2017 Mini Cooper S Convertible
Let the sunshine in
Good news for entry-level cabrio fans came last year when Mini upgraded their diminutive Convertible to its third-generation design, and with the move it grew in size, comfort, and performance while adopting the new BMW UKL1 architecture. This is the same design that arrived as the Mini Hardtop for 2014, which was renamed 3 Door due to the introduction of the funky 2017 5 Door, and was expanded to include the new six-door Clubman last year; this new Mini Convertible completing the brand-wide transformation. To be clear, the Clubman uses a modified UKL1 platform appropriately dubbed UKL2, which also supports the Countryman subcompact SUV and BMW’s latest X1, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Grand Tourer models, which are front-wheel drive subcompact five- and seven-occupant MPVs not slated for North American consumption, plus a front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series Sedan that will only be sold into China (which is a shame, because with xDrive added it would sell like gangbusters here).
This 2017 Mini Convertible is therefore purely carryover, although Mini has introduced a new top-line John Cooper Works (JCW) version to the range, and while driving such would’ve been very tempting if given the chance, for reasons unknown we were only allotted the more affordable and therefore more popular Cooper S Convertible. Yes I know, poor us having to spend a week in one of the most enjoyable runabouts currently available, but as the saying goes, someone had to do it.
That last sentence is a sizable claim for such a tiny car, but truth be told the new Cooper S Convertible makes even the most ordinary of grocery runs a fun-filled adventure. Mini included its standard six-speed manual to spin up the joy meter further, a nice notchy gearbox that combines well with an ideally weighted clutch for spirited performance off the line and up to highway speeds. It’s actually a tad slower from standstill to 60 mph at 6.8 seconds compared to 6.7, the advent of turbocharged power across the entire Mini line providing greater torque at low revs and therefore a better match to an automatic transmission than the old naturally aspirated engine’s peaky performance. Even the base 134 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is quicker of the line in auto guise at 8.2 seconds compared to 8.3 thanks to 162 lb-ft of twist, but either way the 0.1-second difference is so nominal it’s unnoticeable from the seat of the pants.
The Cooper S’ twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder makes a massive difference over the base powerplant, however, its output up 55 horsepower to 189 and torque increased by 45 lb-ft to 207. That’s an entirely different league, the S pulling from standstill with real verve and especially fun when powering out of a tight curve, something the Cooper S Convertible does with the feel of a sports car. Even with its added length, width and girth it’s still small and light compared to any other available four-seat drop-top, save Fiat’s 500C that’s not a full convertible. Still, drive the two back-to-back in anger and you’ll know which will carve you through a curving canyon two-laner quicker or up and back down a serpentine mountain road faster, the Cooper S Convertible every time.
It’s not all about speed, of course, the larger Mini also the more comfortable car, its transmission smoother, especially if opting for the six-speed auto, and its ride firm yet compliant enough for such a small and sporting car. The Cooper S Convertible utilizes a more rigid chassis setup than the base model, and my tester’s larger 17-inch Propeller Spoke two-tone alloys on lower profile 205/45 Hankook Optimo all-seasons were less forgiving too (the base Cooper S rides on 16s), but once again it’s never harsh, while the structurally sound body shell didn’t creak and groan like some other soft top cars. Likewise, it’s coupe-like quiet with the insulated powered roof in place.
Comfort in mind, my Cooper S Convertible’s cabin was over-the-top luxurious thanks to an inherently good design incorporating premium-like soft touch plastics across the dash top, the door uppers, and other key areas, loads of bright shiny metals to add rich sparkle, optional glossy carbon-look instrument panel inlays, a unique Mini Yours sport leather steering wheel, piano black lacquered accents on the doors, and extra chrome inner and outer trim. My tester’s richest interior upgrade was without doubt its gorgeous Chesterfield Malt Brown diamond-quilted leather upholstery, a $1,750 option that gave it a bit of Rolls-Royce-like flair, while a $1,750 Technology Package increased the infotainment display to 8.8 inches while adding navigation with crystal clear mapping, a more comprehensive Mini Connected XL interface (that even tells you how long you’ve been driving with the top down, plus the weather app warns if rain is on the way), a particularly good rearview camera when backing up, park distance control, and real-time traffic info.
If Mini had stopped there it would’ve been a very upscale subcompact drop-top, but yet more options were added which steadily moved the little two-door into premium territory in both features and price, such as the aforementioned a Sport suspension upgrade with Dynamic Damper Control, auto on/off LED headlamps with adaptive cornering, LED fog lights, rear fog lamps, a black and white Union Jack on the rooftop, proximity-sensing Comfort Access to the already standard toggle-operated bright red ignition switch (the coolest of its kind anywhere), a head-up display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, heatable front seats, rear parking sensors, and a wind deflector, my Cooper S Convertible loaner jumping up from its very reasonable $29,600 base price to a more BMW-like $38k and change.
You can push that price up past $45k with a few more features, like the $4,750 Fully Loaded package and $400 JCW Interior package, or larger 18-inch wheels, a $1,250 automatic transmission or a $1,500 sport version with paddles, a Harman/Kardon audio upgrade, an alarm, a universal garage door opener, a storage package, and many more factory options as well as myriads of dealer-added accessories to personalize your ride. While this might at first seem like a lot to pay for a front-wheel drive subcompact, even a topless one, it’s actually quite reasonable when put next to BMW’s own 2 Series Convertible that starts at $38,950 and moves steadily upward from there, Audi’s A3 Cabriolet that can’t be had for less than $37,600, Buick’s Cascada that begins at $33,065, and other premium-level subcompact convertibles, a class the Mini Convertible definitely qualifies for. The base Cooper Convertible starts at $25,950 plus freight and fees.
Along with its luxury and performance attributes, all Mini Convertibles provide plenty of front seat roominess if not much rear quarter comfort. The front perches are supportive in all the right ways, very adjustable, albeit via manual actuation, and the car’s tall profile means even extremely tall folks fit inside quite easily with the top up as well as down, but those in the back will find their legroom and foot space marginalized while the rear seatbacks are more upright than most will like. This is a problem with all subcompact convertibles, but small adults and most kids won’t have a problem sitting in back as long as those up front aren’t too tall.
Cargo space is also at a premium, the tiny 7.6 cubic-foot trunk good for a laptop bag or two, some gym gear thrown into a knapsack, plus some groceries purchased on the way home from work, but little more. If the sun peeks through the clouds on the way home and you want to drop the top, keep in mind that a space divider will need to be lowered reducing your available cargo space to a scant 5.6 cubic feet. Good news is a 50/50-split rear seatback that allows longer items to be stuffed through, such as snowboards, skis, poles, and more.
The Cooper Convertible’s fuel economy certainly won’t cramp your active lifestyle, the base car achieving an EPA estimate of 28 mpg city, 37 highway and 32 combined with the manual and 27, 36 and 30 with the auto, while my Cooper S Convertible tester was rated at 23 in the city, 32 on the highway and 26 combined with the as-tested manual and 25, 33 and 28 with the automatic.
Of note, the John Cooper Works model mentioned earlier isn’t much thirstier at 22 city, 31 highway and 25 combined with the manual and 24, 32 and 27 with the auto, which makes its significant performance advantage of 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque less about choosing the greener option than its $35,600 starting price, but fans of this hottest Mini trim won’t flinch at paying the price to upgrade as its 6.3-second sprint time, all-round better driving dynamics, and many other standard features will make the move upmarket totally worth it.
Just the same, Mini sales, which hit a high of 66,502 units in 2013, hit their lowest level in a half-decade last year with only 52,030 deliveries. Higher fuel prices in critical markets may drive that downward trajectory upward this year, although an early indicator of 10,251 unit sales for Q1 of 2017 doesn’t bode well for a banner year. Still, simplified production of one multi-brand platform architecture, fewer body styles in the lineup with the demise of the Paceman, Coupe and Roadster, and other streamlining processes should help maximize profits despite ebbing sales.
A profitable brand is good for shareholders as well as fans, the former who earn interest and the latter who more often than not pay it, although to Mini’s credit their owners benefit from more smiles per mile than the majority of consumers. Such is the appeal of Mini and especially this Cooper S Convertible, which combines thrill-a-second performance, surprising luxury, top-tier tech, and a high quality power-retractable fabric roof to let the sunshine in.
*Story credits: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press Photo credits: Karen Tuggay, American Auto Press Copyright: American Auto Press *
