Mini Cooper S Convertible
Mini gives the Convertible a more modern front end, more technology on the inside and a very bright paint scheme
THE MOMENT YOU LAY YOUR eyes on the Mini Convertible, it makes you smile. Zesty Yellow Metallic. Against the grey clouds Pune is accustomed to these days, it looks like a glow stick on wheels. It also gets as much attention as a glow stick on wheels would. The very first day, I was driving it home from work with the top down of course and a random biker yells “woohoo”. I did him one better with a “yeehaw”. Over the next few days, I interacted with more strangers in the Mini than I’ve had the pleasure of finding on Tinder. Whether that’s down to how cool the Mini looks or how uncool I do, is for you to decide.
I think it is the former though, because the Mini Convertible looks brilliant. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t all-new like the press release would have you thinking but there are some more than subtle changes. There’s a new grille up front which droops down to the bottom of the bumper, almost resembling a french beard. The front bumper is also sharper with slightly more pronounced air vents and slits on either side to channel air flow. There’s also a slightly refreshed bumper at the rear, now featuring an integrated fog light. Then there are the big round LED headlamps, the Union Jack details on the taillights and (optionally) on the roof. Like with the outgoing Convertible, the roof doesn’t tuck away into the boot, it sort of folds and sits on top of it. The roof operation is quick though and all it takes is for you to push one button and 18 seconds later, infinite headroom. It can be done on the move too, provided you are under 30kmph. But let’s get back to what’s new and for that, we must hop inside.
Straight off the bat, I should tell you that not too much has changed in here. It’s the same quirky layout we’ve seen with other Minis (and the S-Presso) — big round binnacle front and centre, within which sits the new 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. And if you’re the kind who prefers buttons over touchscreens, there is still a rotary knob between the seats with shortcut buttons
to control the system. The system, though responsive to your inputs, is based on an earlier generation iDrive unit and it is a bit fiddly to work with. Too many menus, followed by too many sub menus. There’s also an optional fiveinch digital instrument cluster that is mounted onto the steering column and looks quite cool. It doesn’t have the functionality of a Virtual Cockpit but it shows the essentials. There’s also a wireless charging pad in the armrest, wireless Apple CarPlay and a lovely Harman Kardon sound system, three vitals which go a long way in making this rather small cabin a nice place to be — though all three require you to throw in extra cash. Other optional equipment includes hands-free parking, a head-up display, adaptive suspension and a Steptronic Sport gearbox.
What is standard are new upholstery options. Our test car is specced with the Black/Pearl Light fabric which works well with the Zesty
There is some understeer if you really push hard, but even so it is predictable
Yellow Metallic. However, I’d suggest going for the (no-cost) leatherette option for more comfort. There are leather trims available too but they cost upward of `1.3 lakh and are probably not the smartest choice in a drop top.
The overall quality in the cabin is good. Most of the materials you touch are high quality, especially the row of toggle switches on the lower-half of the dashboard where the start/ stop button sits proudly. It’s bathed in red light which is more noticeable in the dark and the light throbs. Urging you to get it going.
Depress the brake pedal. Hold down the big red button. And the 2-litre four-cylinder barks into life with a raspy note. I get a whiff that Mini programmed it to rev just a little bit more than required on startup, before it settles into a throaty burble. It sounds even better on the move actually. Squeeze the throttle, let the boost come on, let off the throttle and stu-tutu-tu. It’s not all-sizzle-no-steak either. With 189bhp and 280Nm on tap, the Mini Convertible has the appetite to sprint to 100kmph in
7.1 seconds if you spec the aforementioned Steptronic Sport transmission. And thanks to the wind-in-your-hair and the orchestra from the engine, it actually feels faster than it is. The shifts are snappy and there are also paddle shifters and if you upshift in the meat of the power band, there’s a lovely fart from the exhaust and it even pops on the overrun.
In terms of handling, it is typically Mini. The change of direction is quick and without hesitation. Direct. There’s no “you sure about that?” as you swing the chunky steering wheel – it darts right in. There is some understeer if you really push hard, but even so it is predictable and the mechanical handbrake allows you to slide it like a proper hot hatch. The suspension is on the firmer side, so the Mini feels very taut. Even through the twistiest of twisties. There’s plenty of feedback being relayed to your bum and to your fingers though the downside is a busy ride over bad patches. But it’s not uncomfortable. And though the Mini is low, it had no trouble clearing speed breakers. That said, there are some downsides to using the Mini as a daily driver.
First and foremost is the lack of space. Yeah, I get that this is supposed to be a ‘Mini’, but there are barely any useable cubby holes in the cabin and very few places to store knick knacks. The rear seats are best reserved for children and the boot will require you to pack cautiously. 215 litres with the roof up, 160 with the roof down. So if practicality is what you’re after, look elsewhere. But if you want a car that eggs you to drive, a car that has a sense of occasion, a car that makes you smile — there’s little else that does so at this price point. ⌧
Karan Singh (@carswithkaran)