2014 Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper Convertible is available in two trim options and both these options resonate with practicality and promise to be potent performers. As the entry-level option, the Base variant makes use of a smaller engine and a lesser number of standard features. However, as you move up the ladder to the S trim, a turbocharged engine replaces the base inline-4 unit, and you get a better set of features, which you can only access through packages with the lower-level trim. The convertible comes with a base price of $25,150, which is adequate for the value it has to offer.

We Recommend

For buyers looking for daily-drivability, the base model of the Mini Cooper Convertible seems to be a coveted offering and considering its price, we feel it is our recommendation.

The Mini Cooper Convertible is available with two engine options, depending on the trim you opt for. With the base option, you get a 1.5L turbocharged unit, which is good for producing 121 hp of power and 114 lb.-ft of torque. It manages a decent level of performance and sprints from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. However, as per segment standards, it does seem sluggish. A second engine option is a turbocharged unit of the base variant and it is with this setup that performance starts to grow. It produces an additional 60hp of power and 63 lb.-ft of torque, but as the base variant, it comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission unit with power being transferred to the front wheels of the vehicle.

In comparison, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Volkswagen Beetle Convertible are considerably power-producing 167hp and 170hp, respectively. But despite its lesser power, Mazda’s efficient weight management makes it the fastest convertible taking 5.6 seconds to the 60mph mark. It manages to breach the quarter-mile mark in 14.5 seconds and while its performance does seem exhilarating, Volkswagen’s ability to cohesively unify decent acceleration with aplomb driving capabilities, allows us to place it at the top of the segment.

The 2014 Mini Cooper Convertible is extremely efficient and its conservative setup makes it an appealing option in the segment. It manages to average 28/35/31 MPG in the city/highway/combined driving conditions and remains at the top of the segment. While its fuel tank is not the largest at 13.2-gallons, the convertible manages to record a range of 462 miles on the highway, pretty impressive for its class!

Compared to Mini, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s performance feels underwhelming. Not only is it the least efficient, but it also comes with the smallest tank that has a storage capacity of 12.7-gallons. But on the other side of the spectrum is the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, which though manages to average only 28 MPG, comes fitted with the largest tank and manages to average a highway range of 464 miles.

Perhaps, the Cooper Convertible’s interior only stands to impress. It's an opulent place to be in and is adorned with high-quality materials. The plush build of the Mini’s interiors is alone enough to make it stand out in a crowd. However, to allow it to be an all-rounded package, the brand has implemented an ergonomic design language, with most controls within the driver’s reach. Additionally, the space and comfort are paramount with seats that offer a commanding view of the road, but that is only limited to the driver and passenger. At the rear, it’s a story of discomfort and constricted space. And with the top down, both the cargo capacity and rearward visibility are compromised.

Being affordable vehicles, the build quality and sheer opulence of each of the vehicles in comparison here is astounding. You find the best quality materials and to resound with new-age buyers, they remain simple in their setups, despite the technological advancements. In direct comparison, the Mazda is the only option that comes with two seats. And in the absence of the second row of seats, the Volkswagen and Mini prove to be practical propositions. But the rear seats are best suited for children or storing cargo. However, we believe something is better than nothing, isn’t it.?

Some of the standard interior features include:

• Leatherette Upholstery
• Tilt and Telescopic Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Cargo Area Light
• Interior Air Filtration
• Alloy trim on dashboard
• Single-zone Front air conditioning

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2014 Mini Cooper Convertible?

Mini’s idea to make the Cooper Convertible user-friendly is also evident in its infotainment system. It comes with two touchscreen options; a 6.5-inch display unit and an optional 8.8-inch unit. Both these systems are responsive and equipped with class-leading features including Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, and AM/FM Stereo. Some other infotainment features include:

• 6-speaker sound system
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Radio Data System
• Satellite Radio
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• Optional Harman Kardon Speaker system

The 2014 Mini Cooper Convertible is charming in its design and the fancy silhouette will resound with the younger generations. Even when looked at from afar, the Cooper Convertible looks peppy despite its compact dimensions. It has several character lines running through its entire body. But with the traditional grille upfront and its resemblance to its original counterpart makes it an absolute delight.

Keeping in mind dimensions, the Mini Cooper Convertible is the most compact option in the segment. However, it does get the best ground clearance in the segment of 5.5 inches. In all other aspects, it is the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible that is the largest. It gets the longest wheelbase of 100 inches and has a total length of 168.4 inches. It is also the heaviest at 3,232 lbs, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the lightest at 2,480 lbs.

Some of the standout exterior features include:

• Fabric top
• LED Headlights
• Chrome exterior
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• JCW Exterior Package

The Cooper Convertible has always resonated with reliability. It has a sturdy build and with a resilient platform underpinning it, the Mini is one of the safest options available in the segment. With its connection to BMW, the convertible comes equipped with the best-in-class features including an engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, and traction control. Some other standout features include:

• Post-collision safety system
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Child Seat Anchors

The Mini Cooper Convertible is a formidable machine. While it is not as performance as you would expect it to be, it is built for pleasurable driving, and it is easy to say that Mini has nailed the brief. Additionally, by boasting a luxuriously-appointed cabin alongside an intuitive infotainment system make it better than its competitors. And with top-notch reliability and a design that is hard to resist, the Cooper Convertible is our choice of vehicle, any day of the week.