Mini Roadster

YOU DIDN’T SEE this coming, did you? Why, oh why, would we pick an impractical convertible over something much duller and more obviously the identikit used car?

Yes, there are more questions than answers, but always remember that you are reading Autocar. Eventually, some self-driving drone will pick up this award remotely, but right now we believe that driving should be enjoyed. This is exactly what the Mini Roadster delivers.

The Roadster isn’t just good to drive; it is also good looking. As the other members of the Mini range get fatter, the de-roofed coupé is a purposeful projectile. It becomes roofless impressively quickly, too, so getting wind into your hair has never been easier. Or cheaper. For usefully less than £10k, you can bag yourself a great, Cooper-badged 1.6. With a bit of financial flexibility, you can trade up to a John Cooper Works for added fun.

It won’t break down, either. We spoke to our tame, non-franchised Mini fiddler about what to look for. He said: “Nowt.”

So here’s a used car that puts a smile on your face, leaves money in your wallet and everyone will see coming – the whole point of owning a roadster.