NEARLY three years since its launch, the Mini adventure shows no sign of slowing down.

This summer sees the introduction of two new models - the Mini One Convertible and Mini Cooper Convertible. Both models will be built at Plant Oxford in the UK alongside the four models already in production; Mini One, Mini One D, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S.

The Mini One Convertible and Mini Cooper Convertible will make their world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, 2004. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.

The Mini Convertible family will be completed later in the year with the introduction of the Mini Cooper S Convertible.

Again, pricing and full details will be confirmed closer to launch.

Just like the rest of the Mini family, the Mini Convertible has four seats and is blessed with striking good looks, gutsy personality and go-kart style handling.

With an optional equipment list longer than any other car in its class, four airbags and parking distance control fitted as standard, the Mini Convertible may appear small but it thinks big.

Both the Mini One Convertible and Mini Cooper Convertible have fully automatic roofs as standard. The roof operates in two stages.

Press the button once and the roof slides back 40cm creating an "open sunroof". Press the button again and the roof retracts fully, neatly folding down behind the rear seats.

Reminiscent of the classic Mini, the Mini Convertible has a new drop-down boot which doubles as a handy loading platform. Two steel cables on a spring-mounted retractor system act as boot hinges holding up to 80kg.

The boot capacity with the roof up is 165 litres, with the roof down it is 120 litres.

Two new paint colours have been reserved exclusively for the Mini One Convertible and Mini Cooper Convertible - Hot Orange and Cool Blue.

There is a choice of three roof colours for the Mini Cooper Convertible, black, blue and green, while the Mini One Convertible roof is offered only in black. On the Mini Cooper Convertible body-coloured wing mirrors come as standard.

The interior has also been given a splash of colour. Body-coloured dashboards will be an option from launch in addition to the existing choice of silver, anthracite, aluminium and wood.

In addition to the existing wide range of upholstery choices, a new dark blue "Gravity" leather will be offered on both the Mini One Convertible and Mini Cooper Convertible.

The wheel selection also increases with the introduction of a new 17in five-star bullet alloy wheel that will be reserved exclusively for Mini Convertible models.

In the Mini One Convertible the 1.6 litre engine produces 90bhp and a top speed of 109 mph. 0-62 mph is reached in 11.8 seconds. The Mini Cooper Convertible has an output of 115 bhp and a top speed of 120mph. 0-62mph is reached in 9.8 seconds.