Sidewalk certainly divided opinion. My mother-in-law thought they looked great, a co-worker commented they looked like, well, lets not go there, the brownish tone wasn’t a winner with everyone for sure. But to actually sit on them was far from a delight. We’ve never experienced a problem with any MINI seats, until now. Even a relatively short 80 mile round trip left us feeling quite uncomfortable, and even a little sore. Compared to the leather sports seats in our own MINI Cooper S these more “plush” seats didn’t feel right at all, and no amount of adjustment changed that.

As for the rest of the style of the Black Sidewalk? We loved it, from the wheels to the paint finish to the dash, it all fitted together well and looked stunning. The MINI Convertible certainly still proved to be a head turner, which was a real surprise considering how long this car has been about now, and a credit to the MINIs continuing appeal.

The best thing about the Convertible Cooper S though is actually driving the car. Our favourite places quickly became tree lined country lanes, underpasses, bridges and just any enclosed spaces. When entering such places, try as we might the urge to play with the throttle to induce whines, pops and burbles (and accompanying childish grin) was just too much to resist. This car is just one big giggle. Forget the pose factor, the “coolness” of the MINI brand. Hurtling around in the Cooper S Convertible is what motoring is all about. Fun!

So are the sacrifices in boot space, rearward vision, sound deadening and comfort really worth it for the thrill of the open topped open roads? Well, we’ve never been able to justify it, not when sat in the comfort of a warm home considering the pros and cons of a soft top versus a hard top MINI. But if you’re the impulsive type, and you really, really enjoy driving, the the Cooper S Convertible is a great place to spend your time on the roads, and the Sidewalk, with it’s unique trim, upholstery and wheels will no doubt appeal to many. The Cooper S version certainly provides unparalleled aural pleasure for the price. If only the seats weren’t so uncomfortable.