Mini Cooper S Convertible | Photo Credit: firoz

As winter settles over most of India, Mini has picked an ideal moment to reintroduce one of its most recognisable models, the Cooper S Convertible. A convertible is meant to be fun, and this one absolutely is. It’s quick, it corners with that familiar go-kart-like sharpness and it carries the playful character the Mini badge is known for.

The updated Cooper S Convertible looks fresh without abandoning its roots. The classic Mini face, redesigned bug-eye headlights and softened edges strike a neat balance between nostalgia and modernity. Drop the roof and the car instantly takes on a sportier, more carefree stance. Underneath, the fundamentals remain similar to the previous-gen car, even though the styling is all-new.

The soft top operates in two stages; it can slide halfway like a sunroof or fold down completely behind the rear seats. Mini claims it works at up to 30 kph in 18 seconds, though we managed 24 kph in our test. In typical Mini fashion, there’s even a roof-down timer that records how long you’ve driven with the top open; unnecessary but charming.

Inside, the sense of drama continues. Mini has leaned into bold design, especially with the large circular OLED touchscreen, the first of its kind in a production car. Running Mini Operating System 9, the display handles navigation, media and drive modes with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Visibility remains excellent even with the roof down under harsh sunlight. The cabin materials feel thoughtfully chosen, with technical fabrics used across major touchpoints and ambient lighting that changes with drive modes. Switch to Go-Kart mode and the cabin glows red.

One omission worth mentioning — there are no gearshift paddles for now, as the JCW pack hasn’t been introduced for the Convertible yet, and some drivers may miss the added involvement. For India, Mini offers the Cooper Convertible with the ‘Favoured Pack’, which includes a heated sport steering wheel and comfortable sport seats finished in recycled Vescin upholstery. The seats also offer two massage functions, adding a touch of comfort on longer drives.

Space in the back, however, is nearly unusable. Legroom is extremely limited, to the point where even a child seat may struggle to fit. Mini could have removed the rear bench entirely to free up useful storage space. The boot is also compromised, offering 215 litres, and even less with the roof folded.

Power comes from a familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, now producing 204 bhp and 30.6 kg-m. It sends power to the front wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Start-up is handled by a toggle switch in the centre console, a small touch that adds character. The engine settles into a soft burble and delivers smooth, eager performance throughout the rev range. Mini claims a 0–100 kph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 240 kph. Out on Jaisalmer’s open roads, the car felt responsive and lively, especially in Go-Kart mode.

calm & composed

Handling remains a Mini strong suit. Despite being the more relaxed member of the Mini family, the Convertible turns in quickly and maintains impressive composure. Tweaks to the steering, stability systems and anti-roll bar mounts contribute to confidence-inspiring behaviour, though you rarely think about the engineering since the car simply feels eager to be driven.

Ride quality is where the compromises show. On smooth roads, the stiff suspension makes the car feel taut and connected. On rougher roads, especially in city environments, the setup could feel firm and require slower speeds over uneven patches or speed breakers. It’s the trade-off for Mini’s characteristic handling.

The Cooper S Convertible isn’t perfect: the back seat is symbolic, the platform isn’t entirely new and the roof mechanism has small quirks. But none of this significantly affects its position as the most accessible way to experience open-top motoring in India, especially given its price of ₹58.50 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

For buyers looking for an energetic, personality-driven car that brings a sense of occasion to everyday drives, the Mini Cooper S Convertible makes a compelling case. It may not be a year-round choice in harsher climates, but when the weather cooperates, few cars offer this blend of charm and driving engagement.

© Motoring World

Published on December 19, 2025