Mini Convertible (2009 - 2015)
Always open
This is it: the new MINI Convertible. And it looks just like the old drop-top. That isn't because of a lack of imagination, but simply because the car is based on a style icon from the past and that doesn't change. But the new MINI Cabrio is refined and improved in many ways.
The previous MINI Convertible was recognisable by large rollover safety bars behind the seats. These have been replaced by bars that only pop up when the electronics detect a crash. As a general rule car makers prefer fixed roll bars because they leave room for luggage and/or the back seat can be folded.
Thanks to an ingenious construction MINI is the first to combine the best of both: the roll bars are out of sight and still there is enough space for luggage and the back seat can be folded.

Also very smart is the optional bicycle rack. This is not mounted on a trailer hitch (that affects the looks of the car), but uses the openings in the bumpers for towing the car. Also the bicycle rack is placed on hinges, so that the boot can still be opened.
Convertible
Regretably the roof is of no more than average quality. At high speeds wind can be heard between the cloth roof and the windows. Also the Convertible is significantly less silent than the fixed head MINI. On top of that the rear window is impractically small (and seems to attract dirt!) so that visibility is poor.

The slogan for the new Convertible is "Always open", so let's open the top! The hood is opened and closed fully automatically. It opens in two stages: first only the part above the seats opens to create a "sun roof". When the button is held longer, the whole roof folds away.
From that moment on the "Always open"-timer starts measuring how long the roof was down. Those who say such a gadget doesn't serve any purpose don't understand the aim of this car. The MINI is a fun car and a fun-counter belongs in this car just like a rev-counter does.
Because the roll bars do no longer obstruct vision, the new MINI Convertible gives a greater feeling of freedom than ever before. If feels like the fun doubles as soon as the roof is gone!
The occupants don't cowardly look at the winter landscape from behind glass, but fully experience it! Still it isn't cold in the cabin at all. Because the windscreen stands up straight, the driver and co-driver are protected from the wind very well. Only on the back seat a true polar wind blows, but because of the minimal legroom in the back no one will sit there anyway.
Handling
The MINI is chosen for the sheer driving pleasure and even in the snow the MINI behaves exceptionally well. This new generation is a bit larger than it predecessor and therefore grip and stability is better than before, while the lively character is still unprecedented.
The electronic safety systems allow for a little spin, so that the driver can happily slide trough the snow while still being protected. Even the steering wheel feels better than in other car, which also contributes to the sublime feeling the MINI gives.
As usually with MINI the fastest versions are being manufactured first when introducing a new model. Therefore for this test drive the 175 HP / 177 lb-ft strong "Cooper S" was driven. Even in slippery conditions the front wheels have no problem converting the engine power to the ground.
No matter what the rev counter indicates, the Cooper S always has plenty of power available. It is noticeable that the convertible is a lot heavier than the every day hatchback. Therefore the Cabrio is a little less aggressive and eager, but still much quicker than most competitors. Between shifting gears a deep "boom" sounds from the dual exhausts to add to the sensation.

Environmentally friendly
The new MINI is kinder to the environment than ever before thanks to "Efficient Dynamics". All parts that normally work mechanically (waterpump, power steering) are now electrical. When braking or free wheeling the energy that would normally go to waste, is now converted into electricity. That "free" electricity is later used to power the electrical systems.

Next to this the MINI is fitted with a shift indicator that suggests the most economical moment to select the next gear. When the advice is followed strictly, the counter hardly ever reads more than 1,500 revolutions per minute and a deep, resonating sound can be heared from the exhaust. At first that is really exciting, but when driving slowly one doesn't want more sensation.
Snowbound
At the end of a long day of snow and fun, the mechanics of the roof are frozen shut. With a row of blinking warning lights and unstopable warning sounds the test car pulls into the garage of a hotel. Only hours later the roof has been defrosted so that the car can be parked safely.
It hardly affects the experience. A normal MINI is fun, but the MINI Convertible is fun to the second power! Therefore the next day the roof is opened again!

Conclusion
It seems crazy to introduce a new convertible to the world press in the heart of winter sports land. But after driving trough the snow for a couple of days it all makes perfect sense. The normal MINI already proofed itself being an excellent car with sublime handling. Now the open air version also proves its capabilities when the going gets slippery.
The MINI is bought as a fun car and the convertible doubles that fun. It makes sense to enjoy this car by opening the top whenever possible. The MINI Convertible is very comfortable so even in freezing conditions the car can be enjoyed fully. In short: the new MINI Convertible is always open for fun!
- Positive image
- Excellent handling
- Quick yet fuel efficient
- Risk of choosing reverse when selecting first gear
- '60s ergonomics is fun, but requires getting used to
- Folded, opened roof obstructs sight in rear view mirror