Vehicle: 2009 Mini Cooper convertible with 6-speed Steptronic, paddle shifters, convenience pkg, sport pkg, style pkg and Dynamic Traction Control w/EDLC
Price as tested: CDN$35435

Performance: As you would expect from a Mini, those are the usual suspects when it comes to engine choices. Subject to our latest convertible tester is equipped with Mini’s entry-level engine, at least in North America. That is a 1.6 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve timing. With 118 hp and 114 lb/ft of torque, its definitely won’t perform anything like a Porsche when it comes to acceleration. But its the 6-speed Steptronic that has taken a bit of performance out of the vehicle. While the Steptronic has low enough gear ratios for 1st and 2nd for decent acceleration, it still won’t move the Mini convertible with grunt thanks to its hefty 1280 kg of open-roof metal. The paddle shifter’s location isn’t exactly spectacular neither. With the “-” placed on top of the steering while “+” at the bottom, it just doesn’t have the ergonomics one expects from driven a driver-oriented car. At least in the case of the Mini. If you want to have better performing Mini, better opt for the 6-speed manual gearbox. The manual has decent clutch and gearbox with well-defined gates. If you can afford more dough, the Cooper S with turbo engine or just upgrade that with John Cooper Works; that would make the Mini convertible a fast yet furious cute car for a hot sunny day.

Handling: Mini has always been known for its go-kart like handling right from its heyday, the same goes for the convertible. It all starts with a stiff and sound structure. In the case for convertible, Mini enginners have reinforced all the pillars while placing the rollbars at a more elegant moves for styling. That means its completely feel of anything called cowl shakes, which is what a poorly structured convertible would create when driven over washboard pavements and railroad tracks. Our tester comes optional with 17″ wheels and sports suspension. As in the case with the hatchback, the convertible rides roughly over any bumps and roughness. We think the base suspension with 16″ wheels are capable enough for Mini’s chassis, as it provides equally sharp handling without sacificing ride quality. The best riding Mini with sports suspension, has to be the longer wheelbase Clubman. With what most who buy convertible is looking for a cruise on a sunny day, base suspension is capable enough for 99% of the target audience. On the other hand, the Mini exhibits minimal body rolls and understeer when pushed through corners. The steering, as usual, provides exceptional road feel and precise enough without feeling twitchy. When it comes to dynamic stability control, Mini’s system remains uninstrusive and won’t step in unnecessarily. It remains lots of fun when pushed the Mini around hairpins and curves. But having to sacifice daily drivability with sharp cornering abilities don’t worth it. If its unbearable in the hatchback Cooper S, its simply too harsh in a Cooper convertible.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Mini’s braking performance is very well-expected. As the stopping distance is short, with brake feel and modulation are top-notch. As it combines with a good ABS that won’t kick in with unwanted intervention.

Interior: When it comes to luggage space, Mini convertible is good enough for 2 persons on a weekend getaway.

Right in the front, its all the typical Mini styling clues and ergonomics clues as we have seen from both hatchback and Clubman silibings. Everything is designed around a circle right from instrumentation gauges to door handle. The use of materials and workmanship have improved over its predecessor, with fewer rattles. Those leather sports seats hug both driver and passenger comfortably when playing on black-top twisties.

All the new Mini convertible have an “Always Open” gauge comes as standard. It tells the driver how long they have opened the roof during the trip. While its fun at first, the novelty will wear off as its nothing more than a grimmick. Frankly, it won’t even be leave much use even for its passengers.

Conclusion: Mini have done a very good job on improving the convertible, especially when it comes to interior quality and everyday practicality. But as with buying any Mini, make sure you choose what you need instead of what you want. Drive both Steptronic and manual gearbox, as well as with or without sports suspension before signing the offer.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5