- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
1.6SC, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
125kW, 220Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
2 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Mini Cabrio
It wasn't that long ago that Volkswagen's Golf and Peugeot's 306 were the only options for buyers seeking a relatively inexpensive soft-top with room for a couple of friends in the back. But these days it's a street fight for the hearts of the fashion conscious, with Holden and Renault offering opposition to staunch convertible supporters Peugeot and VW.
Now Mini has stepped up with a cabrio version of its cheeky Cooper hatch. But don't be fooled by the Mini Cabrio's diminutive size and cheeky looks, because this little tike is out to turn some heads.
Mini's first strike is value, with the Cooper Cabrio opening the three-tier range at $35,900. That's close enough to the smaller 206CC to cause headaches for Peugeot, and with air-conditioning, CD player, power windows, parking sensors, trip computer, four airbags, anti-lock brakes and 15-inch alloys standard it's respectably, if not lavishly, equipped.
The Cooper S Cabrio also plays a strong hand for its $44,900, adding more equipment (16-inch alloys, six-speed manual, cruise control, sports seats, traction control and multi-function steering wheel) and a much-needed dose of supercharged performance, while keeping the drop-top Astra, Beetle, 307 and Megane honest for price.
That leaves the Cooper S Cabrio with the $9850 John Cooper Works kit tested here, which can only be targeted at buyers wanting the hottest baby cabrio going. The kit unleashes more urge, and with 154 kW of power (29 kW more than the S) eclipses every small cabrio within a $50 k radius when it comes to straight-line performance.
Alongside retracting hardtop rivals, the Mini Cabrio's traditional fabric roof looks old-fashioned. In practice, though, it proves there's life in the old dog yet. Apart from being able to fully retract in a well-oiled (and traffic-light friendly) 15 seconds, the front section slides back like a sunroof. It's handy when you want some fresh air but don't want to stop to lower the roof, and works well around town. A bit noisy on the highway, though.
Roof down, the Mini's cabin is impressively unruffled, even at highway speeds. Perhaps the high-mounted roof mechanism and chunky roll-bar/headrest have something to with it, but they also significantly restrict rear vision. With the roof up the blindspot is bigger than Texas.
A more positive aspect of the roof is it doesn't eat up as much back seat or boot space as some systems. This was a sacrifice the Mini, with its tiny back seat and boot, could barely afford to make, so it's a pleasant surprise to report that this six-footer could squeeze in behind his own front-seat position. Just.
Out on the road the potent top-end surge of the Works kit is appreciated, but the real benefit is its zappier response around town, with a wide spread of useable power on offer from low revs. Throw in improved acoustics and only marginally worse fuel economy and it's desirable, but justifying the cost is harder.
It's not unusual for a hatch-based cabrio to flex, rattle and feel loose on rough surfaces or during hard cornering, but the Mini Cabrio feels respectably taut and together. While big potholes show up windscreen shake and the odd rattle, the Mini's renowned sharpness and agility remain intact, even in high-power Works form.
It's worth noting, too, that the 16-inch alloys on our test car (shod with run-flat tyres because there's no spare) offered a more absorbent ride than 17s we've sampled. Just don't expect a magic carpet, because the pogo-stick ride is one of the Mini's downsides, led mainly by the fact there's simply not much in the way of suspension travel.
Whether the Mini Cabrio is any good or not won't matter to many buyers. After all, it will sell on its badge, soft-top and sharp price. But it is a good thing. While there are roomier, better-equipped and more relaxing alternatives, for style, value and driving satisfaction the Mini is king.