Drive a current Mini Cooper, especially an S model, and you might find yourself praising the handling, the supercharged engine, the unique style, or if you’re behind the wheel of a hatch version, maybe even the usefulness of the cargo area. Chances are quality interior materials will not make that same list. A cheap interior is one of the things that continues to stick out in our minds when thoughts drift back to the 2005 Mini Cooper S convertible we tested.

For 2007, Mini claims that the freshened Cooper will feature the quality interior bits it so desperately needs. In addition, the cabin offers its share of design changes, including a larger center speedometer incorporating radio and navigation system functions (if equipped), and wider footwells availed thanks to a slimmer center instrument stack. There’s also a start/stop push-button ignition along with standard front-side and side-curtain airbags.