New for 2015
The MINI Cooper Convertible receives no significant updates for 2015.
Drop that Top
The 2015 MINI Cooper Convertible isn’t just any convertible, it’s a MINI. It has the same distinctive styling, sporty handling, and high-quality interior the MINI brand has become known for in its decade under BMW ownership, but with the bonus of being able to put the top down on a nice day.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2015 MINI Cooper Convertible offers a lively driving experience. Its compact size and low weight give the Cooper MINI’s signature “go-kart” handling, and the nimble chassis is backed up by three peppy powertrains.
The base MINI Cooper model is offered with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. As in all MINI Cooper Convertible models, this engine drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
With the manual transmission, the naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter engine will propel this MINI to 60 mph from standstill in 8.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 123 mph. The automatic version takes 10.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, and tops out at 119 mph.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the manual-transmission model is 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)*, while the automatic gets 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)*.
Next up is the MINI Cooper S Convertible, which features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. This launches the manual-transmission Cooper S to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of 140 mph. With the automatic, the Cooper S takes 7.0 seconds flat to reach 60 mph, and tops out at 137 mph.
Gas mileage doesn’t suffer much with the more powerful engine. The manual-transmission Cooper S gets an EPA-rated 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)*, while the automatic model gets 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)*.
Finally, there’s the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. MINI only breaks out the JCW name for the sportiest version of a given model, and sure enough this one packs a boosted 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque.
The fastest MINI Convertible variant available, the John Cooper Works will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with the manual transmission, and 6.8 seconds with the automatic. Top speed is 146 mph with the manual, and 145 mph with the automatic.
The EPA rates the John Cooper Works model’s fuel economy at 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)* with the manual transmission, and 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)* with the automatic.
Features and Trims
The 2015 MINI Cooper Convertible is available only in two-door, four-seat form, with prices starting at $25,700**.
The Convertible is available in the aforementioned Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works specs, which feature different powertrains but the same standard equipment. That includes a six-speaker audio system, three-spoke leather sport steering wheel, engine start/stop button, and a power-folding soft top.
In addition, there’s a long list of optional equipment, including a Harman/Kardon audio system, MINI Connected infotainment system with navigation, wind deflector, heated seats and exterior mirrors, and other features.
As with all MINI models, there’s also plenty of room for customization, with many different wheel designs, graphics packages, and other personalization options. MINI says there are over 10 million possible designs.
Exterior/Interior
The MINI Cooper is one of the most recognizable cars on the road, thanks to iconic styling that can trace its roots right back to the 1960s original. The Cooper Convertible adds open-top fun to this already-cheerful package.
With its sculpted headlights and chrome grille, the MINI has a face you just can’t get angry with. Its flared wheel arches and available center-exit exhaust show that this convertible is sporty as well as cute.
The same whimsical design theme carries over to the interior. In an unorthodox styling choice, the MINI Cooper’s speedometer is located in a large central pod, while the tachometer is attached to the steering column. There’s also an “Openometer” that records how long you’ve been driving with the top down.
There’s plenty to like on the practical side, too. The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel is the perfect instrument for piloting the MINI into a tight bend, while the seats are both comfortable and well-bolstered enough to handle that vigorous cornering.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 MINI Cooper Convertible includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, front and side airbags, and Cornering Brake Control. Park Distance Control is available as an option.
Bottom Line
The 2015 MINI Cooper Convertible offers all of the traditional MINI strengths, with the added fun of top-down motoring.
Be sure to contact us online and visit 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: MINI
