2019 Mini Cooper

Contrary to BMW’s defined trim structure, Mini’s hierarchy might seem to be a bit confusing. The 2019 Cooper Convertible is available in three variants, namely the base, S, and John Cooper Works. However, since the latter two options make use of powerful engines, they are reviewed separately. So, the Cooper Convertible, is in the truest sense, a standalone option. But to provide buyers with pre-defined options, Mini does offer the Cooper Convertible in three packages.

The structural hierarchy of the Cooper Convertible begins with the Classic Trim, which comes with features like an electronically limited slip-differential, heated mirrors, cruise control, and automatic climate control. It is followed by the Signature and Icon trim levels, both of which share a common engine with the base trim, but do add additional convenience features, and charge a premium of $3,000 and $8,000, respectively, over the Classic.

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Amongst the available options, we feel that the Signature trim offers the best bang for the buck. Over the base variant, the Signature trim adds comfort and convenience features and also benefits from additional exterior paint options, better upholstery choices, and improved interior quality. Though it does charge a premium of $3,000, the additions it makes to the hatchback make the extra dollars, worth it.

Across all of its three trims, the Mini Cooper Convertible comes with a standard engine option. This unit under the hood of the hatchback is a turbocharged inline-3 engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission unit. Together, the duo of the engine and transmission churns out 134hp of power and 162 lb.-ft of torque. As standard, all the power generated is transferred to the front wheels of the Cooper Convertible and surprisingly, there is no other drivetrain configuration available for the buyers to choose from.

Despite its lower power outputs, the Mini Cooper Convertible manages to compete neck-and-neck with its rivals when acceleration is concerned. The hatchback can sprint from 0-60 mph in a matter of 6.2 seconds, which is on par with the segment standards. Additionally, it takes 14.7 seconds to the quarter-mile mark, and records a top speed of 120 MPH, making it a quick and steady performer.

When pitted against its rivals, the Mini Cooper Convertible has the most distinct setup under its hood. Both the Mazda and Fiat offerings come with inline-4 units and produce higher power outputs, with the former leading the segment by churning out 181hp. On the other hand, 2019 124 Spider is the torquiest option and also manages to record the highest top speed of 136 MPH. While it does have a similar 6-speed manual transmission as the others, its clunky nature might be a hindrance in its likability.

In terms of performance, however, it is difficult to declare a certain winner in the segment. All three options in comparison here are equally matched and the recorded timings in the 60mph sprint are eerily similar. And though the Mazda MX-5 Miata is slightly better in the quarter-mile sprint clocking 14.4 seconds, the difference is only fractional, and would not be a deciding factor for the traditional buyers.

2019 Mini Cooper Convertible Ride and Handling

Keeping in mind its maneuverable dimensions and easy-to-drive capabilities, the Mini Cooper Convertible creates a favorable impression for itself in the market. It is built to solve dual purposes and acts as the perfect companion in the city limits and also the open stretches of the highway. It benefits from a responsive steering system, which is accurately weighted and has ample feedback to offer. While it goes unsaid, like every other option from Mini, the Cooper is not built to be driven off-the-road.

When put to test at high speeds and in corners, the Cooper manages to uphold its authentic character and delivers rather impressively. It comes with a finely-tuned suspension system that is perfect for everyday requirements and even in the absence of an AWD configuration, the ride remains stable throughout. The standard 6-speed manual transmission unit works without delays and confusion, aiding the overall ride quality. However, unlike the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mini’s hatchback remains devoid of an optional automatic transmission unit.

2019 Mini Cooper Convertible Braking Performance

The 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible is the heaviest option in the segment and gets fitted with a smaller set of brakes. The brake rotors of the Mini Cooper Convertible measure 11 and 10.2 inches at the front and rear, respectively. It comes to a halt at 119 ft from 60 mph, which is the highest in the segment, but it does not feel underwhelming, whatsoever. Additionally, it comes with automatic braking assists to improve its deceleration performance.

When compared to its rivals, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider both come with 11-inch brake rotors at the front and rear. Both these convertible options are considerably lighter than the Mini Cooper Convertible and as a result, deliver better performance in comparison. While the Mazda comes to a halt at 112 ft, the Fiat 124 Spider is diminutively better and takes only 111ft to achieve a similar feat.

The idea of the Mini Cooper Convertible being versatile and well-rounded is evident in its efficiency. It is, without a doubt, the most frugal option available in the market and averages a combined mileage of 31 MPG. Even in the city and on the highway, it manages to surpass all of its rivals, recording 28 and 37 MPG, respectively. However, its fuel tank is marginally less voluminous and can hold 11.6-gallons only. Consequently, its combined range of 359 miles is lesser than the Fiat.

Like the acceleration capabilities, the Mini Cooper Convertible is similar to the Mazda and Fiat in terms of efficiency, with the minutest of differences. While the 124 Spider averages a mileage of 30 MPG in combined conditions, the MX-5 Miata remains a notch below. However, both these options come with a similarly sized fuel tank of 11.9-gallons each and are also competitive in terms of range. But statistically, it is the Fiat that averages the highest range of 392 miles, which is almost 30 miles higher than the German counterpart.

The Mini Cooper Convertible’s cabin is a sight to rejoice. Step inside the vehicle and an air of freshness engulf you. Mini’s idea with the interior setup was simple, it was to infuse practicality with quirkiness, and it is safe to say that the brand has passed the test. While the hard plastics used on the dashboard do not feel up to the mark, the interior lighting surrounding the roundish infotainment system unit adds to the appeal of the cabin. Additionally, to justify the price tag it carries, the 2019 Cooper Convertible gets adorned with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and covers the seat in vinyl or leather upholstery, depending on the trim.

As for comfort, the Mini is superior to all of its competitors. Though it does come with two rows of seating, the second row lacks space and is best suited for children, as adults might feel claustrophobic. At the front, however, the seats are adequately bolstered and padded and provide ample under-thigh and knee support for added comfort and leisure. But a rallying point is that both the driver and passenger receive manual adjustability, which feels odd for the segment it falls in.

When compared in terms of interior build and quality, all three convertibles are rather evenly matched. Even in terms of visibility, user-friendly nature, and utility, there is not much to distinguish between the options available in the segment. However, that is where the similarities between the Mini, Mazda, and Fiat, start to disappear.

In terms of space, both the MX-5 Miata and 124 Spider, feel underwhelming when compared to the Cooper Convertible. They are devoid of a second-row of seats and even at the front, there is not much adjustability that is offered. Taller passengers would disapprove of the available space and even if you make peace with it, the disturbed and busy cabin with intruding noises might not sit well with the buyers. To top things off, Mazda and Fiat have smaller cargo capacities, which are just under 5 cubic feet. So, even in terms of practicality, both the contemporaries of the Mini, fail to deliver.

Some standout interior features include:

• Vinyl/Leather Upholstery
• Manual front seat adjustability
• Interior Air Filtration
• Air Conditioning and climate control
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible?

The infotainment system of the 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible is not equally equipped in all of its trim levels. Yet, it remains highly intuitive and does not have a steep learning curve to it. As standard, the Cooper Convertible comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display unit and is mated to an 8-speaker sound system. However, on higher-level trims, these get replaced by an 8-inch display screen and for audiophiles, Mini equips the convertible with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Some other standard infotainment features include:

• Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay (available only with the Icon trim)
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Wireless charging
• AM/FM stereo

The Mini Cooper Convertible’s happy-go-lucky design still maintains its connection with the original iteration launched almost six decades ago. While it has aged beautifully, Mini’s ability to stay true to its root creates a separate fan base for the vehicle. In 2019, the Cooper Convertible has been tweaked slightly to look better than before. While it still sports a bulbous design with the traditional grille and circular headlamps, the taillights have been revised to incorporate the British flag into its design. Otherwise, all elements remain the same.

The Mini Cooper Convertible is the most compact option available in the segment. Though it sports the longest wheelbase of 98.2 inches, in all other dimensions, it remains smaller than its competitors. It has a total length of 151.9 inches and has a total width of 68 inches. Its ground clearance of 4.5 inches is also the lowest in the segment. However, the hatchback design surely seems to be a lot practical than the competitors.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata like the Mini upholds its traditional design language. It still looks like the innocent roadster that gains ascendancy due to its agility, thanks to its lightweight build. On the other hand, the Fiat 124 Spider might not carry a rich heritage like its competitors, yet its contemporary styling unified with a retro touch, allow it to be a tantalizing option for those wanting to buy a car purely based on its exterior design. In terms of dimensions, both contemporaries of the 2019 Cooper Convertible sport shorter wheelbases of 90.9 inches and are considerably lighter weighing at least 400 lbs lesser.

Some of the standout exterior features of the 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible include:

• Fabric rooftop
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• 15/16-inch alloy wheels
• Heated Exterior Mirrors
• Body-colored rear bumpers
• Chrome Door Handles

The 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible has not been tested by either federal or non-federal agencies. However, even in the absence of ratings by the NHTSA and IIHS, it is safe to assume that the convertible is safe and reliable. Drawing inspiration from BMW, Mini equips its vehicles with class-leading safety features, from the base variant itself. Some of the standout safety features include:

• Post-collision safety system
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Child Seat anchors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Emergency Braking Assist

2019 Mini Cooper Convertible vs 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

When pitted against each other, the only similarity that the Mini Cooper Convertible and Mazda MX-5 Miata have between them is in the kind of performance both the convertible options deliver. In all other aspects, it is the former that gains ascendancy. Mini’s advantage over the Mazda starts with its higher passenger and cargo space and is extended by its higher frugality. Additionally, even in terms of ride comfort and quality, the MX-5 Miata’s less tranquil cabin feels like a letdown. The dated infotainment system does little to help its cause and we suggest opting for the Mini for its added practicality and wholesomeness, despite a higher price tag.

2019 Mini Cooper Convertible vs 2019 Fiat 124 Spider

In a rather isolated segment, the Mini Cooper Convertible turns out to be the most practical option. Over the Fiat 124 Spider, the 2019 Cooper Convertible gains an advantage by virtue of its higher efficiency, capacious cabin, and sizable boot. Though its braking prowess and sharp handling help its case, Fiat’s noisy cabin and a clunky transmission unit remain antithetical to its idea of comfortable ride quality. So, even amongst the cars here, the Mini does seem to be the better option.

The 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible is all the rage, for it combines practicality with quirkiness and tops it off with a dash of performance and efficiency. Considering the segment it falls into, Mini’s ability to provide a vehicle that bestows a supple ride quality, refined powertrain options, and user-friendly aura, make it a supreme choice. Its competitors, the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider fail to hold a stick to it when sophistication and urbanity are concerned, and by checking all the right points, we feel that there is no reason to veto the 2019 Cooper Convertible.