There’s something undeniably special about driving a convertible. It’s that sense of freedom, that open-air exhilaration, and, of course, the envious glances from passersby. The new MINI Cooper Convertible embraces this spirit with a soft top that folds away in just 18 seconds.

Whether you’re weaving through city streets, cruising down a coastal road, or taking on the expressway, the transformation from snug coupé to sun-chasing cabriolet is seamless. 

“‘Always Open’, that’s how you’ll want to drive the all-new MINI Cooper Convertible. It embodies everything that makes MINI an icon—timeless design, thrilling dynamics, and that unbeatable open-air experience. As the only convertible in Singapore’s premium compact segment, it takes excitement to a whole new level.”

Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia

Looks matter, and MINI knows it. The new Cooper Convertible blends classic design cues with contemporary accents.

The iconic round LED headlights, striking front grille, and sleek, minimalistic surfaces come together to form a car that’s unmistakably MINI. And for those who like a bit of British charm, the woven fabric soft top is available with a grey Union Jack motif.

Hop inside, and you’ll find a refined yet fun-loving cabin. The new “Charismatic Simplicity” design keeps things clean and modern, with a sporty steering wheel, an OLED central display, and the signature MINI toggle switches.

The seats are comfortable yet stylish, with fresh materials like two-tone knitted fabric made from recycled polyester.

The latest MINI Operating System 9 is accessed from the high-resolution OLED display. For those who love a bit of customisation, the MINI Experience Modes let you tweak the interior lighting and display themes to match your mood.

The luggage compartment holds 160 litres with the roof down, expanding to 215 litres when closed. A clever folding system allows the soft top to be stowed away efficiently, while the tailgate opens downwards for easy access.

There’s even an integrated rollover protection system deploys automatically in case of an emergency, ensuring peace of mind when you’re enjoying the open road.

A MINI wouldn’t be a MINI without its signature go-kart handling, and the Convertible delivers in spades. Under the hood sits a lively 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, pumping out 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque.

The MINI Convertible comes equipped with finely tuned suspension and damping for precise handling, while highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts provide stability in tight corners.  

Priced at S$285,888, this drop-top dynamo is available now, promising endless summer vibes all year round.

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MINI, a brand synonymous with cheeky fun and go-kart handling, is set to elevate that experience with the all-new MINI Cooper Convertible.

“We are thrilled to bring open-top fun to the Singapore Motorshow,” said Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia. “The all-new MINI Cooper Convertible takes the fun-loving spirit of MINI to the next level with a fully retractable soft top, an offering that remains unique in the premium small car segment. We cannot wait to fully introduce it to you later this year.”  

And just when you thought it couldn’t get more exciting, Ching teased another surprise: “The all-new MINI John Cooper Works models are coming very soon, and trust me, the heart of MINI will beat stronger than ever this year!”  

At first glance, the all-new MINI Cooper Convertible retains everything enthusiasts love about MINI; compact proportions, distinctive styling, and a personality that’s impossible to ignore.

But beneath its playful exterior, the car is now powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque, launching from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The fully automatic soft top can be opened in two ways: a sunroof mode for just a hint of fresh air, or fully retracted at speeds of up to 30 km/h. When down, it tucks neatly behind the rear seats, maximising luggage space.

If previous generations are anything to go by, this new MINI Cooper Convertible will continue to remain a fan favourite among enthusiasts, retaining that quintessential MINI charm that fans over the decades have come to know and love.

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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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