S Convertible has all those Mini plusses & minuses
Having tested the rest of the Cooper range, the Cooper S and the convertible were the real Minis left on our to-do list. So it was perhaps proper that we got both in one. Always a cracking little car, the Mini Cooper S still possessed that spot of sporty. The Convertible? Well it adds a certain shot of style.
Just the part with the soft top down, it’s not too bad looking with it in place, either. The roof drops in two stages. Crawls back to deliver an oversize sunroof. Before folding all the way to deliver full effect. Blander, perhaps, than JCW, our tractor grey tester’s complex but cool shiny face buffed alloys, circular DRL LEDs and fender extenders set it apart.
It loses the hatch at the rear for a little boot. Tight with the hood up, its compromised with it down. But the cabin, although still tight, is pretty much as per the hatch with the roof up. The sky certainly adds a little extra open feeling with it down.
Mini’s systems still split opinions
The minimalist cockpit with its round infotainment screen remain, as do the flamboyant textile lower spoke and paddle shifters ahead of the optional heads-up display. Once you’ve figured out how to place the HUD in the right position to read it, that is.
Comfy and supportive cream power sports seats, knitted surfaces and the rest sew
together in brilliant BMW style. The zany high-resolution OLED display adds to a pleasing environment. Run by steering controls, Mini’s familiar toggle bar, you can also use Hey Mini to voice command it.
It still splits opinion in the office. The latest Operating System 9 with new Mini Experience Modes and wide range of digital functions allegedly create an immersive user experience. It doesn’t work well on its own and needs the Mini App on your mobile phone to do it right. Which still boggles the mind.
Why can’t a car just be a car?
Why can’t a car just be a car? And since when did we need a mobile phone to just drive? Needless to say, some of us still struggled. Look, the interface is probably the biggest challenge facing all automakers. There’s so much wrong with so many systems.
In time, even us boomers will become au-fait enough to work the gizmos. So not fully understanding it all would certainly not deter us from buying a Mini. With so much going for it, this car would likely still be a choice in this neck. Knob free, boomers and all.
Cooper S’ 150 kW 300 Nm TwinPower 2-litre turbo four pot impressed at six seconds to 100 in the Auto Test. The 14.3-second quarter mile is also close to the albeit cheaper full cream JCW. Find go-kart mode to add extreme handling. Not that it’s necessary. Cooper S is a hoot to drive and handles exceptionally, even in drop-top guise.
Brilliant BMW build quality
Besides brilliant BMW build quality, the Cooper S Convertible still carries great Mini features. Sure, there are offsets. The go-kart handling also brings extremely harsh ride quality and an especially stiff rear axle. And not even our petrol head gen zees could put up with the fake engine noise.
For chic pure open top fun and excitement, however, the Mini Cooper S Convertible certainly delivers and then some. Of course, drop-top sexy comes at a premium. So if you want it, you must shell out for it. If not. The straight Cooper S is a brilliant bargain and not far from a hundred grand cheaper. Or still save and go for broke with the JCW.
But there’s a specific sector of the market that will not do without a convertible. For them, this really is a sexy, sporty and quick, if in part confusing option. And you’ll probably get your head around that confusing, soon enough. – Michele Lupini
Images & test data: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mini Cooper S Convertible
Engine: 150 kW 300Nm 2-litre turbo petrol I4
Drive: 7-speed double clutch automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 2.90 sec
0-100 km/h: 6.15 sec
0-120 km/h: 8.33 sec
0-160 km/h: 14.21 sec
400m: 14.3 sec @ 161 km/h
80-120 km/h: 3.99 sec
120-160 km/h: 5.88 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 250 km/h
Fuel: 6.3 l/100 km
CO2: 150 g/km
Range: 670 km
Warranty/Service: 2y unl./ 5y 100K km
LIST PRICE: R761K
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