Available in supercharged 1.6-litre Mini Cooper S guise with 125 kW on tap, or the naturally-aspirated Mini Cooper, the Sidewalk is packed with features that may appeal to small car sun-lovers.

Equipped like no Mini Cabrio before it, the Sidewalk model, which is available in 5-speed manual or CVT automatic for the Cooper, and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic for the Cooper S, provides goodies unavailable on any Mini convertible in Australia.

Sidewalk features a new Malt brown leather interior as standard with fluted seat facings and contrasting silver piping in a traditional, decadent style. The leather accents spill over to the armrests, the two-tone multi-function sport steering wheel as well as the gear-shifter.

A high gloss finish to the dashboard facings and door surrounds is backed up by a bespoke “Sidewalk” entry plaque in the door aperture as well as an interior lights package and Chrome Line Interior.

Outside there is the choice of a distinctive special order White Silver paint scheme or Sparkling Silver, British Racing Green or Astro Black hues, while eye-catching Night Spoke 17-inch light alloy wheels in silver and anthracite ensure the Sidewalk is instantly identifiable.

Mirror caps finished in body colour are joined by a special Sidewalk badge adorning the front guards.

All Sidewalk models feature standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction, front fog lights, sport seats with manual height adjustment, Cockpit Chrono Pack, and automatic air conditioning. There’s also a storage package, on board computer and specially finished gunmetal grey floor mats.

On the Mini Cooper S model, Satellite navigation and Xenon headlamps are also included.

As with all Mini Cabrio models, the folding roof slips back in a swift 15 seconds and the sunroof section above the front passengers can be opened 400 mm.

The Mini Cooper Sidewalk is priced (RRP) from $42,100 (manual) and the Mini Cooper S Sidewalk is priced from $51,100 (manual) and both models are available immediately at Mini dealers nationwide.

“Mini Cabrio offers the highest degree of customisation of any convertible in its price range and beyond,” said Justin Hocevar, National Manager Mini.

“Now we add a further layer of exclusivity to Mini Cabrio ownership with the arrival of the Sidewalk model."

“Since it went on sale in January 2005, the Mini Cabrio has been a hit with buyers looking for a fast, stylish and superbly agile convertible that is as much at home cruising the bay-side boulevards as it is blasting through the hills."

“Mini is already unique in its customisation options for Cabrio and Hardtop models, but the Sidewalk not only combines some of the most attractive options, but delivers them in an exclusive paintwork and wheel package."