Mini Convertible

In just eighteen seconds you could be travelling with the roof down and the sun warming your skin, such is the speed with which the roof can be tucked away in any of the Mini Convertible models at speeds up to 30 km/h.  If the clouds pack in overhead, then the roof can be easily raised in place again at the push of a button – where the Mini Convertible offers a splendid and snug cabin loaded with comfort and luxury features.  These are impressively put together cars and more than capable of whipping over a fun piece of road.  Let’s take a brief look at the Mini Convertible models and build you a picture of what to expect.

The range starts off with the Mini Cooper Convertible, a charming small car that provides economical transport and a sense of fun.  Seated in the driver’s seat, the ability to get comfortable behind the steering wheel is easy and functional.  Seating comfort is good and the seats can be used for lengthy drives such is the nice feel and considerable support of the modern slim-line seats.  A Convenience Pack can be purchased at the time of buying which equips your new Mini Cooper Convertible with features like comfort access, alarm, electric seats with memory function and enhanced lumbar adjustment.  These features are nice for a minimal price and add park assist with front and rear parking distance control.

The overall exterior appearance of the new Mini Cooper Convertible is compact, flowing and simple.  The car has grown in size over the last few years (over half a metre in fact), so I’m not sure when the name “Mini” might be jeopardised but for now let’s just enjoy the wide low profile stance the Mini Cooper Convertible delivers.  A Chrome pack adds a scattering of chrome detailing both on the inside and outside of the car.

Powering the Mini Cooper Convertible is a sprightly 1.5-litre petrol-fed engine that puts out a very credible 100 kW from its little three-cylinder capacity.  Amazingly the three-cylinder engine can push you beyond 200 km/h when the road ahead is clear of any twinkling lights!  Average fuel consumption is a winning 5-to-6 litres/100 km.  Ride quality is nice and more forgiving than its more sport orientated siblings.

Next on the list is the Mini Cooper S Convertible.  The main difference you’ll find is under the bonnet lid, where there is a 4-cylinder petrol-fed engine that puts out 141 kW from its turbocharged design.  A top speed is in excess of 230 km/h, while the Cooper S can sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in around 6.7 seconds.  The little Mini is easy to manoeuvre, and just loves to dart through city traffic and drag off Falcons or maybe that’s just me!  Noticeably accurate steering and very good cornering ability makes the Cooper S Convertible a joy to drive.

When fighting against the new Renault Clio and Audi A1, the Mini Cooper S Convertible needs to be good, and it is.  Only equipped with a six-speed sweet-shifting auto box and paddle shifters, the manual lovers might protest a bit.  Being an intuitive auto, the car detects the driving mode of the driver and adjusts accordingly.  It does however remain loads of fun to drive, with the full 280 Nm of torque available from a low 1250 rpm.  It is very quick point-to-point and through the corners.  You can order the manual version in from overseas if you really want to.  The Mini Cooper S Convertible is slightly larger than its predecessor but the added interior and larger cargo carrying capacity is welcomed, at least in my book.

Mini Convertible Interior

The Cooper S is quick enough, but the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible will happily make your decision that much tougher.  Step inside the JCW cockpit and the exclusive Mini John Cooper Works sports seats are beautiful and very comfortable.  Turn the key, and watch the distinctive sports instrument panel and Head-Up display enliven.  Near perfect ergonomics – particularly for driver feel – makes the journey inside the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible driver really special.  .  A sports steering wheel fits neatly in your palms, while the right foot has access to a loaded 170 kW turbo engine with a claimed top speed of at least 240 km/h.  Road holding is sublime, and though firm is top shelf stuff.  You’re fully loaded with kit in a JCW, not to mention rather exclusive.

So there it is in a nutshell.  The new Mini Convertible range is one of the best small convertible packages you can buy, especially if cheeky looks and sporty drives are on the menu.

The current Mini Convertible model series includes the:

• Mini Cooper Convertible
• Mini Cooper S Convertible
• Mini John Cooper Works Convertible

For any more information on the Mini Convertible or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mini dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!