MINI Convertible
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
MINI started the 2021 year in full blast introducing a new generation for its lineup and came with an S-version as well for the entire range.
Building a convertible was a must for MINI. It always had one on its lineup, and the 2021 range came with one as well. Unlike some of its previous generations, it came right from the start with the S-version, which means that the open-top small vehicle was able to punch and offer some good sensations behind the wheel.
From the outside, the new MINI Cooper Convertible shared the same front fascia with the rest of the range with the specific Cooper S air-scoops for that version. That included the piano-black trim around the grille and the horizontal bar for the license plate. It even sported that slat even for the U.S. market, where it was not required. But the carmaker added it anyway. Its strong, thick, slightly raked A-pillars served as safety arches. Unlike some of its predecessors, it didn’t feature any other visible roll-over protection behind the rear seats. Instead, it showed the retractable roof, which couldn’t be completely hidden behind the cabin.
Inside, the Cooper Convertible received a 5” instrument cluster fitted as standard. An 8.8” touch-screen dominated the center stack’s top. MINI installed sport-bucket seats with high-bolstering for the sportier versions. The carmaker kept the same design for the steering wheel with three thick spokes and added buttons on the horizontal ones. Like on its predecessors, to access the rear seats, the front ones had to be tilted and slid forward. At least, there was no roof above to make the access difficult.
Offering the same fun-to-drive character as the Mini Hardtop, the Convertible was a drop-top version equipped with a power-operated soft top.
The 2018 Mini Convertible offered seating for four and was available in 3 trim levels: base, Cooper S and the top of the range, John Cooper Works.
The base Mini was fitted with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit mated with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic gearbox.
Included in the base trim level were a power-operated fabric convertible top, 15-inch alloys, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5-inch display and a 6-speaker audio system.
For those looking for extra power, the Cooper S was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit that developed 189 hp. Exterior updates included a hood scoop, central mounted dual exhaust tips, 16-inch alloys, LED fog lights and sport front seats.
A hotter turbo 4-cylinder engine that developed 228 hp came with the John Cooper Works trim level. Other features included 17-inch alloys, more effective Brembo brakes, a tweaked suspension, LED headlights, a sport steering wheel and several design updates such as an aerodynamic body kit and a rear spoiler.
Besides the goodies that came with the Convertible, the Mini’s practicality was reduced. The limited storage space in the cabin as well as the insufficient Caro area was a major drawback for those who enjoyed long journeys.
The third generation of Mini was introduced in 2013 and, as usual, it received a convertible version for the delight of those who want to enjoy an open-air driving experience.
The MINI Convertible was the first open-top small-segment vehicle on the market. The most difficult part was to make the car stiff enough for a sporty ride, but comfortable as well for a relaxed one. For that, it was offered in several versions, including the John Cooper Works version.
At a glance, the new generation of the MINI looked the same as its predecessor, but the differences were in the details. The car featured new headlights with chrome rings and a hexagonal radiator grille. There were new turn-signals and a black periphery around the bottom edge of the body. The longer wheelbase and short overhangs made room for a bigger interior and an increase in the trunk space.
The MINI convertible offered four seats, but the room in the back was not that big. It was enough if neither one of the occupants was taller than 1.75m (5.7 ft). A new infotainment unit was installed on the car and it counted the minutes the driver drove with the top down. The soft-top could have been opened and closed within 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 kph (18.2 mph).
The MINI convertible was available with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines ranged between 116 hp and 231 hp. It was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic for all the versions.
Even though its predecessor was praised for fuel efficiency, engine performance and safety equipment, the revised Mini Cooper S Cabrio is supposed to enhance all these features and excel in every single area.
The best example is given by the engine which is now rated at 170 horsepower, helping the car sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in no less than 7 seconds. And because safety is extremely important nowadays, the manufacturer installed four airbags as standard, as well as ABS and EBFD. Special side airbags, Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are available as optional.
Following the successful release of the new Mini in 2001, the line-up saw the arrival of a cabrio version in 2004.
Powered by the same range of engines as the classic hatch, the soft-top model was available in a variety of trims ranging from the base Cabrio to the top-dog Sidewalk. All regular cabrios came with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and a choice for an optional CVT while the sporty S line was available with an optional 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Cooper S Cabrio came with a supercharged DOHC 4-cylinder petrol plant capable of 170 hp and 220 Nm of max torque.