The words Mini and Convertible have been intertwined since Rover offered an awkwardly styled production version of the Classic Mini, back in 1992. Then, since the rebirth of the brand under BMW, Convertible Minis have been a fixture of the range, with the first being the R52, launched in 2004.
Four generations later, and after a manic year in 2024 where the whole Mini range was relaunched, along with the all-new Aceman EV, we have an all-new Convertible. We say all-new, but this is effectively a heavy refresh of the outgoing F57 Convertible that had been on sale since 2017.
Design and interior
Outside, the only body panels shared with the outgoing car are the doors. The F66 Mini Convertible follows the look of the hatch; changes at the front include the octagonal front grille, new bumper, and headlight design. The side profile is a lot cleaner, with the removal of the scuttles and repeaters at the front, and there are also chunkier, squarer mirrors.
The back looks most like the outgoing car, as the Convertible doesn’t get the new, customisable triangular LED light clusters. It still gets new lights, but we were told it would be too difficult, and costly to change the quarters to accept those lights. Instead, new rectangular LED lights are fitted. Overall, the new Convertible could only be a Mini, but apart from the badging, and the John Cooper Works body kit on Sport and range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) models, there are no distinguishing features between the Cooper and faster Cooper S, which disappoints.
The interior, it seems, is where Mini has spent the most time. Like with the rest of the Mini range, it’s simplified too and heavily influenced by the original Classic Mini. In addition to the all-new, woollen-trimmed dashboard, you won’t miss the circular OLED display, running the Android-based Mini Operating System 9. All the functions of the car can be operated by touch or voice control. In use, there’s a lot going on in a circular screen with a diameter of 240mm. However, it is quite logical to use, and impressively fast in its operation. We’d recommend choosing the head-up display, from Level 1 versions upwards, which brings key information closer to the driver.
Below this, there’s a Classic Mini-influenced toggle bar, which is home to the key driving functions, such as the parking brake, gear selector, and the start/stop key – which you twist, in a novel touch harking back to the original.
Elsewhere, there is plenty of attractive fabric trim, and comfortable supportive front seats. Rear seat and boot space are both best described as tight. Overall, the interior feels special, unlike rivals – and not just a BMW clone, although the commonality is obvious, in terms of items such as the switchgear.
Performance and drive
The Cooper Convertible range starts with the C, which is powered by a 163hp version of the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, Twin Power turbo petrol engine, rather than the 1.5-litre. It is capable of a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.2 seconds, has a top speed of 137 mph and a BIK company car tax liability of 32%. The Cooper S Convertible that we drove at the launch, was again powered by the 2.0-litre Twin Power turbo petrol engine. It produces 204hp and offers 0-62 acceleration in 6.9 seconds. Then there’s the JCW range-topper, with 231hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 6.4 seconds. However, it’s the Cooper S Convertible, with a tax liability of 34%, that is likely to have the most fleet interest. All Convertible models are only available with seven-speed automatic transmission.
The Cooper S Convertible is great fun to drive. There is the expected light, but direct and precise feel to the steering. This works well with the tidy, sharp handling. The Cooper S Convertible we drove was on optional 18in wheels and rode firmly – but generally compliantly. Mini has also worked hard on the Cooper Convertible’s body rigidity, and this the biggest step forward in terms of the drive, with our car feeling less prone to body flex.
Performance-wise, the S always feels fast but is at its most dynamic in ‘Go Kart’, which is one of eight drive modes.
Mini seems to have a niche of its own with the Cooper Convertible, as there are no obvious rivals. Like the Cooper hatch, it’s a stylish and well-resolved drop top, but it’s not a cheap option, and as before, rear seat and boot space are even more compromised.
Positive: Simplified but attractive exterior styling, interior infotainment, stylish and quality interior, fun to drive, added stiffness.
Negative: Firm ride might not suit all, compromised rear and boot space, head-up display standard from Level 1 pack, not a cheap choice, lack of visual differentiation between Cooper and Cooper S models.
Standard equipment: LED headlights and tail lights, gloss black roof rails, 16in alloy wheels, Mini OLED display, DAB radio, Mini Driving Modes, two-zone automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, parking assistant and rear camera, Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
Engines: Petrol: 163hp 2.0, 204hp 2.0, 231hp 2.0
Equipment grades: C, S, John Cooper Works
Transmissions: Seven-speed automatic
| Model | Mini Cooper S Exclusive Convertible |
| P11D | £32,475 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £7,180 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 43.5mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 148g/km (34%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £184/£368 |
| Luggage capacity | 215 litres (roof up) |
| Engine size/power | 1,998cc/204hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
