1st MINI Convertible
It loses out on performance, but elsewhere the British drop-top trumps its rival here
THE new MINI Convertible is still based on parent company BMW’S UKL1 platform, and that’s most definitely a positive because the architecture under the skin makes this model one of the most thrilling drivers’ cars in its class.
There’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that sends power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s a simple but effective drivetrain because it involves you in the experience perfectly.
With 134bhp and 220Nm of torque, it wasn’t quite as quick as the Fiat, but there’s still plenty of performance. This means you have to work the engine and gearbox a little harder, which yields a nice thrum, especially with the roof down.
Our performance tests highlighted the decent turn of speed the MINI delivers. It went from 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds, which was 1.6 seconds slower than the 124 Spider, and while the heavier, less torquey MINI didn’t have the in-gear flexibility of its rival, it never feels slow.
It’s surprisingly mature when it comes to ride and refinement with the hood down, too. Of course, chop the roof off any hatchback and the resultant lack of rigidity will be instantly noticeable, but as with its predecessor, by strengthening the sills to retain some of the hard-top hatch’s composure, the Convertible offers a degree of its pointy handling and agility.
The multi-link rear axle helps here, because while the steering is quick and the chassis can cope with this speed, the extra involvement from the rear also helps it change direction sweetly.
It is firm, so there’s not much roll, but despite this focus only harsher ridges at speed make the MINI feel unsettled. It does jump between bumps at mid speeds, although the damping offers just enough sophistication in the way it rounds the edges off potholes to make this bearable.
Other features that improve how easy the MINI is to live with include the level of kit. You get the basics – front and rear LED lights, airconditioning, parking sensors and a 6.5-inch colour screen with Bluetooth and DAB – yet sat-nav and phone connectivity are extra.
MINI bundles these into packs that you might want to add. The £1,340 Pepper Pack includes climate and cruise control, plus different alloys and more storage, while the £900 Navigation Pack brings sat-nav and Apple Carplay. Our car’s £2,000 Navigation Plus Pack adds a bigger 8.8-inch screen, traffic info and wireless charging, among other features.