It's the most fashionable Mini around, which is probably why there's a queue of buyers. While the Mini's popularity has soared, the popularity of this new model is probably more to do with its stylish look and easy-operated roof than any hopes for a glorious summer.
The roof pops up and down at the touch of a button, without any need to remove clips or get involved in the intricate origami skills of competitors such as the Ford Streetka.
The Mini convertible has just gone on Irish launch, but the 100 that have been allocated to this market for the rest of the year have already been sold out.
Irish prices start at €25,500 for the Mini One with the Mini Cooper coming in at €27,900. The Cooper S version is €32,800.
There are already over a dozen orders for 2005 cars and BMW Ireland expects that the convertible will account for 12 to 15 per cent of Mini Irish sales.
Surprisingly, perhaps, the expectation is of a 50/50 male and female split. BMW also report Mini sales of 510 so far this year; that's 85 per cent up on the same period last year.