Currently reading: New Mini Convertible brings 201bhp for £31k

UK-built soft-top arrives with a pair of petrol engines – but no electric option

Production of the Mini Convertible has returned to the UK with the introduction of the new fourth-generation car.

The soft-top will soon begin rolling off the line at the historic Oxford factory, marking its homecoming after a nine-year run at the VDL Nedcar plant in the Netherlands.

This means it will be offered exclusively with petrol engines, as Oxford paused production of electric cars with the introduction of the fourth-generation Mini hatchback last year.

It will be offered in two guises: the Cooper Convertible C, with a 161bhp 1.5-litre turbo triple, and the Cooper Convertible S, packing a 201bhp 2.0-litre turbo four.

Both engines are mated to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, after Mini dropped manual 'boxes last year.

The Cooper Convertible S takes 6.9sec to complete the 0-62mph sprin – 0.3sec slower than the Cooper S hatchback. Similarly, the Cooper Convertible C takes 0.5sec longer than the Cooper C hatchback, hitting 62mph in 8.2sec. 

The lag in performance is a result of the additional 40kg added by the fabric roof and its electrical folding mechanism.

The roof takes 18sec to fully open and 15sec to close at vehicle speeds of up to 19mph. There's also the option to partially drop the top (by 40cm) to mimic a sunroof.

With the roof up, boot space is actually up by five litres compared with the Cooper hatchback, at 215 litres. It shrinks to just 160 litres with the roof down, however.

Mini Convertible boot

A wind deflector and hidden rollover-protection system are fitted as standard.

Inside, the new Convertible mirrors its hatchback sibling with a centrally mounted, circular 9.5in infotainment touchscreen hosting the controls for most of the car’s functions.

Three trim levels are offered. Classic gets 16in wheels, part-faux-leather seats and a black cloth dashboard. Exclusive bumps the alloys up to 17in, extends the faux leather to the full seat and wraps the dashboard in beige cloth. Sport apes the look of the John Cooper Works hot hatch with 18in wheels, an aggressive bodykit and seats trimmed in faux leather and corduroy. It also adds gearshift paddles to the steering wheel.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Petrol hatchback enters its fourth generation and promises driver fun at a competitive price

Back to top

On-the-road prices start at £27,240 for the Cooper Convertible C and £31,640 for the Cooper Convertible S.

Deliveries will begin early next year.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

Join the debate

Comments
2
Add a comment…
xxxx 9 October 2024

One of the few convertibles left, is it the cheapest one left?

catnip 9 October 2024

Shame they couldn't have re-engineered the back end to incorporate the new style rear lights, but the compromise doesn't look too bad. Good news about the UK production though.