2016 Mini convertible review, test drive

The new Cooper S looks bigger and better, we find out what it’s like to drive.

Published on Feb 29, 2016 01:56:00 PM

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2016 Mini convertible review, test drive

Make : Mini

Model : Cooper

The new Cooper S is one of our favourite Minis. It blends the British brand's cheeky retro looks, has a powerful petrol motor, and thrill-a-minute handling. And because the iconic looks never fade or age, it's a car that manages to look timeless or ageless. Mini is now looking to increase the appeal of the Cooper S by lopping the top of the car. Due to reach showrooms in India this month, the new Mini convertible promises to be far superior to the previous convertible sold here. But what exactly is it under the skin?

What is it?

The new third-generation (modern day) Mini convertible is larger and offers more interior space than its predecessor. Based on the UKL platform, the new convertible has a longer wheelbase at 2,429mm, a wider front and rear track for the front and rear axles and the new Mini convertible also boasts a smarter use of space.

Because the roof has been lopped off, the new Mini convertible also gets plenty of additional bracing; the roof usually contains many of the car's important structural elements and getting rid of it means you compromise on the rigidity of the 'tubular' monocoque chassis. It's like slicing the top off a tube, and leaving only a 'U' shaped structure that bends much more easily. So you get loads and loads of additional structural bracing. There's some in the area under the radiator, there's plenty under the doors and there are two large 'V' shaped braces under the passenger area too.

All this extra stiffening has led to a 115kg increase in weight over the three-door Copper S hatch; the convertible now weighing 1,275kg. The car in India will initially come in Cooper S trim with the strong 189bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine under the hood. The gearbox is a traditional six-speed automatic, featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The front axle gets a quite effective electronic differential lock that helps give it loads additional traction.

What's it like on the inside?

Climb into the cabin and apart from the familiar dash you get on the hardtop, with the big circular central display and oversized steering wheel, you also get sports seats on this car. And this new car feels larger on the inside than the earlier car. There’s noticeably more shoulder room and larger footwells than before and the rear seats are now clearly quite useable too. The width of the rear seat has increased and there's a bit more legroom as well. Luggage-carrying capacity, never one of the Mini Convertible’s great strengths, has also increased by 35 litres to a larger-than-ever 215 litres with the roof in place and 160 litres with it lowered. As before, the rear seats receive standard split-folding backrests.

Also new on this car is a fully-electric cloth hood that comes with a Union flag embossed on the roof. You can now open and close in 18 seconds, even when the car is at low speeds. The fit is snug and tight, which is nice and you can even slide the top back partially, as one would a sunroof, for a partially open feel.

Unlike most convertibles, the hood however folds and parks itself without a cover, spoiling the lines of the car somewhat and impacting rear visibility. Additional safety kit includes a reinforced windscreen frame and pop-up roll bars that extend from behind the rear seats when sensors detect a rollover.