SO summer's here. What summer, I hear you say? Well surely the sun has to come out sometime soon!

And what better way to enjoy it when it does eventually make an appearance than from behind the wheel of a MINI Convertible.

For the open-top version of the evergreen MINI ticks an awful lot of boxes, as manufacturers around the world step up a notch or two to entice buyers into their brands in what are difficult times.

And while the Oxford-based arm of parent company BMW are in better fettle than many car makers, it's not difficult to see why the British love affair with the MINI is as strong today as it has been since the early 1960s, when British Leyland unleashed the pretty basic Morris and Austin offerings to a then excited public.

With its unbeatable combination of smile-inducing driving dynamics, retro design, super build quality and unbeatable servicing programme, the 21st-century Mini has already made a huge mark on the car-buying public, with supply barely able to keep up with demand.

Heavily revised from the version first introduced in 2004, the current MINI One Convertible has slowly evolved into the car for all seasons we have today.

Over the years, MINI engineers have fine-tuned and re-designed just about every aspect of the car, while retaining all the good bits that owners have come to love.

The smooth yet perky UK-built petrol engines help the Convertible return just a little short of 50mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions work out at a lowly 133g/km. Top speed is a decent enough 112mph.

The car's driving dynamics are spot on, thanks to the short throws of the six-speed gearbox and well-balanced suspension set up coupled with quick-reacting electric steering, while the sporting bias has also been enhanced thanks to fitting of the dynamic stability control system.

The end result means the MINIi's kart-like handling stays, but the car is now even more fun to drive thanks to the extra power that comes from the new 1.6-litre engine.

Delivering 98bhp at 6,000 revs and pulling 160Nm of torque at 4,250 revs, the MINI can deliver a white-knuckle performance that can have your passengers screaming like they're on one of the dare-devil rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach should you be that way inclined.

On the other hand, it can be docile enough for even your dear old aunt to use on her weekly shopping trip to Tesco.

The MINI One Convertible specification includes electric windows and mirrors, alloy wheels, CD sound system, driver and passenger front and side airbags and alarm and immobiliser.

All new MINIs now come with stop-start, a system that shuts off the engine when the car is stationary for more than five seconds, and re-starts the car  it as soon as the driver depresses the clutch.

There's also aircon as standard so even when there's a bit of a nip in the air outside, those inside will be kept nice and snug, even with the roof down.

When the sun does pop out of the clouds the electric canvas roof can be opened in just 15 seconds using the toggle switch mounted above the windscreen.

And if you do get caught in a sudden downpour, the top can zip back up again in the same time even, while at speeds of up to 20mph.

As an alternative to taking the whole top down the front part of the roof can also be retracted to create the effect of a sunroof. This can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph. 

One must-have option is the £1,230 Pepper Pack, which adds among other extras, automatic air conditioning, a chrome line exterior, heated mirrors, fog lights, on-board computer, leather steering wheel, interior lighting package and the choice of 15 or 17inch alloy wheels.

There's no way you can't fall in love with any MINI within the six-car range, but to be able to experience wind-in-the-hair motoring on a warm summer's day is just that little bit special and with the Convertible's "open for everything" slogan, all we need now is the sun!