A 93-horsepower twincam engine gives sprightly performance and the same sporty snarl as many a sports car of the past. However, the Paseo convertible is evolutionary epochs ahead of the small-displacement European sports cars I remember from my formative years. The week I spent with it was marked by cold and rain. No problems there - the heater worked just fine, the top didn't leak, could be raised or lowered in seconds, and had a glass backlight that won't ever go opaque. The Paseo convertible combined good old days small-displacement fun with modern Toyota practicality, civilization, and quality.
Small convertibles can look a little awkward.
Not the Paseo. It is a well-proportioned car that is handsome with the top up or down. It shares most of its sheet metal with the current Paseo coupe, with the trunk lid and cloth top unique. Steel wheels are standard, optional alloy rims add a performance look. The Paseo convertible is snug and comfy inside.