A soft top version of the Mini will be built at the Cowley factory next year.

An early concept drawing of the Mini Cabrio

Dr Helmut Panke, chairman of Mini parent company BMW, finally confirmed that the first cabriolet versions of the highly-successful car will roll off the production line in the middle of next year, in time for the summer.

His announcement at the German giant's annual general meeting ends months of speculation. In March, directors gave their strongest hint yet to the Oxford Mail that the convertible was coming.

Dr Panke said: "I can confirm that we will be expanding the Mini product range by a four-seater cabrio with the aim of gaining new customers in the open-top small car segment.

"The Mini Cabrio will become another highlight in the success story of the Mini brand."

The cabriolet will be based on a Mini Cooper and will feature an electrically operated roof, although exact details of the model specification have not been revealed.

But plant officials have confirmed it will be similar to the early concept drawing which was produced when the Mini was launched almost two years ago.