You can say what you will about the new Mini Cooper – it’s not ‘mini’ enough, it’s built to a cost etc etc. The fact remains that the Mini Cooper S, especially in India, remains peerless. There’s no substitute for its particular blend of retro-infused looks and sprightly performance. It transcends categories, definitions and on occasion, even logic. If you like a Mini Cooper, odds are you’re going to love its convertible version.
Looks
BMW is aware that the standard Mini Cooper S isn’t the enthusiast’s choice and so have done away with paddle shifters, or even a tiptronic transmission lever – BMW has saved that exclusively for the JCW version. Instead you have a cabin that is ready for the wave of electrification that'll serve as a template for future Minis. The convertible however, holds the distinction of being the only car in the Mini line-up without its own dedicated electric version. There are now four new colours you can pick from, ranging from bright, primary shades to more subtle pastel ones.
At first glance it may not look radically different, but the changes run deeper than expected. Mini considers this the fourth generation of its convertible, and the only body panels shared with the outgoing car are the doors. Up front, there’s a redesigned grille frame and updated circular LED headlights. Owing to the inherent limitations of the convertible’s body structure, the tall rear light units remain, whether or not you choose the Union Jack graphic. The canvas top also carries forward its three-stage operation, including a halfway setting that mimics a sunroof. A full retraction takes just 18 seconds and can be done at speeds of up to 31 km/h, although the roof doesn’t disappear entirely from sight when stowed.
With the roof retracted or extended, the design for the convertible Mini isn’t an afterthought. In fact it looks so good in profile, it’s almost as if being a convertible is its most natural form, and a natural extension of its bright and irrepressibly cheerful personality.
The cabin is pretty much identical to the coupe version. The same round central touchscreen, the same modes, the same steering design. It does feel very contemporary and quality isn’t an issue, but certain aspects like the canvas strap steering spoke, do feel like they’re there to save costs. The convertible comes to India in top-trim only and so is feature loaded. You can also, for the first time, open the roof using the key fob.
Performance
Not surprisingly, the soft top folding harness does make the Cooper S convertible heavier than the coupe version, but Mini claims that the vehicle is now faster to the 100kph mark by 0.1 seconds. Which means it hits 100kph from a standstill in 6.9 seconds instead of 7. The turbocharged 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine – a staple across European ICE vehicles, has the least amount of kerbiage to work with and as a result, has the most fun operating with the Cooper S Convertible’s curtailed bodywork. Producing 202bhp and 300 Nm of torque, it’s mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox that, coupled with a hint of turbo-lag, doesn’t immediately produce explosive results but moves-up the remaining gears with great precision. With no gear lever to help you kick things off, you’re left fumbling with a retro switch which not only feels decidedly unsatisfactory, it also doesn’t offer you the option of using tiptronic transmission to help modulate your performance better.
Driving it on the winding but uneven roads of Jaisalmer the suspension of the Cooper S Convertible did seem to have been tweaked to be softer. I haven’t driven it on the embattled roads of Mumbai, so I can’t say with certainty how sharp it would feel over its potholes, but it isn’t anywhere near as jarring as it used to be. Comfort seems to have been prioritised for the current-gen Mini, and while that means it doesn’t have the same bite as before, it’s a lot easier to live with and appeals to a much wider demographic now.
Verdict
In India, the Mini practically has the playground entirely to itself since we’re not particularly big on small roadsters. By sheer technicality, it’s the most affordable luxury convertible in the country with its sub Rs 50 lakh price tag. Even looking at it purely as a petrol-powered convertible, there isn’t anything in sight for miles So it doesn’t need to be particularly hardcore, it only needs to get the broad strokes right, which BMW has ensured, remains the case. There are roughly three months remaining if you wish to enjoy convertible season in the country, and if you’ve got your heart set on a Mini Cooper S, the convertible version is the one to have.
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