The Mini Convertible is coffee if the normal Mini Cooper Hardtop is a double espresso. It’s more sensory yet still just as caffeinated and unfiltered. Although the droptop Mini is heavier and slower than the Hardtop due to its strengthened frame and top equipment, it seems even quicker and more responsive when the top is down, and the wind blows. However, this outdoor experience does have a cost. The Convertible price is $5,200 more than the standard Hardtop and $6,000 more than the previous model year.
However, because Mini has reduced its formerly extensive array of optional options, this is not as shocking as you may expect. This year, supply chains significantly disrupted the car industry. As a result, in the middle of 2022, Mini discontinued the basic Classic trim and (at least initially) made the mid-level Signature trim standard. Although the cost is higher, the vehicle now has features like Apple CarPlay and other customization options for which most consumers would have paid extra. The top-tier Iconic trim also became less expensive on the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertibles.
Despite having few direct competitors, the Mini Convertible is not “affordable.” However, with the old 500 and Volkswagen Beetle convertibles long gone, the Mini is the only front-wheel drive, hatchback-based Convertible available. Next year’s revised Fiat 500e Convertible could alter the equation. Choose a conventional sports vehicle like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or the far more expensive BMW Z4 to enjoy open-air driving, or go more significant with the Audi A5, BMW 430i, Chevy Camaro, or Ford Mustang. None of them are nearly as quirky as the Mini.
The Convertible sees little modifications for 2023 apart from the supply chain-related adjustments and two special editions (the Green-hued Resolute and the Blue or White Seaside). Last summer, Mini teased a convertible version of the electric SE, but the next generation of Minis won’t be electric until 2024. The vehicle won’t have Android Auto until then since it can’t be integrated into its outdated (new in 2014) platform and specific active safety measures. This year, supply chain problems have also affected the availability of manual transmissions, which might be a significant turnoff for some consumers.
The Mini Convertible has a dynamic personality, whether automatic or manual. With three levels of power ranging from the three-cylinder basic model to the 228 horsepower JCW with its burbling exhaust (and even more challenging ride), the vehicle is a joy to drive despite its stiff ride. Even the basic model is entertaining and hungry for lengthy late-afternoon drives on mountain back roads. It is not, however, practical. The Convertible’s backseat, which is absurdly small and often utilized by owners to supplement the 6.4 cubic-foot trunk, is smaller than the Hardtop’s.
Contrary to popular belief, there are bigger convertibles (we’re looking at you, Camaro) with even less safety technology and a smaller back seat. However, some sportier and quicker droptops are more practical, with costs ranging from $34,795 to over $50,000 (destination included, depending on choices). But they have distinct driving styles and often lack the luxury feel or the variety of customization options this Mini offers. Even though it can only be served in a demitasse, it is a special recipe, and Mini lovers seem to appreciate it that way.
What’s New?
- The prior mid-grade Signature trim is now standard as supply chain issues forced Mini to discontinue the earlier Classic base trim; nevertheless, this also results in a starting price rise of $6,045 from 2022.
- The Resolute special edition of Mini was unveiled at the beginning of the 2023 model year. It has rare Rebel Green paint, gold highlights, and unique blackout wheels.
- The Seaside edition, with unique Caribbean Aqua or Nanuq White paint, stripes, and logo commemorating the 30th anniversary of the manufacture, joined the Resolute in late December 2022. Convertible Minivans
- Now included as standard equipment on John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertibles are parking assistance and a head-up display.
Performance: MINI Convertible
The Mini Hardtop shares three turbocharged engines with the convertible, each with a different personality. All engines exclusively drive the front wheels, much like the original Minis—a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet torque powers the attractive basic model.
Even though all three versions of the Convertible weigh more than their hardtop counterparts, with the top down, the immediateness of your surroundings and the rush of the wind make it feel faster than the base-model Hardtop. The triple isn’t particularly powerful and reaches 60 mph in about 8 seconds.
The Cooper S adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 189 horsepower, 206 lb-ft of torque, and much better overall speed. In 6.6 seconds, the Cooper S convertible can reach 60 mph. Although it falls well short of the Miata and many other sporty hatchbacks, Minis have never been about straight-line speed. The snappy handling and communicative steering of the Hardtop are shared by Cooper and Cooper S as well. They are exciting and entertaining, but the price is a rough ride made worse by the car’s short wheelbase.
Although officially standard on Cooper and Cooper S models, supply chain issues have limited the availability of the six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is filling in till then.
The top-of-the-line JCW has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine designed to produce 228 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The JCW is the only variant that has an eight-speed automatic transmission exclusively. Hooliganism is encouraged by the JCW’s intoxicating power, burbling exhaust, and high cornering limits, but the ride is unpleasant on surfaces other than smooth asphalt. The Cooper S is quicker in a straight line than the JCW, with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. However, you can push it harder on winding roads.
Fuel efficiency: MINI Convertible
Though small size may hinder practicality, it’s always suitable for fuel efficiency. Due in part to the fact that its rivals now only offer minor hybrid assistance systems, the Mini Convertible has the best fuel economy of any droptop on the market. The Cooper S achieves 30 mpg combined (27 city, 36 highway), the Cooper Convertible’s three-cylinder engine achieves 32 mpg combined (29 city, 38 motorway), and even the JCW achieves 27 mpg combined (24 city, 33 highway). However, the Cooper and Cooper S often lose 2 to 3 mpg when using the manual.
Even while automatic Mazdas earn one more mpg in each category, they are still almost on par with the 29 mpg combined (26 city, 34 highway) of the manual Miata.
The Mini Convertible ranks well among droptops in terms of fuel efficiency since there aren’t any hybrid convertibles of similar price, and most of the alternatives are substantially more significant than the Miata. Three-cylinder Mini Convertibles of the automatic base model get 29 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the interstate, and 32 mpg overall; manual variants get 1 to 2 mpg less in each category. The Cooper S Manual gets slightly higher economy than the EcoBoost Mustang, BMW 430i Convertible, and Z4 sDrive30i, but less than the automatic.
Safety and driver support technology:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not evaluated the 2023 Mini Convertible, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not assigned it any ratings. The Convertible loses some points in our rating but also suffers from the absence of active safety features. This also applies to several rivals.
There isn’t much more available, although lane departure alerts, forward collision warnings, and automated emergency braking became standard last year. Although adaptive cruise control is a standalone option, you can’t presently set up one this way due to supply chain issues that have hampered availability. While several rivals, such as the Miata, Mustang, and BMW 4 Series, provide more systems, others, like the Camaro convertible, offer even less.
Comfort and Space
Even tall passengers feel at home in the front seats of the Mini Convertible. Only the far more expensive BMW Z4 comes close in interior comfort among classic two-seaters or anything this compact. There is much greater head and legroom than in the Miata. Any other convertible with a rear seat requires an upgrade to a Camaro, a Mustang, or a more costly BMW 430i, all of which are substantially more oversized vehicles with different driving characteristics and styling from the Mini.
But there are certain instances where size does matter. Regarding backseat space, the 430i has a significant edge. However, the Mustang isn’t far behind. The Convertible’s rear seat doesn’t do well even when contrasted with the Mini Hardtop’s cramped interior (32.3 inches of legroom and challenging entry and exit). The legroom is limited to 30.9 inches, making it appropriate for children exclusively. Adults of any size won’t want to stay there for very long.
Infotainment: MINI Convertible
Every Mini Convertible has a unique oval-shaped 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster that slides up and down with the steering column and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen. The gauges and displays look fantastic, much as in earlier Minis, and the higher trims and excellent ambient lighting surround the infotainment inputs, changing colours according to your preferences. The well-known and well-liked toggle switches are a mainstay of the Mini experience and are clearly labelled and simple to operate.
A modified, albeit not the most recent, version of BMW’s iDrive powers the infotainment system in Mini vehicles. Even while it’s not very challenging to operate once you get the hang of it, there is a little learning curve, and several menus, displays, and settings call for far too many taps on the screen or turns of the selection rotary on the console. Since BMW has virtually deleted the previous base model and made the Signature trim standard, Apple CarPlay is now available; nevertheless, Navigation is still an option ($1,000 on lesser models), and Android Auto is completely missing.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Practicality and cargo room are the Mini Convertible’s Achilles’ heel, so be prepared to pack lightly or utilize the rear seat for your gear. We score the Convertible somewhat higher than the Hardtop regarding passenger capacity since it compares well with comparable convertibles in that category. Still, the opposite is true for the cargo area. The 6.4 cubic feet of space in this car’s small trunk isn’t enough for a legitimate Costco run.
Even while the much bigger Camaro convertible only has 7.3 cubic feet, which is still better than a 4.59 cubic foot Miata, the Mini Convertible has one of the tiniest trunks of any contemporary production vehicle. The cargo holds of the Mustang and 430i are substantially more significant, and the Z4 is much more helpful. You will once again be putting whatever you can’t store on your person or in the glove box into the rear seat since Mini’s small-item storage is ordinary.
Design: MINI Convertible
Although Mini’s redesign from last year gave it a bluff-looking new appearance, it remains as bouncy and adorable as it was when the contemporary models were first released 20 years ago. The automobile proudly shows its playful spirit with its vibrant colours and many customization possibilities, including the two attractive special editions launched for 2023. There aren’t any other little vintage droptop vehicles with a comparable design, at least not for sale in the United States, since different models like the Fiat 500 and VW New Beetle are long gone.
Numerous mini design cues are within the cabin, including the round centre screen, rounded door handles, and stylish toggle switches. Even the convertible top carries these features with its optional Union Jack embroidery. It sticks out from the swarm of Mustangs and Camaros built for rental cars, and it has more customization options than the Miata.
Is the 2023 Mini Convertible Worth it?
It’s challenging to consider Mini’s convertibles “affordable” because they cost $4,850 to $5,200 more than the comparable Hardtop. Since the 2023 models were shown, the company has also upped its pricing many times, and the entry-level three-cylinder vehicle now starts at $34,795 (plus a $995 destination charge).
That is a significant increase over the $28,750 beginning price of the previous year, which was nearly equivalent to the starting price of a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Navigation is still a $1,000 standalone extra, but the once-optional Signature trim package is now standard equipment, so there is no further payment. Before adding any extras, the basic model, three-cylinder Mini droptop now costs the same ($34,115) as the well-equipped Miata Grand Touring.
With the top down, the standard model isn’t awful, but most customers will choose the more powerful Cooper S. For such a model, you should budget $38,395 as a starting price this year.
The good news is that using Mini’s many customization options doesn’t cost as much as it formerly did. In addition, most choices are available via the $3,425 Iconic trim rather than as standalone upgrades. The head-up display, premium audio, wireless charging, and Navigation are all included in the Iconic grade. It costs $6,900 less than it did in 2018, but overall, it still comes to more than $42,000 out the door, and the basic model Cooper isn’t available in the Iconic grade.
Unfortunately, the new JCW is even more pricey, beginning at $44,645 (up over $5,000 from 2022), even though the range of the available options is being condensed and made less expensive. The JCW’s Iconic trim, which initially cost $3,750 and did not have Navigation, now does. The Cooper S or JCW may be covered in expensive leather for $1,750 with the Signature Upholstery option, although the JCW would cost over $50,000 to purchase. Even yet, it’s still a lot less than specialized convertible sportsters like the BMW Z4.
How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Mini Convertible?
The Mini Convertible often costs less to insure than its rivals, although many are larger and more conventional performance vehicles. For a JCW, the most costly model to insure, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of $2,095. However, this averages for all 50 states. Buyers of the Cooper S may expect to pay roughly $200 less. This contrasts with $2,444 for the Chevrolet Camaro, $3,143 for the 430i from BMW, $2,655 for the Z4 SDrive 30i from BMW, and $2,041 for the RF Grand Touring from Mazda.
Verdict
Perhaps the most fun member of the brand’s line of distinctive vehicles is the 2023 Mini Convertible. Removing the top doesn’t much affect this car’s sharp handling, and driving in the open air gives it the impression of moving more quickly than it is. The Convertible features a small rear seat and trunk as a trade-off for its impracticality. Beyond new special editions, there are no modifications for 2023; however, due to supply chain concerns, Mini has included previously optional equipment at a significant price increase. This convertible is unique in the US market; however, due to Mini’s outdated architecture, certain crucial tech features are missing.
