You might compare Ms. Hemmes' loving review at The Auto Channel with this one by Erik Johnson at CarandDriver.com. Mr. Johnson writes
"The Cooper S cabrio is sporty, feisty, and pugnacious, like the rest of the Mini lineup. But between the torque steer, chassis flex, and stiff ride, it is neither a perfect boulevardier nor a finely honed Alpine bomber. It’s something in between, and that compromise isn’t entirely satisfying. The new Mini cabrio will go on sale in late March priced at $24,550 for the Cooper and $27,450 for the Cooper S; 2008 models started at $22,600 and $26,050, so the respective price increases aren’t insignificant. Still, this latest Mini cabrio remains fun and cheeky, and that’s what Minis are supposed to be—it’s an experience perhaps worth freezing for."