The latest MINI blows its top, and gets a fully electric canvas roof instead, coupled with a fully integrated roll-over protection system. The soft top can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 18 mph, and takes 18 seconds to do either. If you’re particularly patriotic, the standard black soft-top can be further personalized with an integrated woven graphic representing the Union Jack motif finished in a black and grey herringbone pattern.
The latest and third MINI Convertible is a four-seater, like it always has been for its 12 years of existence, with the first and second iterations launching in 2004 and 2009 respectively. This time around, MINI promises more space at the back when compared to its predecessor, aided by longer rear seat surfaces, increased headroom, extra shoulder width, extra elbow space, and more knee room (by 36 mm).
Boot volume of the new MINI Convertible is 160 litres with the roof open and 215 litres when it’s closed. Both figures are approximately 25 per cent more than its the predecessor. The tailgate opens downwards and can support a weight of up to 80 kg, for ease of loading. When the roof is closed, the luggage compartment opening can be expanded to stow larger items by means of the Easy Load function, which comes as standard. The through-loading facility – widened by 8 mm to 734 mm – is ideal for items such as skis or snowboards.
The all-new MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper D Convertible are 3,821 mm long, with the MINI Cooper S Convertible 3,850 mm long. All models are 1,727 mm wide, 1,415 mm high and have a wheelbase of 2,495 mm. Those dimensions have increased compared with the outgoing model, with 98 mm extra length, 44 mm extra width and 1 mm extra height. The wheelbase is 28 mm longer and track width has also grown a further 42 mm at the front and 34 mm at the rear.
A three-car range will be available from launch – the MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper D Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible – with two petrol engines and one diesel. Power is directed to the front wheels, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed Steptronic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles is available as an option, while a Steptronic sports transmission with Launch Control can be specified on the MINI Cooper S Convertible.
Also on offer are the optional MINI Driving Modes – GREEN, MID and SPORT, driving stability control system (DSC), traction control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC), electronic differential lock control (EDLC), and an electro-mechanical power steering with speed-related Servotronic support. A new option, available for the first time on the MINI Convertible, is Variable Damper Control.
Styling continues to be honest to the hard topped siblings, with the performance oriented Cooper S Convertible highlighted with an additional bonnet vent, and brake ducts in the lower air inlet. In addition, the chrome rib of the radiator grille bears an ‘S’ logo in red that’s repeated on the side scuttles. The interiors continue to sport familiar MINI elements such as the instrument panel on the steering column, large central display screen and red start/stop button at the centre of the dashboard. The MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper D Convertible are fitted with 15-inch light alloy wheels as standard. The MINI Cooper S Convertible comes with 16-inch light alloy wheels.
Standard across the range is air conditioning, central locking with keyless engine start and MINI Visual Boost Radio with AUX-In and USB socket. Two-zone air conditioning with an automatic convertible mode is available as an optional extra. Others options include a sports steering wheel (standard on the MINI Cooper S Convertible), a Heads up Display, heated front seats, a visibility package including windscreen heating, a rain sensor with automatic driving lights control, Comfort Access, a Harmon Kardon hi-fi speaker system, plus heated/folding exterior mirrors. A new digital version of the Always Open Timer, which registers the time spent driving with the roof down, is also on the options list.
In addition, there is a MINI Yours sports steering wheel with a soft nappa rim and hand-stitched seams, as well as sports-oriented John Cooper Works options. These include an aerodynamics kit, leather steering wheel and sport seats. There is also a broad selection of upholstery colours, interior surfaces, cockpit facia frames, lighting packages, and Colour Lines and Chrome Lines for the interior, including MINI Yours options.
| Model | HP | Trans | CO2 | OTR |
| MINI Cooper Convertible | 136 | Man | 114 | £18,475 |
| Aut | 119 | £19,745 | ||
| MINI Cooper D Convertible | 116 | Man | 100 | £20,225 |
| Aut | 104 | £21,495 | ||
| MINI Cooper S Convertible | 192 | Man | 139 | £22,430 |
| Aut | 131 | £24,055 |
There are two new exterior colours – Caribbean Aqua and Melting Silver – with a new Chester leather in Malt Brown available for the interior.
MINI Cooper Convertible:
Capacity: 1,499 cc
Output: 100 kW/136 hp at 4 400 rpm
Max. torque: 220 Nm at 1 250 rpm
Acceleration (0–62 mph): 8.8 seconds (automatic: 8.7 seconds)
Top speed: 129 mph (128 mph)
Average fuel consumption: 55.4 mpg (53.3 mpg)
CO2 emissions: 114 g/km (119 g/km)
MINI Cooper D Convertible:
Capacity: 1,496 cc
Output: 85 kW/116 hp at 4 000 rpm,
Max. torque: 270 Nm at 1 750 – 2 250 rpm
Acceleration (0–62 mph): 9.9 seconds (automatic: 9.9 seconds)
Top speed: 121 mph (121 mph)
Average fuel consumption: 70.6 mpg (68.9 mpg)
CO2 emissions: 100 g/km (104 g/km)
MINI Cooper S Convertible:
Capacity: 1,998 cc
Output: 141 kW/192 hp at 5 000 – 6 000 rpm
Max. torque: 280 Nm at 1 250 – 4 000 rpm
Acceleration (0–62 mph): 7.2 seconds (automatic: 7.1 seconds)
Top speed: 143 mph (142 mph)
Average fuel consumption: 46.3 mpg (48.7 mpg)
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km (131 g/km)
Standard safety features include front airbags, side head-thorax airbags integrated in the backrests and three-point automatic belts on all seats. These include belt tensioners at the front, plus ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear and for the front passenger seat. A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also fitted as standard. Meanwhile, a partially active bonnet, impact absorbers and precisely defined deformation elements ensure optimised pedestrian protection.
