NEWS of BMW's latest drop-top, based on the 1 Series, will have convertible owners everywhere reflecting on the trade-in value of their current model - and UK dealers reaching for the order books.

Out in spring 2008, BMW's 1 Series Convertible is the world's first premium topless car in the compact segment, and prices are expected to run from about £21,000 to £35,000 when it appears in Britain.

The entry-level 141bhp, 130mph 118i will prove a top seller, but all the enthusiasts' envy will be directed towards the flagship 135i, a 304bhp, 155mph roofless rocket.

What's more, it gets the M Sport aerodynamic package as standard, featuring a redesigned sporty front air dam with large air intakes, re-profiled sill panels, and a rear diffuser. The Convertible will be the fourth 1 Series model to be launched, and carries much of the styling and technology improvements hailed in the recently-announced Coupe model, which arrives this month in the UK . The Convertible's folding top is fabric, operated electro-hydraulically to open or close in 22 seconds - and at speeds of up to 25mph. This three-door's roof-down rush can be enjoyed by up to four passengers, although, as with the current standard car model, rear legroom will be fairly restricted. Basic boot space is 305 litres, and folding away the roof takes that down to 260 litres - still enough room for a full weekly shop.

Safety is enhanced, and the 1 Series Convertible comes with an additional level of protection in the event of a roll-over - a sensor registers any danger and, alongside airbag deployment, two roll-over bars extend from behind the rear seats in a fraction of a second to protect the passenger cell.

Alongside the 1995cc 118i and 2979cc 135i at launch will be three other models, the 1995cc 120d turbo-diesel, plus the 1995cc 120i and 2996cc 125i petrol variants.

All models feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with every one also getting the choice of a six-speed automatic option. The auto box also comes with a wheel-mounted paddle shift on the 135i, and it's also an option on the 125i.

Pricing and on-sale information of all new BMW 1 Series Convertibles will be released nearer the UK launch. Also from the German firm comes a reminder that the new Oxford-built Mini Clubman goes on sale in Britain on Saturday, November 10.

The superbly-styled little estate will be available at launch with three engine versions, 1.6-litre Cooper, 1.6-litre turbo diesel Cooper D and 1.6-litre petrol turbo Cooper S, and should quickly reinforce Mini's reputation as the most sought-after small car in the world.

The UK's 148 Mini dealers will have no trouble shifting Clubman stock, even though they are a little on the expensive side. The Cooper will cost £14,235, the Cooper D £15,400, and the Cooper S £17,210.

The diesel version will appeal to drivers who can do without regular filling station visits - it returns a very healthy 68.9mpg on the official combined cycle.

Extra space in the Clubman is achieved by making it 24cm longer than the hatchback, and on the inside, it offers 8cm more legroom for rear passengers. Also, it is the first new Mini to enter the market with five seats.

Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place, and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down.

The new Clubman has its roots in the 1960s, when the 848cc Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Mini Countryman first appeared, and later the Mini Clubman Estate in 1969.

The characteristic features of these models have been re-interpreted in the Clubman, while it remains true to BMW's interpretation of the iconic car.