2016 Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper Convertible is available in two trim levels including the base Convertible and Convertible S. Both these options are differentiated by the engine they carry under their hoods and the kind of performance they deliver. Even from the base variant, the Cooper Convertible is adequately equipped and if you desire additional features, Mini offers optional packages like the JCW interior and JCW exterior packages to improve the aesthetics of the hatchback.

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The decision amongst the two options here, the choice for the buyers would depend on the kind of acceleration buyers would typically want from their convertible. For us, keeping in mind the everyday drivability and antics, the base Cooper Convertible is the option to go for. At a starting price of $25,950, the base variant clubbed with Technology Package will be ideal for all traditional buyers in the segment.

The Mini Cooper Convertible is available with two engine units. In its base iteration, the vehicle makes use of a turbocharged inline-3 unit which is capable of churning out 134 hp of power and 162 lb.-ft of torque. With the top-tier Convertible Cooper S, Mini provides a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 unit that produces an additional 55 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft of torque. In all other mechanical aspects, both trims share a similar setup. They are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and transfer power to the front wheels only, with no available AWD configuration.

In terms of acceleration, the Mini Cooper Convertible with the base engine sprints from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is the slowest in the segment. However, if you want urgency in your performance, the convertible can be had with a more powerful engine. But a problem persistent with both the options is that the ride quality does seem to be a bit too stiff for everyday usability.

In comparison, both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Audi A3 Cabriolet are considerably more powerful, with the latter producing 170 hp and 200 lb.-ft of torque. However, it is also more expensive than the other options. But despite the outputs, the MX-5 Miata is the quickest and takes only 6 seconds to the 60-mph mark. Yet, the Mazda’s noisy cabin and evident body roll, do take away from the driving experience.

Mini’s oneness lies in its efficient powertrain. It is the most frugal option available in the segment and averages a combined mileage of 31 MPG. Even in the city and on the highway, its mileage is rated at 27 and 38 MPG, respectively, which is the highest in the segment. But the Cooper Convertible is let down by its smallish engine capacity. Yet Mini’s ability to maintain a range of 313 and 441 miles in the city and on the highway feels noteworthy.

When compared to its staple rivals, both the MX-5 Miata and A3 Cabriolet are less efficient, averaging 30 and 28 MPG, respectively. But both these convertible options come with larger fuel tanks, with the Audi leading in the aspect having a storage capacity of 13.2-gallons. While the Mazda MX-5 Miata has an almost similar range as the Mini in the city, the A3 Cabriolet does lead in terms of highway range, averaging 462 miles, but the difference is only diminutive.

The Mini Cooper Convertible comes with a happy-go-lucky design. It’s the quirkiest setup available in the segment and the circular designs of the aircon vent and infotainment system do add distinction to the design. There is ample use of high-quality materials and though there is some hard plastic on the dashboard, buyers will not be irked by it. Even in terms of space and comfort, the Cooper Convertible is fairly decent. While the front seats are where you would want to be seated, thanks to its ample under-thigh support and commanding placement, the rear seats are best suited for children or increasing storage capacity.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata with its two-seat configuration and smaller cargo capacity might be the most impractical proposition in the segment. However, its single-row option does allow for higher legroom for the driver and passenger. On the other hand, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is much similar to the Mini. It has the best cargo capacity in the segment of 9.9 cubic feet, which does improve its practicality. But much like the Cooper Convertible, Audi’s constricted rear seat space can be an issue for some buyers.

Some of the salient interior features include:

• Leather-wrapped Steering wheel
• Interior Air Filtration
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Keyless Ignition
• Dual-zone climate control
• JCW Interior Package

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible?

With its connections to BMW, it is hard to imagine Mini lacking intuitiveness in any regard. The 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible makes use of a similar infotainment setup as its hatchback counterpart. It is user-friendly and does not have a steep learning curve to it. It is easily one of the better-equipped options available in the segment and comes with standard and optional features which include Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, and a Harman Kardon sound system as well. Other salient features include:

• Auxiliary Audio Input
• AM/FM Stereo
• Speed-sensitive volume control
• Smartphone Integration
• HD Radio
• Harman Kardon Sound System (Optional)

Perhaps, the most evident update to the Mini convertible comes in the form of its updated design. It now bears a similar design as the Mini Cooper hatchback and looks on par with the competition. While remaining true to its traditional design language, the Cooper Convertible embraces modernity with grace. It now gets a new front bumper and grille, which add an element of athleticism to a rather curvier design.

The fabric soft-top of the Cooper Convertible looks pleasing to the eye. Dimensionally, Mini's hatchback is the most compact option. It is 151.1 inches long and has a total width of 68 inches. It sports a wheelbase of 98.2 inches but has the lowest ground clearance of 4.5 inches.

In the segment, the two-seat MX-5 Miata is the smallest car in comparison. It has a wheelbase of 90.9 inches and is also the least curb weight of 2,381 lbs. Though the most compact option, the roadster from Mazda has better ground clearance than Mini. On the other hand, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is the heaviest in the segment and weighs 3,373 lbs. It is the longest in the segment and has a wheelbase of 103.8 inches. Yet, it fails to bestow a capacious cabin to the buyers. 

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Chrome Line Exterior 
• 15-inch alloy wheels 
• Fog Lights 
• Fabric soft top
• 12 exterior color options
• JCW Exterior Package 

The Mini Cooper Convertible vaunts aplomb safety ratings and comes with a plethora of standard specifications that make it a sound performer in this aspect. However, more than the available features, its ratings by federal and non-federal agencies act as benchmarks for its performance. The 2016 Cooper Convertible receives an impressive 4 out of 5 stars in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. On the other hand, while the ratings of the Convertible iteration are not yet available, the hatchback option is recognized as IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” and we expect similar ratings to trickle down to its counterpart. 

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible include:

• Rollover Protection System
• Emergency Brake Assist 
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Daytime Running Lights

The 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible is wonderfully joyful in its innocence. It’s a true pocket-rocket that combines pleasurable driving dynamics with top-notch frugality, yet it remains highly impressive in its performance and can be used as a practical daily driver. But more than its practicality, the redesigned Cooper Convertible is a style statement and with the top-down, its appeal improves manifold. It is highly intuitive in its setup and by resonating with finesse on the inside, Mini’s latest vehicle is a treat to own.