When considering a vehicle that embodies the joy of driving with the roof down, the 2017 Mini Convertible emerges as a standout choice. This car isn’t just about the open-air experience—it also offers practical benefits and customizable options that cater to a wide range of preferences and needs. Here’s why the Mini Convertible deserves a closer look if you’re in the market for a fun and versatile car.
Compact and Convenient
The Mini Convertible excels in urban environments with its compact dimensions, making it exceptionally easy to park in tight spots. Its agility and small footprint allow for seamless navigation through congested city streets, ensuring that whether you’re headed to the office, a café, or a weekend retreat, parking will be the least of your worries.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
Despite its fun-to-drive nature, the Mini Convertible is surprisingly fuel-efficient, sparing you the pain at the pump typically associated with sports cars. This efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of enjoyment, though. The car offers a dynamic driving experience, characterized by responsive handling and sufficient power from its robust engine options.
2017 Mini Cooper Convertible Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the base Mini Convertible features a three-cylinder engine that impresses with its power output relative to its size, although it tends to lose some vigor at higher RPMs. For more robust performance, the turbocharged four-cylinder engines deliver substantial power, enabling the Mini to compete with larger cars like the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The vehicle offers both manual and automatic transmissions. The automatic is praised for its smooth, quick shifts, while the manual might challenge some drivers with its vague clutch action and long throws. The automatic engine stop-start feature can be abrupt but is easily disabled for a smoother driving experience.
2017 Mini Cooper Convertible Interior and Affordable Luxury
Stepping inside, the Mini Convertible boasts a cabin that feels more premium than many competitors in the subcompact segment. It features high-quality materials and customizable options that enhance its stylish appeal. Ambient lighting adds to the ambiance, changing color with the driving mode, which not only elevates the aesthetic but also enhances the emotional experience of driving.
The Mini’s technological offerings include an 8.8-inch central display known for its sharp graphics and rich feature set, managed via a console-mounted controller similar to BMW’s iDrive system. While comprehensive, the infotainment system has a learning curve and can be awkward to use when the center armrest is down, as it obstructs access to the controller.
Convertible Top and Cargo Space
The operation of the Mini’s soft top is straightforward, using either the key fob or an interior toggle switch. The top can stop midway for a sunroof effect or retract completely for full convertible enjoyment. However, when fully open, the top rests on the trunk, creating a visibility obstruction out the rear. Visibility with the top up is also limited due to the small size of the rear window.
While the front seats provide ample comfort and support, the rear seating area is quite cramped, suitable mostly for small children or very short trips. Cargo capacity is limited, with only 7.6 cubic feet available in the trunk and a small opening that makes loading larger items challenging, although internal release handles can partially alleviate this issue by allowing for some reconfiguration of the space.
Endless Customization Options
What sets the Mini Convertible apart is its vast array of customization options. The ability to personalize your vehicle extends from cosmetic touches, such as 18-inch wheels and side mirrors painted like the British flag, to performance enhancements like adaptive suspension dampers. This level of customization is unmatched in its class, allowing every owner to tailor their Mini to their tastes and driving preferences.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a critical aspect, and the Mini Convertible comes equipped with a robust set of safety features including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional features like rear parking sensors and a rearview camera add an extra layer of safety, enhancing the driving experience in tight spaces.
Performance Testing and Reviews
In terms of stopping power, the Mini Convertible impresses with its performance in brake testing. Equipped with Pirelli P Zero summer tires, it demonstrated superior braking efficiency, significantly better than many competitors, ensuring quick and safe stops even under sudden braking scenarios.
The Mini Convertible offers a firm ride, especially noticeable when equipped with larger wheels or the John Cooper Works (JCW) model’s sport-tuned suspension. This setup can border on harsh over rough surfaces, highlighting the trade-off for its agile and engaging handling. For those opting for the JCW version, it is advisable to invest in the adaptive suspension dampers, which significantly smooth out the ride, providing a more balanced driving experience.
Competitive Comparison
While the Mini Convertible shines on its own, it’s always good to consider the competition. Vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider offer similar open-top enjoyment with a focus on sporty handling due to their rear-wheel-drive configurations. However, they lack the customization options available with the Mini. The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible offers a different appeal with a more relaxed ride and distinctive styling but doesn’t match the Mini’s sporty dynamics or personalization potential.
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