2007 Mini Convertible Sidewalk Preview

Mini Sidewalk Convertible Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The 2007 Mini Sidewalk Convertible is a $4,000 package of appearance upgrades for the Mini Convertible or Cooper S Convertible. The packages are identical with the exception of 16-inch wheels for the standard Mini Convertible and 17-inch wheels and Xenon headlights for the Cooper S. Both models get English leather sport seats in an exclusive malt brown color and special interior graphics and chrome interior trim. Additionally, both models also benefit from a leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in multifunction controls, stability control, a center armrest, and a Harmon Kardon audio system.

Why it Matters

Exclusivity sells cars these days and marketing departments are jumping all over the consumer's desire to own and drive something unique. Mini is all over this trend with frequent options packages, with the Sidewalk package for the Mini and Cooper S convertible is the most recent. Plain and simple, packages like this sell cars and broaden the profit margin to dealers and manufacturers. Besides the appeal and bigger profits, special edition packages draw consumers to showrooms and help clear out old inventory to make way for new models, such as the second generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S that is on its way now.

What’s Under the Hood

Like the regular Mini convertible, the Sidewalk model features a choice of two engines. In base form, power comes from a 1.6-liter inline four-banger pushing 115 horses at 6,000 rpm and 111 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. In case that’s not enough to get your motor running, the S model adds on a supercharger which boosts output to 168 ponies at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

What it Looks Like

With the exception of unique 16-inch bridge spoke wheels for the standard Cooper and 17-in. wheels for the Cooper S, the only exterior change to the 2007 Mini Convertible Sidewalk is addition of a Sidewalk badge aft of the front wheel opening. This is no bad thing, as the Mini Convertible is about as much fun to look at as it is to drive.

What's Inside

This is where the substance of the Sidewalk package comes into play. Open the door and the interior leatherwork in dark malt brown, the unique graphics, leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, chrome trim, center armrest and Harmon Kardon audio system are dead giveaways you're in a Sidewalk edition. What you can't see is the traction control system that is also part of the package.

What Mini Says

According to Mini, the 2007 Cooper Convertible Sidewalk “offers truly unique body and interior design, attractive metallic paintwork, light-alloy rims in new Night Spoke design and an innovative interior surface as well as leather upholstery developed especially for this new model version giving the Mini Convertible Sidewalk a truly outstanding look from every angle.”

What We Think

Yeah it looks sharp, but it's still a first-generation Mini. With the second generation models ready to debut, we'd say wait and spend your extra four grand on a second-generation, unless you just can't wait or have a special affinity for these first-generation models.

Photos courtesy of Thom Blackett and Mini USA