THE Oxford-built Mini range will be unveiling a new addition to its Convertible range at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, when it unveils the Sidewalk model for the first time next week in Detroit.

Mini Convertibles have always combined great handling with the thrill of open-top motoring, but when the Sidewalk hits Mini dealers from April, Mini fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on a fresh model boasting a raft of luxurious design enhancements.

Prices will range from £16,910 to £20,235.

Andy Hearn, general manager for Mini UK, said: "The Mini One Seven, Cooper Park Lane and Cooper S Checkmate editions of the Mini hatch have been hugely popular, with nearly 8,000 models sold in the UK in just 12 months. We are confident that Sidewalk will offer the same exclusivity and maximum value for Convertible customers. Undoubtedly it will reinforce Mini's unique position as a premium small car."

The new Sidewalk model offers a host of exclusive and additional options, and is available on the One, Cooper and Cooper S. It includes a choice of four paintwork colours, brown English leather upholstery, 17-inch Night Spoke light alloy wheels, bi-colour leather steering wheel and gear knob and special Sidewalk' interior trim, floor mats, badges and door inserts.

Additional Mini options that are standard on Sidewalk models are automatic stability control and traction (ASC+T), multifunction leather steering wheel, mirror caps in body colour, chrome line interior, passenger seat height adjustment, sports seats, storage compartment pack, front fog lamps, manual air conditioning, on-board computer, interior light pack and white indicators.

The Mini One and Cooper Convertible Sidewalk editions come with a five-speed manual gearbox, with the more powerful Cooper S version using a six-speed transmission. As an option, the Mini Cooper Convertible Sidewalk is available with a CVT transmission, while the Mini Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk may be fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance. Both auto gearboxes are equipped with a Steptronic function.

Since its launch in 2004, the Mini Convertible has been a storming sales success and found itself a place deep in the hearts of British drivers.

In 2005, Mini Convertible outsold its nearest competitor by 27 per cent. The Mini is the UK's best-selling convertible car in 2006, with more than 8,500 models sold year-to-date.