Review
MINI Convertible
The initiative to turn the classic MINI into a convertible originally came from a dealer in Kappelrodeck/Baden, Germany. This replaced the roof of an existing MINI with a soft top and, among other things, strengthened the bodywork. The then Rover was impressed and not much later also released a series-produced MINI Convertible. We are now ready for the latest generation of the MINI Convertible with four seats. We went out with the Cooper D.
Models
You can choose from numerous models of the new MINI Convertible. The entry-level model is the MINI One Convertible from 21,680 euros. You can also choose a Cooper, a Cooper S and a John Cooper Works. If you are looking for a diesel, there is the MINI Cooper D Cabrio from 26,280 euros or the Cooper SD.
We went out with the MINI Cooper D Convertible. Its beating heart is a 1.5 three-cylinder diesel engine with a power of 116 hp and a maximum torque of 270 Nm. The Cooper D has a top speed of 195 km/h and goes from 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. The average combined consumption is around 3.8 to 4l according to MINI figures. You can choose the Cooper D with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Steptronic gearbox. You have to pay at least 28,009 euros for the machine.
As you might expect, the drive of the MINI Convertible is on the front wheels and you get the typical go-kart feeling when driving, thanks to the suspension in combination with the wide track and long wheelbase.
Fabric hood
The MINI Convertible is equipped with a fabric top. You can of course open the roof completely, but what we also found to be an advantage is the sliding roof function. Then you can only open the top part of the roof like a sliding roof and you can actually get even more fun out of this convertible. You can close and open the roof completely automatically with a button and this in just 18 seconds. You can also do this while driving at speeds up to 30 km/h. After opening, the opened roof is folded behind the rear seats. The pleated roof therefore remains visible and gives the MINI Convertible a beautiful classic convertible look. It also looks more fun this way. You can also optionally opt for a windshield (€295). Personally, we would definitely check this option. During our test drive there was a strong wind that we occasionally felt tickling behind our ear. If you open the windshield, you will be much less bothered by any wind, which also makes driving much more pleasant in less optimal weather conditions. If you don’t use it, you can also simply store it in the suitcase.
Roll bar
Behind the headrests of the trunk is a one-piece roll bar. MINI developed this especially for the new MINI Convertible. This only appears in the event of an imminent somersault or other situations where it is necessary.
Optional air conditioning with “convertible mode”
Optionally, you can also choose an automatic air conditioning with 2 zones that is adapted to the MINI Convertible and this with a specific “convertible mode”. Thanks to this mode, the air conditioning also takes into account whether the roof is open or not when regulating the air flow.
Always Open Timer
MINI wants the owners of a MINI Convertible to enjoy driving with an open roof as much as possible. This is possible thanks to the optional dual-zone air conditioning, the windshield and the seat heating. Via the optional “Always Open” timer, you can keep track of how long you have driven with the roof down. You can measure this for a single ride or for all rides together.
Conclusion
The new MINI Cooper D convertible has become a handsome and fun car. Clever in the sense that the open folded roof gives the MINI an appearance of classic beauty. Nice because it remains a MINI, where you can have a lot of fun behind the wheel. The roof that you can also use as a sliding roof is certainly an asset and personally we would certainly choose the optional windshield.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
