After a real boom in the 2000s, convertibles are now struggling in the automotive market. Especially the very small ones have almost completely disappeared. If you want to drive with the roof open, you often have to dig deep into your pocket. That's why it's all the more gratifying that Mini is sticking with its little fun in the fresh air and has given the convertible a major makeover.
Even the traditional brand itself seems very satisfied: "We are very proud to be able to offer our customers a real convertible in the current Mini family," says Stefan Richmann, head of the Mini brand. So this little open-top camper stayed. It would be a shame if it ended exactly 20 years after its launch at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
Mini Cooper Convertible: Exterior
However, this is not surprising - the company has already committed to a convertible in 2021 and decided to continue with it by updating the model. For the next season of fresh air, it now matches the current model generation, which has already been updated. The front is dominated by an octagonal radiator grille, and a small radar sensor is mounted on the horizontal mount. LED headlights with three different light signatures are part of the standard equipment. Animation to welcome and say goodbye or see you next time.
The fully automatic soft fabric roof opens fully in 30 seconds at speeds of up to 18 km/h, and the window grilles and side windows also lower. The reverse process only takes 15 seconds. The integrated rollover protection system is hidden behind the rear headrests and is activated as soon as the central safety electronics recognize the danger of tipping over.
Mini Cooper Cabrio: Interior
When the roof is down, 160 liters of luggage space is available. When closed, the volume is 215 liters, which is five liters more than the three-door model. The black soft top is also available with an optional gray Union Jack. For those who prefer a sportier look, the Mini Cooper Cabrio is available in John Cooper Works (JCW) trim with its own front and rear design.
The interior is dominated by reduced details and textile surfaces... and of course the well-known Pizza infotainment system - an OLED screen with a diameter of 240 mm. There is also a typical toggle switch bar on the vehicle. Behind the wheel, important information is projected in the driver's field of vision on the head-up display.
For the seats, you can choose between gray or black seats in a combination of artificial leather and a textile silhouette in blue; JCW faux leather sport seats in beige and Nightshade Blue with contrasting accent stitching are also available. Those who opt for the JCW Trim, however, get sports seats in black imitation leather with multi-colored knit in the shoulder area and red accent stitching.
Mini Cooper Convertible: Engines
The convertible will be available with three four-cylinder engines. The entry-level Mini Cooper C Cabrio engine is available with 120 kW/163 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. With this, the cabriolet reaches 100 km/h from the city in 8,2 seconds. The maximum speed is 220 km/h.
The Mini Cooper S Cabrio with the familiar 150 kW/204 hp engine is slightly faster. With a maximum torque of 300 Nm, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,9 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 237 km/h. The details for the John Cooper Works Trim, the electric version of which will be presented to the public next week at the Paris Motor Show, are not yet final.
Mini Cooper Convertible: Prices
The new Mini Cooper Cabrio will be available in Germany in February 2025 at a price of 31.200 euros.