MINI Cooper 2.0 C Exclusive 2dr Auto

Ten Second Review

It's pretty hard to take exception to MINI's fourth generation Convertible. Smarter and more tech-savvy than before, it's as fun and youthful as ever - as well as now being fully British-built. And launched with a range of revvy combustion power plants as a kind of car that every MINI should be.

Background

We think of the MINI Convertible as something of a British institution. Perhaps even more so with this F67 fourth generation version because, unlike its Dutch-built F57 predecessor, it's put together in Oxford. In fact though, the concept of open-topped MINI motoring is primarily an invention of BMW, rather than the British motor industry. Yes, there were drop-top variants of the original Alec Issigonis design, but these were largely the work of specialist coachbuilders. Only in the final years of the early version did Rover commission a short production run of Mini Convertibles and even then, only 300 were sold. BMW had no such reticence when it came to the idea of a cabrio model and shortly after the new generation MINI model's launch at the turn of the century, the first proper Convertible version joined the range in 2004. This car, known as the R52 series model in MINI circles, proved hugely successful, quickly accounting for over 20% of all MINI sales, with over 164,000 examples sold over a production run that lasted until 2009. The R57 series MK2 design that replaced it was equally well received, as was the F57 MK3 model of 2015. That even spawned a limited-run all-electric version (in 2023), but since the Oxford plant is yet to set up for making EVs going forward, we'll have to wait a little for the inevitable future F67 drop-top EV variant. It won't be many years though, before we get all the MINI EVs we can take. This fourth-generation combustion MINI Convertible will, in contrast, be possibly be one of the very last fossil-fuelled MINI models the brand brings us. Let's take a closer look at it.

Driving Experience

There's a slight performance deficit over the hatch due to the extra 40kg added by the fabric roof and its electrically-folding mechanism. That roof is much as before and takes 18 seconds to rise and 15 seconds to close at speeds of up to 19mph. While opening, the window bars and side windows are lowered to provide a completely unobstructed view of the surroundings. As previously, you can partially drop the top (by 40cms) to mimic a sunroof. And there's a wind deflector to reduce buffeting. There's no EV version (yet) and the engines, which of course are carried over from the Cooper Hatch, are also broadly carried over from the previous generation model. What has changed is that you can no longer get a manual gearbox: all models now have to have dual clutch auto transmission. The base Cooper Convertible C has a BMW-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 163hp and 250Nm of torque, making 62mph in 8.2s en route to 137mph. The alternative Cooper Convertible S is rated at 204hp and 300Nm and makes 62mph in 6.9s en route to 147mph. If you want to go faster, ask your dealer about the top Convertible John Cooper Works variant, which offers more power (231hp) from the same 2.0-litre engine, plus enjoys bigger brakes and revised suspension. It makes 62mph in just 6.4s. Across the range, to disguise the commonality beneath the bonnet, the brand has introduced seven so-called 'MINI Experience' modes - 'Core', 'Green', 'Go-kart', 'Personal', 'Vibrant', 'Timeless' and 'Balance'. As the names suggest, these do a lot more than just affect steering feel and throttle response, altering cabin colours and graphics.

Design and Build

You might at first think this merely a facelift of the third generation F57 model because from the outside, it doesn't look that much different. The basic body shape's the same and (unlike the fixed top) even the rounded rear lamps are carried forward from the old car, though their dot matrix light signature is different. The fabric roof mechanism hasn't changed either. Look closely though, and you'll see that the grille and headlights of this F67 design are from the new MINI Hatch generation. That change of generation is a lot easier to pick up inside the now more minimalist cabin. In place of the old tall dashboard and strange 'square-in-a-circle' central infotainment screen, it's all changed. As with every MINI, the cabin's centrepiece remains a familiar large circular central display - here 9.5-inches in size. Now though, it's the only one; there's nothing to view through the re-designed steering wheel except the new textile-trimmed dashboard panel - though a head-up display can be specified. The minimalist fascia is largely shorn of buttons and the gear selector has been relocated to a toggle beneath the central screen (rather nauseously now known as the 'MINI Interaction Unit'). You sit low, which adds to the promised 'sporty' feel. And the previous round vents are replaced by slimmer ones. The seats lack the previous model's adjustable thigh bolster but remain decently supportive. As usual in a MINI Convertible, back seat space is tight but you get a standard wind deflector. Boot space, at 215-litres, is actually 5-litres better than the Cooper Hatch, but it shrinks to just 160-litres with the roof down, so you'll have to pack carefully.

Market and Model

Prices from launch for this combustion Cooper Convertible started at £26,200 for the entry-level Cooper Convertible C, while Cooper Convertible S cost £30,600. Either way, there's a choice of three trims: 'Classic', 'Exclusive' and 'Sport', with each trim offering a choice of interior and exterior options. 'Classic'-spec features a back-trimmed front grille with 16-inch '4 Square Spoke' alloy wheels (on Cooper C) or 17-inch 'U-Spoke Dark Grey' alloy wheels (on Cooper S). Plus a 'Melting Silver' exterior body colour and 'Black/Blue Vescin' cloth combination seats with a dashboard knit finish.Mid-range 'Exclusive' trim offers a 'Vibrant Silver' front grille and MINI logos on the front and rear of the vehicle, plus 17-inch 'U Spoke Grey' alloy wheels, a 'British Racing Green' exterior body colour, 'Nightshade Blue Vescin' seats and a Light Beige/Grey Dash dashboard knit. Finally, 'Sport' trim offers a performance-inspired appearance with a distinctive front and rear design. A high gloss hexagonal patterned front grille surround, a bespoke front and rear apron and black brake callipers with JCW badging are all offered as standard. Along with 18-inch 'JCW Lap Spoke 2-Tone' alloy Wheels and a 'Chili Red' exterior body colour complete the exterior design. Inside the cabin, 'Sport' trim offers 'JCW Black Vescin/cord' combination seats, a JCW black/red dashboard knit, a partially perforated steering wheel with red accents and a decorative strap in black/red knit and finally shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. The Cooper C manages up to 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 147g/km of CO2. For the Cooper S, it's up to 40.9mpg and up to 148g/km. For the JCW, it's up to 40.9mpg and up to 156g/km. To get anywhere near any of these figures, you'll need to drive most permanently in the 'MINI Experience' 'Green' drive mode. That 'Green' setting modifies throttle and transmission response and tweaks the standard gear shift point display. It also includes a so-called 'coasting' function where at high cruising speeds the drivetrain is temporarily decoupled for extra frugality when you come off the accelerator. What else? Well, residual values are bound to be strong - they always have been. You can expect your MINI Cooper Convertible to have retained just over half its value at the three year / 60,000 mile point. As expected, there's the normal three year unlimited mileage warranty with the usual BMW-style variable service indicators. Beyond that, there's an optional extended 'MINI Insured' warranty available that can cover you for up to 100,000 miles and can also be specified to apply to particular components, like the clutch, the engine or the gearbox.

Summary

So as before, this drop-top MINI looks great, is brilliantly designed, is cheap to run and holds its value. It's even a bit more practical than you might be expecting. OK, you could perhaps still complain about the premium pricing but in truth, there's not really much more than that to put off would-be Convertible purchasers who need quite an involving drive. In summary, we've a MINI Convertible here that's matured a little, but still knows how to have fun. That and new interior, the fancy lighting and the extra media tech will all inspire MINI regulars to trade up. But we're not sure that there's really enough that's completely new here to persuade a new convert to MINI Convertible motoring. But should you disagree, then perhaps, just perhaps, another MINI Adventure beckons.