Personally speaking, I would buy the Cooper S in a heartbeat. These cars nearly cost the same, and I am simply what many call, a maniac who dies in anything churning below 400 horsepower. In addition, the boot of the Cabriolet isn’t very spacious.

Objectively speaking, this MINI succeeds in many different ways. First, it is a good tool. It has a decent amount of go to be useable in both city and highway situations, and won't have you scream at it to go faster. Furthermore, it puts the right kind of people in the right place, which is, beside the driver, as successfully experienced by yours truly, if you get my drift...

There are few premium convertibles priced this low, with the obvious compromise here being the naturally aspirated 1.6 litre engine. A cheaper alternative might be the 2.0-litre Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, but even then the iconic Beetle isn't a match for the MINI's handling prowess.

Good steering feel, brakes that modulate easily and close to no scuttle shake. Combine this with the warm, sunny Singapore weather and sparsely traveled B-roads up north, and you have an instant little winner. Unlike Minis past, you simply can’t go wrong with this one.

Credits: Text and Photos by Amery Reuben and Darren Huang