Need to call a cab? Here's the second-generation convertible Mini, with even more cleverness than before.

The R57-series drop-top comes two years later than its strong-selling hatchback equivalent.

It has the same style of electronically-operated canvas roof as the previous car. There's a touch-f-a-button choice of partially opening the top to act as a sunroof or going fully al fresco. Stripping right down takes just 15 seconds when driving at a speed of up to 30kmh.

Another accessory making its debut is the 'Openometer', an optional device that sounds like something from an Aardman film but in fact records how long the top has been down. Or you could simply keep an eye on your own timepiece - though that's less cool.

Speaking of which, take note also that the car now gains automatic air-conditioning designed to deliver a consistent set temperature even when the roof is stowed away. Assuming you feel the need to have the air con running when fresh air is rushing unimpeded through the cabin.

With its more powerful - yet more economical - engines and chassis enhancements, this Mini Cabriolet is less of a toy and more of a sophisticated driver's car, BMW claims.

"We fit the mark between sportiness and comfort, and keeping the go-kart feeling", says project leader Tom Kunze.

Of course, any promise of enhanced driving fun will surely blow right by the majority of buyers - Mini stats suggest they're only in it for the look and 'look-at-moi.' Hey, sexy sells, right?

And it does look more alluring, now. Raising the shoulderline a good 30mm helps the car appear more substantial and less pram-like. The obvious point of styling difference is the absence of chrome roll hoops behind the rear passenger seats.

Actually, the rollover protection still exists, but to avoid previous rear visibility issues the new Cabrio has a single-piece rollbar that only pops up - in just 150 milliseconds - in the event of a topsy-turvy moment.

The cabin seems to be a bit roomier - just as it is in the hardtop models - but the luggage compartment increases in size by a mere five litres when the roof is either lowered (125 litres) or raised (170 litres). There's a bigger gain of 55 litres (to 660 litres) when the roof is up and the (split-fold) rear-seat backrest is folded flat.

Fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are also improved by up to 20 percent, thanks to the addition of stop-start and brake energy regeneration - BMW's Efficient Dynamics technologies, relabelled as 'Minimalism'.

With BMW New Zealand now allying with the Aussie arm on model choice, it seems probable we'll see two 1.6-litre versions - a naturally-aspirated 88kW/160Nm mill for the Cooper Cabriolet and a direct-injection turbocharged version, making 128kW and 240Nm, for the Cooper S.

The S adopts a meaner look, with a 20mm-high 'powerdome' on its bonnet, a larger lower front air intake and a rear bumper with large air intakes and centrally-mounted twin exhaust tailpipes.

The base car can do up to 197kmh and 0-100km in 9.8 seconds; it returns 6.1 litres per 100km (down from 7.3L/100km before) and emits 137 grams per kilometre. The turbocharged, direct-injection Cooper S does 222kmh and 0-100km in 7.4 seconds, returning 7.2L/100km  (8.8L/100km before) and 153g/km.

Both models now have a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed auto optional.

An entry-level 1.4-litre One model will be introduced to Europe next year and there'll also be a hotted-up John Cooper Works model. BMW is also considering introducing the 78kW diesel engine found in the Cooper D hatch and Clubman.

There are also two all-new colours: Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue.

What this means to you: Summer's here, time to be seen.