Mini Cooper Convertible
Mini Cooper Convertible
Mini Cooper Convertible

2021 Mini Cooper Convertible

Pros: Agile handling; impressive fuel economy; peppy acceleration in S model; long list of options and personalization features; convertible top partially retracts to offer “sunroof” mode

Cons: Control layout favors whimsical design over ergonomics; taut ride, especially on S model; cramped rear seat space and cargo room; pricey options add up quickly; premium fuel required

CG Says: The 2021 Mini Cooper Convertible is once again available with a manual transmission. The manual was dropped last year, only to crop up again this year. It is available on Base and S models, but not the high-performance John Cooper Works model. The Mini Cooper Convertible is front-wheel drive, subcompact convertible. Because of the Mini’s handling and performance we include it our Sporty/Performance Car group. Base Coopers have a 134-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and the sporty S model gets a 189-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Both engines offer a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automated-manual transmission. The turbo four is hopped up to 228 hp in the John Cooper Works model with an 8-speed automatic as the sole transmission. A broad range of optional technology features is available, including some rare-for-the-class features such as a self-parking system, heads-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The 2016 revamp brought slightly bigger dimensions that give this Mini Cooper Convertible a bit more space inside than its predecessor, but the car’s quirky personality and nimble, caffeinated driving character carry over intact. Mini Coopers are a bit pricey compared to some of the subcompacts they’re often shopped against, especially when the optional equipment is added. However, if you want a little enthusiast attitude in your commuter car–along with open-air driving–a Mini Cooper Convertible is worth checking out.

The Facts
Class Sporty Performance Car
Body Style(s) 2-door convertible
Passenger Count 4
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mini
Nation of Manufacture England
Base Prices Cooper Base: $28,250
Cooper S: $32,750
John Cooper Works: $39,750

Base Engine
turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Cooper Base)
Horsepower
134
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
7-speed automated-manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
26-28
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
37

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Cooper S)
Horsepower
189
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
7-speed automated-manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
23-26
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
32-34

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (John Cooper Works)
Horsepower
228
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
25
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
33

Mini Cooper Convertible John Cooper Works
2021 Mini Cooper Convertible John Cooper Works
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - NA
0%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - NA
0%
Side Crash - NA
0%
Rollover - NA
0%

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