Due for release in March, the 2009 MINI convertible gets new generation turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines (118 hp for the MINI Cooper Convertible and 172 hp for the MINI Cooper S Convertible), a pop-up rollover bar activated by the car’s central safety electronics, a redesigned storage compartment and an electrohydraulic-powered soft-top roof that can be opened in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 20 mph. Gimmicky?

As we’ve come to expect, the new MINI Convertible is a funky piece of automotive design. Safety is further enhanced by an increase in passenger cell stiffness by ten percent over the former model, a newly constructed floorpan, frontal airbags and side head/torso airbags as standard, plus reinforced A-pillars and side-sills. In conjunction with slightly larger side windows, this new rollover bar set-up also provides better driver visibility.

Design-wise, the MINI Cooper S Convertible is distinguished by the “Powerdome” opening on the engine compartment lid, a larger air intake scoop, dual tailpipes and a two-piece rear foglamp. Both models receive changes to the cargo space include folding rear-seat backrests and loading options between the luggage and passenger compartments, which increases the car’s cargo space to 23.10 cu ft. There’s also the option of a new rear rack installation kit which can accommodate a bicycle carrier.

The new MINI Cooper Convertible has a six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard with optional six-speed automatic transmission and upgrades have also been made to suspension and handling with wheel suspension, electromechanical power steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) all standard.

Under the hood the two models pack a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with the MINI Cooper Convertible putting out 118 hp at 6,000 rpm and the Twin-Scroll turbocharged, direct injection MINI Cooper S Convertible making 172 hp at 5,500 rpm. Acceleration figures put the S model at 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 7.2 seconds with the automatic and the top speed is 138 mph (135 mph for the auto).

Inside, the new MINI Convertible gets a list of trim customization options including three versions of leather in Carbon Black, Tuscan Beige and Hot Chocolate, plus footwell and exit lights as standard. You can also match the interior lighting to your mood with ambient lights that change from warm orange to sporting blue. Pricing for the MINI Cooper Convertible is USD$24,550 and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible $27,450.