Sometimes, all it takes is a turn of the key to leave the everyday behind. When we took the new MINI Cooper Convertible for a test drive in Barcelona, it quickly became clear: this is not just about mobility, but about experiences that are measured not in miles, but in emotions.
But it’s not just the thrill of the drive that sets this car apart. This MINI Convertible combines heritage British design with a modern twist, full of unique features. In other words, you don’t have to be a MINI fan to get excited about it, but if you are, you’ll recognise the iconic design cues that have made it a legend.
Classic round headlights, compact proportions and that unmistakable go-kart feeling meet a bold new chapter: a dynamic silhouette, cutting-edge digital features, personalised trims and body finishes, and a more sustainable approach. It’s everything you love about a MINI, just evolved. Sleeker, smarter, and maybe even more fun to drive. Top down, music on, shades on. You get the idea.
MINI Cooper Convertible
With that picture in mind, let’s start at the top. True to MINI’s “always open” philosophy, the new MINI lets you drop the roof in just 18 seconds, even at speeds of up to 30 km/h, at the simple touch of a button. For those in-between days when the sun is shining but there’s a chill in the air, the sunroof mode strikes the perfect balance between open-air freedom and coverage. To maximise comfort, the wind deflector cuts turbulence, while the roof-down design lowers the window bars and side windows for an unobstructed, panoramic view of your surroundings. It truly is an open-air drive, perfected.
Inside, it’s a minimalist-meets-tech haven, with little twists of British charm. Front and center stage is the strikingly thin, flat OLED display, crafted to MINI’s exacting standards in a bold new 240mm circular design, which is super high-contrast making it visible even with the roof down and the sun joining for the ride. But this car isn’t just about looks.
The playful spirit of MINI comes to life with the Smart Personal Assistant, “Hey, MINI”, ready to map your journey, tweak your settings and keep things running like clockwork. And then there’s the innovative toggle switch bar that has all your driver functions in one place, a simplified cockpit of all essential controls into one sleek, intuitive panel. It’s everything you need, right where you want it; designed for a modern, digital-first drive.
Getting comfortable, the soft furnishings are another novelty to note. You have the choice of grey or black seats in a combination of leatherette and textile silhouette in blue (the JCW sport seats are available in beige and Nightshade Blue leatherette with contrast stitching) while dashboard and door panels feature in a tactile and two-tone knitted material made from recycled polyester. Further to personalization, there are seven MINI Experience Modes to change up the interior ambience where the OLED display, dashboard lighting and door panels reflect your mood.
The new MINI Cooper Convertible keeps the brand’s signature fun-to-drive spirit alive, now with three petrol engine options, all powered by a 2.0L four cylinder engine. The entry level Cooper C delivers 163 hp, while the Cooper S ups the thrill to 204 hp. For those who crave peak performance, the John Cooper Works model takes power and handling to the next level.
Refinements to the chassis and suspension enhance MINI’s go-kart-like handling, while 620mm wheels improve stability and ride comfort. Plus, with precise steering and improved aerodynamics, every turn feels sharper, every drive more exhilarating. And for those top-down days, the Always Open Timer tracks exactly how much time you’ve spent with the roof down, because some things are worth bragging about.
If you’re looking for a car that ‘gets you’, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant offers just that. Going beyond voice control, your new digi co-pilot gets to know your repeated driving habits, like automatically opening your window in the car park at the right time. (Oh, and it’s name is Spike.) If you're a commuter and time is of the essence, you’ll enjoy the elevated navigation system with real-time traffic alerts and detailed 3D maps.
And safety? MINI makes it smart. With the optional Driving Assistant Plus, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist have your back on the road. Parking? A breeze. 360-degree cameras and ultra-sonic sensors handle the hard part, while Remote 3D View lets you check in on your MINI from anywhere—because we know you like to keep an eye on your ride.
The verdict? The latest MINI Cooper Convertible is the full package when it comes to a sense of freedom, an edge of individuality and British heritage with a playful charm. Going beyond the perfect zip-around car, it’s your road trip partner, your digital-know it all friend, your fun and sporty side-kick, all rolled into one compact package. Whether you’re zipping through city streets or cruising down the coast, it’s all about enjoying the journey, roof down, fun up.
Visit the official MINI website for more information.
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Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Editorial Team
