MINI Cooper Convertible 1.5 (A) Review
22 Jun 2016|90,108 views
We like to wistfully imagine that people buy cars because they enjoy the act of driving, but the reality is that different people buy different cars for very different reasons. Driving afficionados will swear by their Civic Type Rs and 911s till the end of days, while the proliferation of Sports Utility Vehicles on our roads speak to the people carrying sensibilities of many Singaporean drivers.
And then there are those people for whom the car is an extensions of their image and lifestyle - not so much a driving tool, but more a fashion statement. Hipsters, as we affectionately call this crowd. How else would you explain the likes of the curious Citroen C4 Cactus (complete with all its odd livery options) or the enduring 78-year old oddity that is the Volkswagen Beetle?
The third generation MINI Convertible is out to thrill drivers seeking some open-top driving pleasure
If there was ever a car that captured so succintly a particular aesthetic and seemingly appeals to such a clearly defined demographic in the 21st Century, it has to be the MINI Convertible.
The very first Mini Coopers, built in 1961, were race-bred machines, featuring race-tuned engines and close gear ratios designed to meet rallying standards. This gave the brand a deserved reputation for the car's go-kart feel. In 2005, MINI (now owned by BMW) decided to chop the roof off its popular hatch. Some may argue that this was the point where the brand fully pivoted towards a lifestyle brand, embracing a new found aesthetic sensibility.
With the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible, the brand is back with its latest open-top offering, and so we put on our tortoise shell Ray-Bans, laced up our Superga sneakers, and took it out for a whirl.
And then there are those people for whom the car is an extensions of their image and lifestyle - not so much a driving tool, but more a fashion statement. Hipsters, as we affectionately call this crowd. How else would you explain the likes of the curious Citroen C4 Cactus (complete with all its odd livery options) or the enduring 78-year old oddity that is the Volkswagen Beetle?
If there was ever a car that captured so succintly a particular aesthetic and seemingly appeals to such a clearly defined demographic in the 21st Century, it has to be the MINI Convertible.
The very first Mini Coopers, built in 1961, were race-bred machines, featuring race-tuned engines and close gear ratios designed to meet rallying standards. This gave the brand a deserved reputation for the car's go-kart feel. In 2005, MINI (now owned by BMW) decided to chop the roof off its popular hatch. Some may argue that this was the point where the brand fully pivoted towards a lifestyle brand, embracing a new found aesthetic sensibility.
With the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible, the brand is back with its latest open-top offering, and so we put on our tortoise shell Ray-Bans, laced up our Superga sneakers, and took it out for a whirl.
 |
Exterior
The new MINI Convertible is a good looking soft-top, with the roof up or down. There hasn't been drastic changes to the car's styling - it remains recognisably MINI, and that's a good thing. There's a consistency about the car's design language that we appreciate, and we are sure MINI drivers do too.
The MINI Convertible is now slightly less mini than before. It now measures 3,821mm long (98mm longer), 1,727mm wide (44mm wider) and 1,415mm tall (1mm taller). While still preserving the model's proportions, the increased dimensions offer more interior and boot space (160 litres, which can be expanded to 215 litres).
Funky exterior details include the signature round LED head lights and 3D tail lamps, as well as optional race stripes and a Union Jack woven into the roof. The fully automatic soft-top raises and lowers in 18 seconds, and can be operated while driving at speeds up to 30km/h.
 |
Interior
The interior is stylishly appointed and exudes luxury. It's comfortable all around, with quality materials to the touch, and is very much a nice cabin to sit in. The premium materials and level of workmanship quality is top-notch. Of course, there is the typical MINI flair, from the jet fighter-like switches to the circular 6.5-inch LCD screen MINI Centre Instrument.
The cool ignition switch is consistent with MINI's flair for quirky aesthetic details
The driving position is good, and you sit snugly in the leather sports seats. The centre armrest is somewhat awkward if you want to operate the transmission manually and will get in the way if you want to shift gears with the gear stick, but it's an easily solved issue by just folding the armrest up. The roof mechanism has also been notably improved. While admittedly not the fastest, the operation is much more seamless now, and locks shut with barely any noise.
The interior is stylishly appointed and exudes luxury. It's comfortable all around, with quality materials to the touch, and is very much a nice cabin to sit in. The premium materials and level of workmanship quality is top-notch. Of course, there is the typical MINI flair, from the jet fighter-like switches to the circular 6.5-inch LCD screen MINI Centre Instrument.
The driving position is good, and you sit snugly in the leather sports seats. The centre armrest is somewhat awkward if you want to operate the transmission manually and will get in the way if you want to shift gears with the gear stick, but it's an easily solved issue by just folding the armrest up. The roof mechanism has also been notably improved. While admittedly not the fastest, the operation is much more seamless now, and locks shut with barely any noise.
We do have some gripes with the interior, though. Space in the rear is limited, especially if the driver and front passenger is of the taller variety. With the front seats shifted backwards for space, the only real way to fit a passeger in the rear is to have him or her lying down on the rear bench, or sit cross-legged. Not so much a car to ferry passengers, this one.
Boot space, while bigger, is still fairly dismal. MINI has incorporated an innovative Easy Load function that expands ingress into the boot, allowing the soft top frame to be raised when the roof is closed. That being said, you won't be fitting a family's load of luggage into the boot.
It isn't the quietest cabin either, with the roof up. While not undriveably noisy, the extra wind noise does compromise the refinement of the interior slightly. And with the roof down, you have little vision out of your rear view mirror.
The soft-top roof folds down neatly, but don't expect to see much out of the rear view mirror with the top down
Boot space, while bigger, is still fairly dismal. MINI has incorporated an innovative Easy Load function that expands ingress into the boot, allowing the soft top frame to be raised when the roof is closed. That being said, you won't be fitting a family's load of luggage into the boot.
It isn't the quietest cabin either, with the roof up. While not undriveably noisy, the extra wind noise does compromise the refinement of the interior slightly. And with the roof down, you have little vision out of your rear view mirror.
 |
The Drive
The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine is a punchy unit, producing 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. With maximum torque available from 1,250rpm, it is generally a very easy car to drive, with a smooth drivetrain that is very usable and easily accessible. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that is refined and smooth.
The perky turbocharged engine offers up tons of usable torque, even at lower revs
While the Convertible has put on a little bit of weight, tipping the scales at 1,305kg (115kg more than its hardtop sibling), it isn't exactly bulbous. The extra weight comes from the additional torsional strengthening required to maintain the Convertible's torsional integrity with the roof (and its structural load-bearing capacity) chopped off. While not as eager and light-footed as its hard-top sibling as well, the car is still light on its feet and handles itself very respectably on the roads, managing to remain taut and planted through corners.
The car is easy to place on the road, but that should come as no surprise - despite being slightly bigger, it is still a MINI after all. The ride is also comfortable, if slightly on the firm side. The car also has an 'Openometer' that tracks how long you drive with the top down.
The driving experience isn't without its issues, though. The engine doesn't make the nicest of noises and sounds rather thin, and the whine of the turbocharger at high revs can be annoying. The steering, especially in 'Mid', lacks feedback. It is noticably better in 'Sport', but it still leaves something to be desired. While the car may not be as eager and as go-kart-like as we would like, it's a comfortable and premium package.
The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine is a punchy unit, producing 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. With maximum torque available from 1,250rpm, it is generally a very easy car to drive, with a smooth drivetrain that is very usable and easily accessible. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that is refined and smooth.
While the Convertible has put on a little bit of weight, tipping the scales at 1,305kg (115kg more than its hardtop sibling), it isn't exactly bulbous. The extra weight comes from the additional torsional strengthening required to maintain the Convertible's torsional integrity with the roof (and its structural load-bearing capacity) chopped off. While not as eager and light-footed as its hard-top sibling as well, the car is still light on its feet and handles itself very respectably on the roads, managing to remain taut and planted through corners.
The car is easy to place on the road, but that should come as no surprise - despite being slightly bigger, it is still a MINI after all. The ride is also comfortable, if slightly on the firm side. The car also has an 'Openometer' that tracks how long you drive with the top down.
The driving experience isn't without its issues, though. The engine doesn't make the nicest of noises and sounds rather thin, and the whine of the turbocharger at high revs can be annoying. The steering, especially in 'Mid', lacks feedback. It is noticably better in 'Sport', but it still leaves something to be desired. While the car may not be as eager and as go-kart-like as we would like, it's a comfortable and premium package.
Conclusion
Is this the most practical or sensible car in the world? Of course not. Even within the MINI lineup there are much more practical offerings, like the five-door Coopers or the Clubman.
But that's really besides the point. The MINI Cooper is about character, and it exudes that. With the top chopped off, it is arguably even better, emphasising the carefree, jovial and affable nature of the car. The MINI Cooper Convertible is also a fashion statement, a very good one at that. It is a car as much about seeing the outside world as it is letting the outside world see you - our time with the car drew many envious glances.
We would argue that the MINI Cooper Convertible is a hipster's paradise, the perfect car for those whose lifestyles involve rolling up at coffee parlours and spending Saturday afternoons at Haji Lane. But can it be more than just a fancy-looking automobile for the Fjallraven-toting hipster?
The MINI Convertible will put a grin on your face that is as big as its own
While we may not be the most hip people out there, driving the MINI Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans, and blast some Vampire Weekend on the stereo.
The car has that effect on you - it puts a smile on your face, it will ignite a vigour in even the weariest of souls, and make you embrace the joy that is open-top driving. And for that, the MINI Convertible is worth something more than just a fashion statement. MINI should really include a 'Smileometer' to go along with the 'Openometer'.
Is this the most practical or sensible car in the world? Of course not. Even within the MINI lineup there are much more practical offerings, like the five-door Coopers or the Clubman.
But that's really besides the point. The MINI Cooper is about character, and it exudes that. With the top chopped off, it is arguably even better, emphasising the carefree, jovial and affable nature of the car. The MINI Cooper Convertible is also a fashion statement, a very good one at that. It is a car as much about seeing the outside world as it is letting the outside world see you - our time with the car drew many envious glances.
We would argue that the MINI Cooper Convertible is a hipster's paradise, the perfect car for those whose lifestyles involve rolling up at coffee parlours and spending Saturday afternoons at Haji Lane. But can it be more than just a fancy-looking automobile for the Fjallraven-toting hipster?
While we may not be the most hip people out there, driving the MINI Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans, and blast some Vampire Weekend on the stereo.
The car has that effect on you - it puts a smile on your face, it will ignite a vigour in even the weariest of souls, and make you embrace the joy that is open-top driving. And for that, the MINI Convertible is worth something more than just a fashion statement. MINI should really include a 'Smileometer' to go along with the 'Openometer'.
We like to wistfully imagine that people buy cars because they enjoy the act of driving, but the reality is that different people buy different cars for very different reasons. Driving afficionados will swear by their Civic Type Rs and 911s till the end of days, while the proliferation of Sports Utility Vehicles on our roads speak to the people carrying sensibilities of many Singaporean drivers.
And then there are those people for whom the car is an extensions of their image and lifestyle - not so much a driving tool, but more a fashion statement. Hipsters, as we affectionately call this crowd. How else would you explain the likes of the curious Citroen C4 Cactus (complete with all its odd livery options) or the enduring 78-year old oddity that is the Volkswagen Beetle?
If there was ever a car that captured so succintly a particular aesthetic and seemingly appeals to such a clearly defined demographic in the 21st Century, it has to be the MINI Convertible.
The very first Mini Coopers, built in 1961, were race-bred machines, featuring race-tuned engines and close gear ratios designed to meet rallying standards. This gave the brand a deserved reputation for the car's go-kart feel. In 2005, MINI (now owned by BMW) decided to chop the roof off its popular hatch. Some may argue that this was the point where the brand fully pivoted towards a lifestyle brand, embracing a new found aesthetic sensibility.
With the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible, the brand is back with its latest open-top offering, and so we put on our tortoise shell Ray-Bans, laced up our Superga sneakers, and took it out for a whirl.
And then there are those people for whom the car is an extensions of their image and lifestyle - not so much a driving tool, but more a fashion statement. Hipsters, as we affectionately call this crowd. How else would you explain the likes of the curious Citroen C4 Cactus (complete with all its odd livery options) or the enduring 78-year old oddity that is the Volkswagen Beetle?
If there was ever a car that captured so succintly a particular aesthetic and seemingly appeals to such a clearly defined demographic in the 21st Century, it has to be the MINI Convertible.
The very first Mini Coopers, built in 1961, were race-bred machines, featuring race-tuned engines and close gear ratios designed to meet rallying standards. This gave the brand a deserved reputation for the car's go-kart feel. In 2005, MINI (now owned by BMW) decided to chop the roof off its popular hatch. Some may argue that this was the point where the brand fully pivoted towards a lifestyle brand, embracing a new found aesthetic sensibility.
With the launch of the new MINI Cooper Convertible, the brand is back with its latest open-top offering, and so we put on our tortoise shell Ray-Bans, laced up our Superga sneakers, and took it out for a whirl.
Exterior
The new MINI Convertible is a good looking soft-top, with the roof up or down. There hasn't been drastic changes to the car's styling - it remains recognisably MINI, and that's a good thing. There's a consistency about the car's design language that we appreciate, and we are sure MINI drivers do too.
The MINI Convertible is now slightly less mini than before. It now measures 3,821mm long (98mm longer), 1,727mm wide (44mm wider) and 1,415mm tall (1mm taller). While still preserving the model's proportions, the increased dimensions offer more interior and boot space (160 litres, which can be expanded to 215 litres).
Funky exterior details include the signature round LED head lights and 3D tail lamps, as well as optional race stripes and a Union Jack woven into the roof. The fully automatic soft-top raises and lowers in 18 seconds, and can be operated while driving at speeds up to 30km/h.
Interior
The interior is stylishly appointed and exudes luxury. It's comfortable all around, with quality materials to the touch, and is very much a nice cabin to sit in. The premium materials and level of workmanship quality is top-notch. Of course, there is the typical MINI flair, from the jet fighter-like switches to the circular 6.5-inch LCD screen MINI Centre Instrument.
The driving position is good, and you sit snugly in the leather sports seats. The centre armrest is somewhat awkward if you want to operate the transmission manually and will get in the way if you want to shift gears with the gear stick, but it's an easily solved issue by just folding the armrest up. The roof mechanism has also been notably improved. While admittedly not the fastest, the operation is much more seamless now, and locks shut with barely any noise.
We do have some gripes with the interior, though. Space in the rear is limited, especially if the driver and front passenger is of the taller variety. With the front seats shifted backwards for space, the only real way to fit a passeger in the rear is to have him or her lying down on the rear bench, or sit cross-legged. Not so much a car to ferry passengers, this one.
Boot space, while bigger, is still fairly dismal. MINI has incorporated an innovative Easy Load function that expands ingress into the boot, allowing the soft top frame to be raised when the roof is closed. That being said, you won't be fitting a family's load of luggage into the boot.
It isn't the quietest cabin either, with the roof up. While not undriveably noisy, the extra wind noise does compromise the refinement of the interior slightly. And with the roof down, you have little vision out of your rear view mirror.
Boot space, while bigger, is still fairly dismal. MINI has incorporated an innovative Easy Load function that expands ingress into the boot, allowing the soft top frame to be raised when the roof is closed. That being said, you won't be fitting a family's load of luggage into the boot.
It isn't the quietest cabin either, with the roof up. While not undriveably noisy, the extra wind noise does compromise the refinement of the interior slightly. And with the roof down, you have little vision out of your rear view mirror.
The Drive
The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine is a punchy unit, producing 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. With maximum torque available from 1,250rpm, it is generally a very easy car to drive, with a smooth drivetrain that is very usable and easily accessible. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that is refined and smooth.
While the Convertible has put on a little bit of weight, tipping the scales at 1,305kg (115kg more than its hardtop sibling), it isn't exactly bulbous. The extra weight comes from the additional torsional strengthening required to maintain the Convertible's torsional integrity with the roof (and its structural load-bearing capacity) chopped off. While not as eager and light-footed as its hard-top sibling as well, the car is still light on its feet and handles itself very respectably on the roads, managing to remain taut and planted through corners.
The car is easy to place on the road, but that should come as no surprise - despite being slightly bigger, it is still a MINI after all. The ride is also comfortable, if slightly on the firm side. The car also has an 'Openometer' that tracks how long you drive with the top down.
The driving experience isn't without its issues, though. The engine doesn't make the nicest of noises and sounds rather thin, and the whine of the turbocharger at high revs can be annoying. The steering, especially in 'Mid', lacks feedback. It is noticably better in 'Sport', but it still leaves something to be desired. While the car may not be as eager and as go-kart-like as we would like, it's a comfortable and premium package.
Conclusion
Is this the most practical or sensible car in the world? Of course not. Even within the MINI lineup there are much more practical offerings, like the five-door Coopers or the Clubman.
But that's really besides the point. The MINI Cooper is about character, and it exudes that. With the top chopped off, it is arguably even better, emphasising the carefree, jovial and affable nature of the car. The MINI Cooper Convertible is also a fashion statement, a very good one at that. It is a car as much about seeing the outside world as it is letting the outside world see you - our time with the car drew many envious glances.
We would argue that the MINI Cooper Convertible is a hipster's paradise, the perfect car for those whose lifestyles involve rolling up at coffee parlours and spending Saturday afternoons at Haji Lane. But can it be more than just a fancy-looking automobile for the Fjallraven-toting hipster?
While we may not be the most hip people out there, driving the MINI Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans, and blast some Vampire Weekend on the stereo.
The car has that effect on you - it puts a smile on your face, it will ignite a vigour in even the weariest of souls, and make you embrace the joy that is open-top driving. And for that, the MINI Convertible is worth something more than just a fashion statement. MINI should really include a 'Smileometer' to go along with the 'Openometer'.
Is this the most practical or sensible car in the world? Of course not. Even within the MINI lineup there are much more practical offerings, like the five-door Coopers or the Clubman.
But that's really besides the point. The MINI Cooper is about character, and it exudes that. With the top chopped off, it is arguably even better, emphasising the carefree, jovial and affable nature of the car. The MINI Cooper Convertible is also a fashion statement, a very good one at that. It is a car as much about seeing the outside world as it is letting the outside world see you - our time with the car drew many envious glances.
We would argue that the MINI Cooper Convertible is a hipster's paradise, the perfect car for those whose lifestyles involve rolling up at coffee parlours and spending Saturday afternoons at Haji Lane. But can it be more than just a fancy-looking automobile for the Fjallraven-toting hipster?
While we may not be the most hip people out there, driving the MINI Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans, and blast some Vampire Weekend on the stereo.
The car has that effect on you - it puts a smile on your face, it will ignite a vigour in even the weariest of souls, and make you embrace the joy that is open-top driving. And for that, the MINI Convertible is worth something more than just a fashion statement. MINI should really include a 'Smileometer' to go along with the 'Openometer'.
Photos by Desmond Chan
Also read our comparison article on:
MINI Cooper Convertible 1.5 vs Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.2 TSI DSG
Â
Car Information
MINI Cooper Convertible 1.5 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|18.9km/L
Horsepower
100kW (134 bhp)
Torque
220 Nm
Acceleration
8.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used MINI Cooper Convertible
Thank You For Your Subscription.
Tags
Products & Services
For Owners
Quick Links
About Sgcarmart
