Mini Cooper Convertible: review

The 2016 Mini cabrio loses its top with far greater grace than its predecessor. We get behind the wheel

They say time’s a great healer – and when it comes to automotive development, it’s pretty handy for ironing out technical issues as well. That’s why the latest Mini Convertible is a far more accomplished machine than its predecessor, having addressed the compromised dynamics and reduction in rigidity that the previous-generation model suffered as a result of losing its roof.

Mini Cooper Convertible

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Price: £18,475

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 162lb ft

0-62mph: 8.8 seconds

Top speed: 129mph

Fuel economy: 57.6mpg

CO2: 114g/km

Despite being 90kg heavier than its tin-top equivalent, the new Cooper rides over bumps with far more grace than it did before. Only a slight shimmy can be detected over the worse surfaces, while the body is well controlled in corners and the steering is excellent.

Under the bonnet, the 1.5-litre turbo is smooth and refined, offering plenty of shove in all driving conditions. The 134bhp, 162lb ft four-cylinder is well matched to our test car’s six-speed manual transmission, pulling strongly through all ratios.

Inside, there’s a classy, well built cabin with plenty of style. It’s roomy in the front, far less so in the back – but this is a Mini after all, so what did you expect? The boot is larger than in its predecessor as well. The soft-top drops in 18 seconds at the touch of a button, and even with it down the interior is surprisingly bluster-free. An optional wind cheater costs £235. With the top in place, the cabrio’s cabin is almost as well insulated from drafts and noise as the hard-top’s.

Starting from £18,475, the new Mini Convertible is well priced, which bodes well for sales success as summer approaches. As ‘It’ cars go, Mini’s produced a winner.