Improvements made to the MINI Cooper hatchback in 2007 are finally coming to the convertible model in 2009. That means MINI drop-top fans will get a faster, more fuel-efficient and safer Cooper convertible.

In keeping with the brand’s playful spirit, MINI is adding an optional “Openometer” next to the instrument gauge behind the steering wheel. It logs the number of hours owners drive with the top down. 

Although it doesn’t look much different than before, the 2009 MINI Cooper convertible has new styling. Except for the fully automated retractable fabric top and a trunk door that swings down instead of up, the styling is pretty much identical to the hardtop Cooper.

The new MINI Cooper convertible is 22 pounds lighter than the previous model but has a stiffer structure, which makes it safer and more agile, with a better ride. On top of that, MINI says the new car is 22% more fuel efficient, while producing 22% fewer emissions.

One big difference that affects not only the look but also the safety of the vehicle is that the rollover-protection bar behind the back seat has been lowered and no longer obstructs outward visibility. In the event of a rollover, the aluminum bar automatically pops up to protect occupants from head injuries.

This less-obtrusive rollover bar addresses a serious problem with the previous MINI Cooper convertible: Top up or down, it has huge blind spots that make driving in heavy traffic scary.

That said, the retractable fabric top on the new Cooper convertible has larger rear pillars like before that will still create blind spots, but at least drivers will be able to see a little bit better out the back. Side windows are also larger on the new MINI Cooper convertible to further improve visibility.

The 2009 Cooper convertible will be offered in both standard and S versions. The standard version comes with a 118-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and the S version with a 172-horse turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both engines are the same as on the hardtop Coopers.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 6-speed automatic is optional on both models.

Judging from Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy estimates for the 2009 Cooper and Cooper S, the new convertibles will get between 3 mpg and 5 mpg more than the outgoing drop-tops, depending on the engine, transmission and type of driving (city versus highway).

MINI will start taking orders in the United States for the 2009 MINI Cooper convertible and Cooper S convertible in January. They should start hitting showrooms on March 28.