The Mini Cooper Convertible is available in a single trim option. The trim is divided into three sub-trims based on the features. There are other options in the Mini lineup like the Mini Cooper S Convertible or the John Cooper Work Convertible, but they will be reviewed separately. The Mini Cooper Convertible starts at $27,400 and competes against the likes of the Fiat 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible. We have also included the BMW 2 Series Convertible which is not a direct rival as it is a sedan, but it is there for the sake of comparison only.
Buying Advice
We recommend you going for the Signature trim as it gets the bigger 16-inch wheels which is a considerable upgrade from the base Classic trim. The Iconic trim doesn’t get any major upgrade from the Signature trim that justifies the increase in price. You can opt for the Touchscreen Navigation Package with the Signature trim to get the bigger 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the navigation system. The infotainment also offers the support for Apple CarPlay which makes it a great deal for just $1,700 extra over the Signature trim.
The Mini is now owned by BMW, and there are many similarities in terms of the technology inside the cabin which makes it even more appealing in 2021. Although BMW has changed the tech inside the car based on their standards, the Mini Cooper has not lost its essence as the Mini touches are still there in the interior and exterior.
Features
The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible is available in a single trim option, but you have the option to choose from the three different sub-trim levels. The three trims are Classic, Signature, and Iconic. They are all powered by the same engine and the transmission also remains the same. The only difference is in the feature list that comes with each of the trim levels. The standard features with the Classic trim include 15-inch wheels, automatic headlights, a 6-speaker audio system, 6-way manual-adjustable leatherette seats, automatic climate control, and forward collision avoidance. You can upgrade to the Signature trim for bigger 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and proximity keyless entry. The top Iconic trim gets more premium features for the interior and the infotainment system.
Trim
Classic
Signature
Iconic
MSRP(CVT)
$27,400
$31,400
$35,400
Key Features
15-inch wheels
In addition to the Classic trims:
In addition to the Signature trims:
Automatic headlights
16-inch alloy Wheels
Leather upholstery
6-speaker audio system
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment
6-way manual-adjustable leatherette seats
Proximity keyless entry
Apple CarPlay
Automatic climate control
LED foglight
12-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system
Forward collision avoidance
Wireless charging
We recommend
We recommend you going for the Signature trim as it gets the bigger 16-inch wheels which is a considerable upgrade from the base Classic trim. The Iconic trim doesn’t get any major upgrade from the Signature trim that justifies the increase in price. You can opt for the Touchscreen Navigation Package with the Signature trim to get the bigger 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the navigation system. The infotainment also offers the support for Apple CarPlay which makes it a great deal for just $1,700 extra over the Signature trim.
Engine and Performance
The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo inline-3 engine which is standard for all the trims. The engine produces a very decent 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. You also have the option to get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which is optional with all the trims. The engine sends the power to the front wheels only.
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible side view
The power seems very low but works just fine for the size of the Mini Cooper Convertible. The performance is not very impressive but it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds which is not bad at all. The engine feels responsive to the inputs and the 6-speed manual transmission also does a great job. The quarter-mile takes 15.8 seconds which is comparable to the other rivals in the segment.
Models
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible
2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible
MSRP
$27,400
$25,390
$26,830
$41,850
Engine
1.5L Turbo Inline-3
1.4L Turbo Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.0-liter turbo inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
RWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
6-speed manual
8-speed automatic
Power (hp @ RPM
134 @ 4,400
160 @ 5,500
181 @ 7,000
248 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
162 @ 1,250
184 @ 3,200
151 @ 4,000
258 @ 1450
0-60 MPH (seconds)
7.5
6.3
6.5
5.3
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
15.8
14.7
14.9
12.7
Top-Speed (MPH)
131
138
130
144
The Mini Cooper Convertible produces the least power in the segment with a very evident margin. The Fiat 124 Spider in comparison makes an impressive 160 horsepower while the Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible makes an even more impressive 181 horsepower. Still, the Fiat 124 Spider beats the Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible in terms of acceleration in both 0 to 60 mph and the quarter-mile run. The 2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible remains the fastest car in the comparison for obvious reasons.
How well does the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible handle?
The 2021 Mini Cooper falls under the hot hatch category and is one of the most iconic hot hatches for many years. Handling is one of the biggest advantages of hot hatches. The compact dimensions really help them easily maneuver in tight spots. The Mini Cooper does it all very well. The steering wheel is very direct and accurate. It gives great confidence to the driver whether you are on a straight road or the windy sections. The feel and feedback from the steering are very impressive.
The stiffer suspension setup inspires confidence to push it hard in the corners. The driving dynamics are on the next level for the Mini Cooper Convertible or any other cars from the Mini Cooper lineup. The only downside of the stiff suspension setup is that the ride quality is not very comfortable. You can feel even the smallest of the bumps filtering through the cabin. The ride quality at the lower speeds is very stiff for anyone’s liking.
How good is the braking performance of the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible?
The braking performance usually doesn’t matter that much for a car of this compact dimension. But the case is very different with the Mini Cooper Convertible as it is a big deal for the handling of the car. Mini performs well in this regard too but it is not as good as we would like it to be. The Mini Cooper Convertible comes with 11.6-inch brake rotors at the front while the rear wheel gets smaller 10.2-inch brake rotors. The brakes are able to stop the Mini Cooper Convertible from 60 to 0 mph in 134 feet. The stopping distance is not very impressive for the segment but gets the job done.
Models
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible
2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
11.6
11
11
13.6
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
10.2
11
11
12.6
Curb Weight (lbs)
2,895
2,436
2,341
3,680
60-0 (feet)
134
112
111
104
The Mini Cooper Convertible is the heaviest convertible hatchback in the segment with a very evident margin. That shows up very well in the braking performance of the car as it takes the highest distance to come to a halt from 60 miles per hour. The Fiat 124 Spider and the Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible are very close in this regard at 112 feet and 111 feet, respectively to stop from 60 to 0 feet. Both of them perform very well compared to the Mini Cooper Convertible. The BMW 2 Series Convertible is the heaviest car of the lot as it is a sedan, but it manages to stop in just 104 feet from 60 to 0 mph, which is very impressive.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
The fuel economy should not be pathetic for such a small hatchback. If you’re thinking the same, then you are right. The Mini Cooper Convertible manages to provide a very decent fuel economy for the segment. The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible delivers 26 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The fuel tank is also of very decent size and can hold up to 11.6 gallons of gasoline in it. The highway range is comparable to the rivals at 429 miles.
Models
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible
2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible
MPG (City)
26
26
26
24
MPG (Highway)
37
35
34
34
MPG (Combined)
30
30
29
27
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
11.6
11.9
11.9
13.7
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)
302/429/348
309/417/392
309/405/345
328.8/465.8/369.9
The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible offers the best fuel economy in the segment when it comes to the highway. The Fiat 124 Spider offers identical fuel economy in the city driving conditions and combined fuel economy is also the same. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible is also at par with the competition in terms of overall fuel economy. The Bimmer takes a dip in this regard because of the bigger dimensions but compensates for it with a bigger fuel tank capacity.
Interior
9.1/10
The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible carries forward the DNA of the Mini in its overall styling. The circular works inside the cabin are evident and look very attractive. The dashboard gets circular inserts on the steering wheel, ac vents, touchscreen display, and the circular instrument clusters also look great. The front row has ample space for the driver and the co-passenger. Headroom is not space as you have acres of headroom open for you. The cabin feels very airy and you will not get bored even after long hours of drive inside the car.
The rear seats are not usable and adults can not even think of sitting in the back seats. The seats are not even comfortable for the kids and are best for carrying luggage as the cargo area is not usable at all. The quality inside the interior is of very good quality and there is nothing much to complain about in that regard.
Models
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible
2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible
Seating Capacity
4
2
2
4
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
39.8/51.0/41.4
37.4/52.1/43.1
37.4/52.2/43.1
40.5/54.4/41.5
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
39.0/39.7/30.9
N/A
N/A
31.8/42.2/31.8
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)
5.7
4.9
4.6
11.8
The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible is the only hatchback that comes in a 4-seater variant at least on paper. The Fiat 124 Spider and the Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible come only offer a single row of seating. The Bimmer also offers second rows but that is also not very practical compared to the Mini. The cargo area on any of the hatches will not impress you at all. Standout interior features in the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible:
6-way manual-adjustable seats
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Leather upholstery
Wireless charging
Ambient lighting
Tilt & telescopic steering wheel
What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible?
The standard infotainment system on the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with some basic features. You can get the bigger 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the top Iconic trim or with the Touchscreen Navigation Package. The bigger touchscreen also features seamless connectivity via Apple CarPlay and you also get an inbuilt navigation system with it.
The touchscreen is very smooth in its overall operations and the graphics are also very good. All the features on the infotainment are easy to navigate. The car gets a standard 6-speaker audio system which can be upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system with the top trim. The infotainment features include in the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible:
6.5”/8.8” touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Bluetooth connectivity
Inbuilt navigation system
6-speaker audio system
12-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system
Exterior
9.1/10
The outside of the Mini is also familiar with the classic Mini design that every Mini fan remembers. The fans of Mr. Bean will have no hard time realizing that it is a Mini car. The exterior design is done very well and the circular theme is well laid out in the exterior too. The oval-shaped headlamps on the front fascia look very appealing and help it stand out as a Mini very well. The LED daytime running lights are also integrated into the headlights only which is there to help the traditional Mini look.
The car comes with a very distinctive look if you compare it with any other hatchback in the segment. Exterior styling is one of the key selling points of the Mini Cooper Convertible even in 2021.
Models
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible
2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible
Curb Weight (lb)
2,895
2,436
2,341
3,680
Length (inches)
151.9
159.6
154.1
174.7
Width (inches)
68
68.5
68.3
69.8
Height (inches)
55.7
48.5
48.6
55.6
Ground Clearance (inches)
4.5
4.7
4.9
5.5
Wheelbase (inches)
98.2
90.9
90.9
105.9
The Mini Cooper Convertible is the shortest convertible hatchback in the segment. Still, it turns out to be the heaviest car among the competitors. Although the Mini Cooper is the shortest car in its overall length, it manages to have a longer wheelbase compared to the other hatchbacks.
The Mini Cooper also has the least ground clearance in the competition. The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is the longest hatchback but the wheelbase is shorter than the Mini Cooper Convertible. The Bimmer is bigger than all the hatchbacks in almost every dimension. Standout exterior features in the 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible:
15”/16” alloy wheels
Proximity keyless entry
Automatic headlights with LED DRLs
LED foglights
Chrome exhaust tips
Safety
9.5/10
The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible is not among the safest cars in the segment and this is an area where Mini needs to improve. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not crash-tested the Mini Cooper Convertible yet. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has partially tested the Mini Cooper only for the front crash prevention and the headlights. The Mini Cooper Convertible received an “Advanced” rating for the front crash prevention while the headlights received a “Poor” safety rating. The safety of the car needs an improvement and the available standard safety features are also a letdown for 2021. The safety features include:
Post-Collision Safety System
Stability Control
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Traction Control
Emergency Braking Assist
Competition
9.0/10
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible vs. 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider comes at a lower starting price compared to the Mini Cooper Convertible. The performance of the Fiat 1244 Spider is better than that of Mini Cooper and it also comes with a more powerful and bigger engine. The fuel economy figures remain pretty much similar for both cars. If we talk about safety, none of them offer very impressive safety ratings or features. The Mini Cooper Convertible is a better-looking car with more premium interiors from the inside.
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible vs. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible
The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a great package at less price compared to the Mini Cooper Convertible. If we talk about performance, then the MX-5 Miata goes ahead of the Mini Cooper Convertible for sure. Mazda also offers identical fuel economy figures. Mazda MX-5 Miata is also not very great compared to the Mini Cooper Convertible in terms of safety. If performance is your priority then the Mazda MX-5 is a better choice among the two, but Mini Cooper Convertible offers a better interior.
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible vs. 2021 BMW 2 Series Convertible
The BMW 2 Series Convertible is a car from a completely different segment. We have compared them just to give you an idea. The Bimmer being a sedan offers better practicality. The performance of the 2 Series Convertible is also way better than that of the Mini Cooper Convertible. However, the BMW is a more expensive option among the two. The choice depends on your budget and personal preference.
Final Verdict
The 2021 Mini Cooper is not a practical option and not a great choice as the first car. But if you are looking for a second car just for the sake of driving, then you can go for the Mini Cooper Convertible. The driving dynamics and the styling of the Mini Cooper Convertible is top-notch.
However, the performance is a bit disappointing as the engine is not the most powerful in the segment. If you can stretch your budget you can go for the Mini Cooper S Convertible, as it offers better performance. The Mini Cooper Convertible is a good choice if you can live with the power that it produces price increase.
