The moustachioed Mini Cooper Convertible is an excellent grown-up hatch, if not the most practical choice.
This is the modern facelifted Mk 3.0 Mini, born way back in 2018 and revitalised with yet another facelift back in 2021.
It won’t be too long for this world, however, because Mini has since declared that it’ll be the first brand in the BMW Group to go fully electric in the 2030s. The electric revolution is already on its way at full speed, so let’s savour this one while we still can.
Peppy lil’ thing
Under the hood resides a spirited 3-pot engine, a powerplant conjuring 134bhp and 220Nm of torque in Cooper guise. Coupled with the 7-speed dual-clutch, this automotive chihuahua completes the century sprint in 8.7 seconds, a tad slower than its hatchback kin.
At least you get to feel the nice breeze in your face.
While you might crave more power from time to time (The Cooper S trim is available too if you so wish), power is more than decent for the occasional overtake, even at speed. It still feels sprightly, even though the convertible is nearly 10 per cent heavier than the hatch.
The dual-clutch transmission is a virtuoso, responding promptly to throttle inputs, orchestrating seamless shifts, and harmonising with the engine’s character.
The 2021 facelift also introduced a dramatic shift in dampers, bidding adieu to electronic wizardry in favour of a mechanical setup, surprisingly elevating the driving experience.
On the roads, the Mini Convertible continues to be a charmer. It pirouettes through corners with marvellous body control, maintaining an elegant balance from front to rear. The steering complements the performance, even with the roof down. You still get that playfulness people love when piloting Minis.
Over bumps, a subtle shimmy might be felt, but when the cornering game is this strong, such nuances add to the charm. It’s quintessentially Mini.
Refinement is far better than previous generations of Mini, and if you’re careful with the throttle, you can get decent double-digit fuel figures. With a mixture of both roof up and down sprints, I managed to clock 11.4km/litre, and that’s with a sprinkle of spirited exhaust notes chimed in.
It has matured up
The 2021 facelift brings forth a robust new snout and an intriguing moustache-like surround. Mini claims it’s to impart a broader and more aggressive look – a bold aesthetic move indeed.
As with all modern Minis; brace yourselves for a dose of ‘what Britishness is,’ because Mini is laying it on thick. Union Jack features everywhere?
Since 2018 it’s mandatory to have Union Jack rear lights on your Mini. Fair play to Mini, it has been meticulously correct in ensuring the split, illuminated emblem is the ‘correct’ way up. No doubt some folk utterly adore this feature, but I’m also of the opinion that many find it somewhat…over the top.
It’s a wonder you don’t get a free cup of tea with every car purchased.
The Mini Convertible’s image might seem saccharine initially, but give it a chance. The automatic roof is like magic, smoothly transforming when rain decides to gate-crash your party. And when it’s open, it’s a bit of a rucksack, reducing the rear-view mirror to a mere ornament. But fear not, airflow management is on point – minimal buffeting, especially in the front seats.
Wind noise? Not a bother, even at high speed. You’re more likely to hear the roar of passing vehicles. There’s even a ‘sunroof’ position – a nifty addition for those who like a breeze but not a full convertible experience.
Compact charm
The three-door hatch might not win awards for practicality, but treat it as a funky small coupe, and things start looking up. The cabin’s quality is top-notch, and the low seating position? Terrific.
The 8.8-inch touchscreen steals the show, running new operating software. It’s a user-friendly symphony with physical buttons for that extra tactile joy. Air vents? Smoothly integrated. And the three-spoke steering wheel falls to hand nicely, a new addition featuring high-quality leather across all trim levels.
My only gripe is that there are not many cubby spots to store items like keys or phones, so these items will tend to find awkward places around the cabin. I gravitated more towards the door cards for easy reach.
Practicality? Well, it’s a Mini, not an SUV. The boot is, let’s say, bigger than the glovebox, and you can always fold the rear seats down.
The three-door hatch offers a grand total of 211 litres. Fold the seats, and voila, you’ve got 731 litres for your weekly shop.
Savour it while you can
In the competitive world of hatchbacks, the Mini Cooper Convertible stands a cut above. Superb drivetrains, a chassis that’s a handling maestro, and a bolder face post-facelift – what’s not to love? Sure, the 211-litre boot is pint-sized, and the three-door can only host four, but who buys a Mini for practicality?
Showroom appeal alone makes it fly off the shelves, and the almost limitless Mini Yours Customised options list guarantees each customer feels unique in their own skin/car.
This Mini, especially with its roof chopped off, is a charmer because it’s not just about specs; it’s about a unique charm that taps into your playful side. It’s the kind of car that prompts you to let your hair (or roof) down, making every journey a moment to savour.
I guarantee you would turn around and look back at it once you’ve parked it, and that is why it’d be easy to make the Cooper your own.
Technical Specifications
MINI Cooper Convertible
Engine: 1,499cc 3-cylinder 12-valve TwinPower, Turbocharged
Power: 134 hp
Torque: 220 Nm
Gearbox: 7-Speed (A) DCT
0-100km/h: 8.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 205 km/h
Fuel Economy: 15.6 km/L (claimed)
Price: S$264,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: MINI Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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