Facelift (What's New)
New headlamp and tail lamp designs
Wears new MINI badges
Updated 6.5-inch infotainment system
New seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
Engine is lighter and its covers are now made from carbon fibre
In our modern-day crop of cars, few can match the characteristics and dynamism of a MINI. While the British-born, German-owned brand isn't ignoring advances in refinement and user experience, its products continue to boast a certain smile-inducing factor that's lacking in many others.
One fine example is the latest iteration of its top-down, tarmac-loving Cooper Convertible.
Like the rest of the MINI family, the Cooper Convertible has received a 2018 facelift, which comprises subtle but important tweaks inside and out.
New Union Jack-patterned tail lamps create an unmistakable appearance, day or night
What's new, then?
For starters, its characteristically circular headlamps now sport ringed daytime running lights, which also double as the turn signal indicators. But the car's new lighting signatures are most obvious from the back, thanks to a new Union Jack design inscribed into the LED tail lamps.
From the bonnet to the tailgate and the steering wheel, MINI loyalists will also notice the brand's new logo, which is an evolution of the outgoing one, albeit with a two-dimensional, flatter design.
On the inside, there's a new 6.5-inch coloured infotainment display that can be had with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The new 6.5-inch infotainment display takes centre stage in a cabin that's built with high quality materialsLike in the MINI One we tested, the Cooper Convertible also gets a new joystick-like gear shifter that operates in a similar one-touch fashion as parent company BMW's.
But more importantly, it's what the new gear shifter controls that is big news for these MINIs - a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that replaces the outgoing six-speed automatic.
Oh! A new powertrain, then?
Not exactly, only the dual-clutch transmission is all new. The three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine with 134bhp and 220Nm from before remains, but MINI has reduced the weight of the unit, along with giving it new engine covers made of carbon fibre.
A smoother seven-speed dual-clutch replaces the outgoing model's six-speed automaticTogether with the new transmission, the improvements promise to reduce carbon emissions by 5%. But more than just that, with the new powertrain pairing, the Cooper Convertible feels livelier and creamier from the get-go even in its default Comfort mode.
One fine example is the latest iteration of its top-down, tarmac-loving Cooper Convertible.
Like the rest of the MINI family, the Cooper Convertible has received a 2018 facelift, which comprises subtle but important tweaks inside and out.
What's new, then?
For starters, its characteristically circular headlamps now sport ringed daytime running lights, which also double as the turn signal indicators. But the car's new lighting signatures are most obvious from the back, thanks to a new Union Jack design inscribed into the LED tail lamps.
From the bonnet to the tailgate and the steering wheel, MINI loyalists will also notice the brand's new logo, which is an evolution of the outgoing one, albeit with a two-dimensional, flatter design.
On the inside, there's a new 6.5-inch coloured infotainment display that can be had with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
But more importantly, it's what the new gear shifter controls that is big news for these MINIs - a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that replaces the outgoing six-speed automatic.
Oh! A new powertrain, then?
Not exactly, only the dual-clutch transmission is all new. The three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine with 134bhp and 220Nm from before remains, but MINI has reduced the weight of the unit, along with giving it new engine covers made of carbon fibre.
Putting the car in Sport mode heightens throttle response, accompanied by delightful exhaust soundtrack that blurps with every upshift.
Pedal to the metal, the 0-100km/h sprint is done in 8.7 seconds. It's no sports car but there's enough oomph to stay ahead in traffic. And with the top down, which takes 13 seconds, at a maximum speed of 30km/h, you'll rather be enjoying the open-top experience at a leisurely pace.
Compared to rivals like the Audi A3 Cabriolet or the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, the Cooper Convertible also offers a dynamism that's unparalleled in its class.
The Cooper Convertible is the perfect companion on a sunny day, along a series of twisty roadsIts steering is well-weighted, meaty and direct, while the chassis is taut and its suspension, well-judged. Even though it lacks the rigidity of its hatchback sibling, and is slightly heavier, it still handles with a verve that shames most mildly hot hatches.
The only grouse, then, for anyone who's never owned a convertible, would be the extra wind noise and creaks when the roof is up, compared to the hatchback.
Boot space is also compromised for the folded soft top, which results in a wee 160 litres of boot space, enough for two to three backpacks.
Folding away the soft-top roof takes 13 seconds, at a max speed of 30km/h, via the flick of a switch
Wait, why are we talking about practicality here?
Of course, if the abovementioned kinks bother you, you probably shouldn't even be considering this car.
But if you're someone who embraces (and revels) in the joys of open-topped driving, class-leading driving dynamics and head-turning good looks, the MINI Cooper Convertible would be right up your alley.
The Cooper Convertible may come in a small package but it's a car that's got a lot of love to giveMINI has taken a step forward with features like LED lighting, a better infotainment system and a smoother powertrain with this model, but clearly hasn't forgotten how to have fun, and what fans of the brand want.
Pedal to the metal, the 0-100km/h sprint is done in 8.7 seconds. It's no sports car but there's enough oomph to stay ahead in traffic. And with the top down, which takes 13 seconds, at a maximum speed of 30km/h, you'll rather be enjoying the open-top experience at a leisurely pace.
Compared to rivals like the Audi A3 Cabriolet or the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, the Cooper Convertible also offers a dynamism that's unparalleled in its class.
The only grouse, then, for anyone who's never owned a convertible, would be the extra wind noise and creaks when the roof is up, compared to the hatchback.
Boot space is also compromised for the folded soft top, which results in a wee 160 litres of boot space, enough for two to three backpacks.
Wait, why are we talking about practicality here?
Of course, if the abovementioned kinks bother you, you probably shouldn't even be considering this car.
But if you're someone who embraces (and revels) in the joys of open-topped driving, class-leading driving dynamics and head-turning good looks, the MINI Cooper Convertible would be right up your alley.
