For those looking for a fun, stylish, and a relatively affordable convertible, MINI has long been a top consideration for many here in Ireland. Even though our weather is far from convertible-friendly, this drop-top has somehow remained a popular choice over the years. Now, a new generation has arrived and following the launch of the Cooper hatchback in 2024, we were afforded the first drive opportunity of the new MINI Convertible through the vibrant city streets and stunning mountain passes of Barcelona. This latest version retains MINI’s signature charm but introduces a host of modern updates. Though pretty much every component is new except for the front doors this latest iteration brings styling tweaks that align it with the new hatchback.
A redesigned front grille and advanced lighting technology, featuring three customisable light signatures, give it a fresh yet familiar look. It comes in three trim levels Classic, Sport, and Exclusive alongside the range-topping John Cooper Works. Standard equipment is generous, with LED lighting, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and the new infotainment system included on all models. The Classic trim keeps things simple with smaller silver alloy wheels and a black grille, while the Sport gets John Cooper Works styling cues and sports seats. The Exclusive trim leans towards luxury, featuring stylish silver accents and premium upholstery.
Stepping inside you will notice the cabin is now centered around MINI’s slick 9.5-inch circular OLED infotainment screen, which replaces traditional dials and houses most controls. It’s well-designed, crystal clear and responsive, though it does take a little getting used to. Given the lack of a conventional instrument cluster, we highly recommend opting for the Level 1 options pack, which includes a head-up display for essential driving information right in your eye line. There is the usual nod to classic MINI elements, such as the tactile toggle switch bar beneath the screen. Material quality is impressive, with stylish fabric trims and supportive sports seats that vary depending on the trim level. The Exclusive model, in particular, stands out with its stylish blue artificial leather upholstery.
Practicality remains a tough point for the MINI Convertible and whilst it does have four seats, you would really need to possess chicken legs to sit in the rear. Children are best suited to this space for sure and although it’s tight, the convertible roof’s roomy design gives pretty decent headroom. To the rear you can drop the tailgate downward to reveal 210 litres of boot space with the roof up. This figure shrinks to 165 litres when the roof is down but a clever mechanism allows the roof to lift slightly, enabling you to slide in bulkier items. The back seats also fold down, but overall storage remains limited as expected from a car of these proportions.
The MINI Convertible’s engine lineup reflects that of the petrol-powered Cooper hatchback. Buyers can choose from the entry-level 163hp 1.5-litre Cooper C, the mid-range 204hp 2.0-litre Cooper S, or the sportier John Cooper Works with 231hp. All models come exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission, MINI has now phased out manual gearboxes across its range. We tested the Cooper S, which is likely be the best-selling version. It delivers a spirited drive, with 0-100 kph taking just 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 237 kph. The John Cooper Works reduces this time down to 6.4 seconds, thanks to its increased power output. Running costs are similar across all variants, with official fuel economy figures ranging between 7.4 L/100 km combined and CO2 emissions from 147-161g/km. MINI briefly experimented with an EV version in 2023, but it was met with limited success. For now, the brand has pushed back the idea of an electric convertible
Driving a MINI Convertible has always been about fun, and this new model is no different! The fully electric roof takes just 18 seconds to lower and 15 seconds to close and can be operated at speeds of up to 30 kph. A sunroof-style partial opening is also available, making the car even more versatile. On the mountain roads outside Barcelona, the car’s sharp steering and engaging handling shone through. The MINI Convertible remains nimble and responsive, despite being slightly heavier than the hatchback. It offers excellent grip, though at the limit, it does show a hint of understeer. The convertible’s added chassis reinforcement makes it even stiffer and perhaps a little firm at times but it gives you that go-kart like feel which, has always been a signature trait of MINIs.
The turbocharged 2.0 litre engine provides a satisfying note, with distinctive turbo flutters adding to the character. Wind noise is well managed thanks to a deflector across the rear seats, making it easy to hold a conversation even with the roof down at motorway speeds. However, rear visibility is compromised whether the roof is up or down. The automatic gearbox also has some quirks, standard mode can feel sluggish, while ‘Go-Kart’ mode holds onto gears too long. We recommend choosing the Sport trim or John Cooper Works, as both come with gearshift paddles which give you manual control. Overall the new MINI Cooper Convertible keeps the spirit of the brand alive, offering a stylish and engaging driving experience. It’s not the most practical car, and the loss of a manual gearbox is a disappointment, but for those looking for an affordable, fun-to-drive convertible, it remains one of the best options available in Ireland. It still has that premium, well-built feel and with the addition of the soft-top, all we need is a little sun to experience some smiles per gallon.
