A Little Off the Top
Over the past couple of years, MINI has carefully redesigned most of its lineup, trying to maintain its signature style and fun while improving practicality and refinement. Introduced for the 2016 model year, the new MINI Convertible adds top-down fun to the resume of the latest generation of MINI models.
Powertrains and Performance
Powertrain options mirror those of the current MINI Hardtop, meaning buyers get to choose from Cooper, Cooper S, and performance-oriented John Cooper Works models.
The MINI Cooper Convertible uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. All Convertible models are front-wheel drive, with six-speed manual (with rev-matching function) or automatic transmissions available.
The Cooper Convertible will do 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds with the automatic transmission (8.3 seconds with the manual), and reach a top speed of 128 mph. Proving that fuel economy can be fun, it also gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) with the automatic,* and gains 1 mpg in both categories with the manual.
A step up from the base Cooper Convertible is the Cooper S. This model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The S does 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 142 mph with the automatic transmission, while those figures are 6.8 seconds and 143 mph for the manual. With the automatic transmission, the Cooper S gets 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway);* with the manual, you can expect up to 26 mpg combined.*
For buyers craving even more performance, there’s the John Cooper Works Convertible. Sometimes referred to as the JCW for short, it features a plethora of performance upgrades, including a hot-rodded 2.0-liter turbo four with 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. That lets the JCW do 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds with the manual transmission (6.3 seconds with the automatic, and reach a top speed of 150 mph (149 mph with the auto), making it MINI’s fastest-ever convertible.
Features and Trims
The 2017 MINI Convertible is a two-door, four-seater. It’s available in the three aforementioned trim levels, with prices starting at $25,950.**
Standard features include a leather-wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless ignition, 12-color interior ambient lighting, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, Carbon Black leatherette upholstery, automatic headlights, and a MINI Connected infotainment system with 6.5-inch display screen, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and voice control.
This being a MINI, there are also plenty of opportunities for customization. There are nine available interior upholsteries including Malt Brown leather, a variety of interior trim options from the MINI Yours program, different wheels, accessories, cosmetic touches like racing stripes. You can even have a Union Jack soft-top roof.
There are also multiple option packages. The Comfort Package includes Comfort Access keyless entry, harman/kardon® premium audio system, heated front seats, satellite radio, a wind deflector, power-folding exterior mirrors, and auto-dimming rearview and driver’s side mirrors. The Technology Package includes an 8.8-inch central display, navigation, a rearview camera, and parking sensors.
MINI also offers a Sport Package that includes slightly different equipment for the Cooper and Cooper S. The Cooper version includes model-specific 16-inch alloy wheels and leatherette sport seats, while the Cooper S version has 17-inch wheels and LED fog lights. Both versions include full LED headlights and taillights, and Dynamic Damper Control adjustable suspension.
Design
The 2017 MINI Convertible is a four-seat convertible version of the current MINI Hardtop, so it rides on the same BMW Group UKL front-wheel drive platform. That brings an added level of refinement and a more spacious cabin.
The new Convertible is still nice and compact, though, preserving MINI’s signature “go-kart” handling and cute retro styling. Elements like the round headlights, upright taillights, and grille carry over from the previous BMW-produced MINI models and still reference the original Mini of the 1960s.
The soft top can open and close in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph. It also includes “invisibly integrated” rollover protection that pops up in the event of a crash. On a more fun note, there’s also a sunroof feature that allows the top to remain partially open, and an “Always Open Timer” that lets drivers calculate how much time they’ve spent driving topless.
The Convertible is practical, too. A 1.1-inch wheelbase stretch frees up some cabin space, while cargo space has increased 25 percent, to 7.6 cubic feet with the top up, and 5.7 cubic feet with the top down. The rear seats split-fold, and the trunk aperture is now larger and features an “Easy Load” function.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 MINI Convertible includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. A rearview camera and parking sensors are available as options.
Bottom Line
The 2017 MINI Convertible has all of the refinements of the MINI Hardtop, but with the fun of a drop top.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
* MPG values are based on EPA estimates for model year 2017. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation.
** Model year 2016 and model year 2017 MSRP does not include destination and handling charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes and options and labor to install. Certain features may be optional. Actual price determined by your authorized MINI dealer.
Image: MINI
