Australia’s cheekiest convertible just got a whole lot more luxurious with the arrival in showrooms of the new MINI Cabrio Sidewalk model.

Available in supercharged 1.6-litre MINI Cooper S guise with 125 kW on tap, or the sporty naturally-aspirated MINI Cooper, the Sidewalk is packed with exclusive features that will ensure it is the most sought-after drop-head for sophisticated small car sun-lovers.

Equipped like no other 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 a treasure trove of goodies unavailable on any other four-seater 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 at speeds of up to 120 km/h (where legal).

Adding to the chill-out factor is the MINI Cabrio’s unique bottom-hinged boot lid that allows two small people to sit back and watch the sunset.

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

“The Sidewalk will turn heads on pavements across Australia,” Justin said.