2020 Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper Convertible is available in three trim levels for 2020. The first one is the base Classic model, followed by the mid-level Signature trim and the top-end Iconic trim. Prices for these trims begin at $28,900 and go as high as $35,400. All models are powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine underneath, mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission. The available options for the base trim include heated front seats and satellite radio while the Signature trim is offered with the Premium Line package that costs around $1,500 comes with satellite radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. 

There's also a Touchscreen Navigation package available with the Signature trim for $1,700 and it adds an 8.8-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and voice controls. You could get the Driver Assistance package for $1,000, which adds adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and front parking sensors while the Signature Upholstery package worth $2000 gets you leather upholstery. The Iconic trim gets the contents of the Touchscreen Navigation, Premium Line, and Signature Upholstery packages as standard while the Driver Assistance package is available as an option.

Which trim should you buy?

It is best to go with the Signature trim, as it stands above the base Classic trim and offers a better set of features while being less expensive compared to the top-end Iconic trim. The Signature trim also gets a lot of available packages that are not available with the base trim. All of this makes the Signature trim the best choice for your money. 

There are two powertrains available under the hood of the 2020 Mini Cooper Convertible. The base model is equipped with a 1.5L Turbo 3 cylinder engine that can produce 132 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission. As the Cooper convertible gets a turbocharged engine, the Cooper Convertible is a good performer in its class, despite having low power and torque numbers.

With the gas pedal pressed all the way down, you can accelerate the Cooper from a standstill to 60 MPH in 6.2 seconds, which is almost on par with its competitors' performance. It takes 14.7 seconds to cross the quarter-mile mark which is also a great figure in the segment. The Cooper can also reach 120 MPH at its top speed, which is the least among its class. Overall the 3-cylinder powertrain, although not very refined, is very much punchy and sufficiently powerful. 

The Cooper Convertible makes very little power compared to other rivals in this case. Although, while performing on the road, the Cooper does a great job and benefits a lot from its Turbo engine. It manages to accelerate as fast as its rivals. Although, the Mazda Miata here wins by some inches over others. Pricing wise too the Cooper convertible here comes out as the cheapest option compared to others.

How well does the 2020 Mini Cooper Convertible handle?

All the offerings from Mini are really fun to drive both in cities and on highways. Its compact nature makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots and park it easily. Its steering wheels also feel accurately weighted, which makes it more engaging. The seating position is also quite good and the front visibility is also wide enough to give a commanding view to the driver. 

Its suspension also works well and it is finely tuned for enthusiast-oriented driving. The manual transmission in it also feels buttery smooth and it doesn’t seem to lag at any point even at low speeds. Although an AWD drivetrain is missing, it still manages to provide a great experience while cornering. The Mini Cooper Convertible retains its go-cart-like agility and remains to be one of the most enjoyable driving experiences from a compact convertible car. 

2020 Mini Cooper Convertible Braking Performance

The 2020 Mini Cooper Convertible is equipped with large-sized brake rotors which can be found on all four wheels. The Mini Cooper comes to a complete stop from 60 MPH in about 119 feet which is slightly slower than its rivals. Its overweight body makes Cooper a little less efficient at braking when compared to its rivals. But, still, 119 feet can be considered a safe distance but obviously, it could be a little better considering its size. Other than that, it is equipped with automatic braking assists which further makes its braking system better.

The braking performance of the Cooper Convertible can be said to be average. It is neither that good nor bad. It comes to a complete stop from 60 MPH in 119 feet which is the longest. On the other hand, the 124 Spider and Miata do the same in 111 and 112 feet which is quite good. The Mini does come with capable brakes, but the competition is just better with stronger brakes and lesser weight. 

The fuel economy of the 2020 Mini Cooper is one of the best factors of this car that differentiates it from the rest of its rivals. In the cities, the Cooper can drive around 28 miles on a single gallon of gas. Whereas, on the highways, the number gets increased by a whopping 8 miles. If you on the other hand combine both driving conditions, you can expect a mileage of around 31 miles. It is also equipped with a decently sized fuel tank measuring 11.6 gallons which are enough for a vehicle of this type.

The Mini Cooper Convertible remains unbeaten in its class when it comes to fuel economy. It gives you the highest overall fuel range and its performance in both city and highways is also superior to that of its rivals. With a big 11.6 gallons of the fuel tank which is slightly less than its rivals, it manages to provide a great combined range of 359 miles while the Fiat delivers the best range of 392 miles.

The interior of the Mini Cooper is a nice place to be in, but it is only applicable to two people seated in the front row. Cooper's dashboard has a unique design, with most structures inspired by round shapes, because round shapes are part of the typical style. There is plenty of legroom and headroom in the front row. But there is limited space in the rear of the car for taller people and it is not a comfortable place to sit for 6 feet tall. The seats are covered in leatherette in the base trim while the higher trims feature sports seats covered in leather. 

Besides being wrapped in leather, the steering wheels come with controls for volume and cruise right at your fingertips. Additionally, it has a remote keyless entry feature for smooth and convenient entry into the cabin. There are also manual adjusting headrests inside the cabin so you can choose the position that is most comfortable for you. It also has a center armrest that conceals a large storage space inside, where you can put some of your belongings. Overall, as its name suggests, "Mini" is indeed a very-Mini car, and its cargo space is also limited to 7.6 cubic feet.

The Mini Cooper here has an edge over other rivals as it has a seating arrangement for four although the rear spacing is very cramped. In the front area, both the Miata and the 124 Spider offer the highest legroom for their occupants. Whereas, the Mini Cooper with its cover on gives the best headroom. In terms of cargo space also, the Cooper secured the highest spot with its 7.6 cubic feet of space for goods.Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Heated sport front seats
• 6-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seat
• Cruise control w/steering wheel controls
• Front and rear cup holders
• Day/night rearview mirror
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 Mini Cooper's infotainment system is simple. It has a 6.5-inch media display at the front engulfed in between a circular design structure. In the music department, you get 6 standard speakers to revive your cabin with some good music on the go. This unit is upgraded to a larger 8.8-inch screen in the top-end trim along with a Harman Kardon sound system. Some other features include smart device integration, AM/FM stereo, wireless phone connectivity, HD Radio, etc. Apple CarPlay is included with the larger infotainment unit but Android Auto is not available which is a bummer. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• An 8.8-inch touchscreen media display
• Available Harman Kardon sound system
• USB Ports
• AM/FM Radio
• 6 speakers
• Wireless device integration
• Apple CarPay

The Mini Cooper has an iconic design from the outside. Its design follows a unique retro styling which is loved by many and it is one of the reasons behind Cooper's popularity. The Cooper stands tall and it has the biggest height in its class. You also get a power convertible rooftop to enjoy driving in the open air away from city chaos. The Mini Cooper Convertible is available in more than ten shades along with some customization options available for the exterior including various mirror caps and roof colors. 

As standard, your MI will ride on 15” alloy wheels but in Signature trim, it gets upgraded to 16 inches. The top-end Iconic trim could also be equipped with larger 17-inch wheels of various styles including Rail, Propeller, Roulette, Tentacle, or Cosmos spokes. Apart from that, some features on its exterior include Auto On/Off Daytime Running Lights, iconic oval headlights, and front grille. Overall, the Mini is a cute-looking machine with its traditional styling on point.

In terms of body weight, Mini Cooper Convertible comes out as the heaviest in its class although it doesn’t look like one. But, it carries a weight of almost 3000 lbs. The highest ground clearance is provided by the Fiat Spider whereas the Cooper comes out as the lowest in this case. The Cooper also provides the highest wheelbase in its class and it is also the biggest by height. Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• 15/16/17-inch alloy wheels
• Auto on/off daytime running lights
• LED headlights and fog lamps
• Power-operated fabric convertible roof
• Customizable roof and mirror caps

The NHTSA hasn’t tested the Mini Cooper Convertible yet, nor its other body styles were put on the test grounds. The IIHS, however, rates its two safety parameters namely headlights and front crash prevention system. The 2020 Cooper’s headlamps were rated poor but they have an auto-leveling system that adjusts their angle to the road based on your speed and load. The front crash prevention system was rated to be standard which is a positive factor. Apart from that, the Cooper Convertible has been loaded with many advanced safety gears that ensure proper safety inside its cabin. Some of the standout safety features are as follows:

• Active Rollover Protection Bar
• Brake drying
• Post-collision safety system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Emergency braking assist
• Emergency braking preparation
• Rear park distance control

2020 Mini Cooper Convertible vs 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible

In this head-to-head comparison, the Mazda MX-5 Miata easily outperforms the Cooper Convertible. The Miata is more powerful and accelerates much aggressively which is why many buyers prefer Miata over Cooper. Also, the Miata has a very beautiful and well-equipped interior which adds to it. Although, Cooper with its turbo engine is quite near the Miata when it comes to acceleration still the latter goes ahead by some inches.

2020 Mini Cooper Convertible vs 2020 Fiat 124 Spider Classic

The 2020 Mini Cooper Convertible has an edge over the Fiat 124 Spider in terms of fuel economy. The performance figures of both of these convertibles are almost the same so no conclusions can be made on that part. The interior space of the Fiat Spider takes a lead in this case which is a plus. Also, the looks of the Spider look more aggressive and distinct. All in all, it depends on the buyer which to choose from, as both are good in their way.

Yes, the 2020 Mini Cooper Convertible is truly a good choice in its class and is arguably the least expensive one compared to its competition. Additionally, it has an amazing fuel economy that will save you a lot of money. Moreover, the retro styling of the Cooper is something different and unique, making it a must-have. Our recommendation would be to select the Signature trim if you have already decided to purchase the Cooper. In the Signature trim, you get more for your money while filling in the missing facets in the base trim. However, its main competitors also show good potential in this class, and you might want to check them before you make a final decision.