MIni Cooper Convertible
How it looks when you see it on the street: The Mini Cooper convertible is pure unfettered fun, and in John Cooper stripes that we drove most recently, it’s a little bit racy, too. We own one an older 2019 model and hands down can attest it proves to be the best city car ever. We last drove a test version of the Mini convertible car in 2021 and we stand by our observation that the timeless contours of the Mini convertible continue to deliver spirited, rough and tumble fun. We’re penning this review from London, where the Mini might be in its most native habitat, cozy, quaint, and cosmopolitan all at once. What’s new in the fourth generation includes rounded front LED headlights.
How it makes you feel when you get in: What we once deigned a flashback in time that doesn’t feel dated is now a futuristic, stand out in current car models. The 9.4 OLED touchscreen is a creative expression that we applaud — circles are soothing. The modes are easy enough to maneuver and so is the Apple CarPlay system. The 18-second maneuver to retract the top was our 9-year old’s self appointed job. It’s easy to reach and get in there even from the back seat. On a cooler moment we set it half back.
How it drives: Mini is all peppiness — lots of momentum due to the infusion of a tiny bit more torque in the JCW model that’s equipped with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder, 7 speed dual clutch. The bumps and road feedback are not for everyone. John Cooper Motorworks is essential for drivers who favor a performance-minded ride. This gas model earns an average of about 30 miles per gallon.
Space for people and things: Mini-mal. Small backseats, tight spaces in the trunk for cargo. This model with the convertible ragtop is a bit heavier.
What should you compare it to: In the same spirit is the Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible. It’s kind of in a category of its own.
How much does it cost: The base price for the JCW convertible model is $44,875. Our tester was $49895 including active driving assistant and power front seasons bundled in the $2000 Iconic package.