• Interior space isn’t the MINI Convertible’s forte
• Small things are there to boost ease of use, though
• Rear-seat space is cramped

How much space is there?

There’s just enough room for four adults. Passengers in the front won’t have any problems getting comfortable, with big, comfy front seats that have loads of adjustment. Plus there’s a removable wind deflector that can be erected to reduce wind turbulence for the front passengers. This can be stowed in the boot (more below) when not in use.

It is however a real squeeze for passengers in the back. A six-footer can’t sit comfortably behind a six-foot driver. Access to the rear seats when the roof is down is simple enough, but does require a pretty high level of dexterity with the roof up. And when the wind deflector’s in place, the rear seats are only for luggage.

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Boot space and storage

The boot is tiny. It’ll hold 215 litres worth of stuff with the roof down, or 160 litres with the roof stowed. Access is limited through its letterbox-style bootlid. This makes it about as practical as the Mazda MX-5 and significantly less so than a Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet.

However, an Easy Load function lifts the hood out of the way to squeeze in larger items, which really adds an extra dimension of practicality and is easy to use. The rear seats also split and fold for slightly longer items.

The downward-opening bootlid can support a weight of up to 80kg to ease loading and a 12-volt socket can be found in the luggage compartment.

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Storage in the interior isn’t particularly generous. Though the rear seats will double as a luggage shelf for most people, cubbies for small items are lacking. There are a pair of cupholders and a sort of shelf ahead of the gearlever which is probably the best place to put your phone – though it’s not very secure. The armrest opens up to reveal a wireless charger, though it’s very small and won’t fit any smart device larger than a standard iPhone.

Is it easy to park?

The main issue you’ll have is with visibility, especially if you’re reversing with the roof down as it really obstructs what you can see out of the rear-view mirror. With it raised, the dark hood makes the cabin quite dark, too, but standard-fit parking sensors help here. 

Speccing a comfort pack brings a pin-sharp rear-view camera to help things out.

Safety

• MINI Convertible hasn’t been crash tested
• Based on the four-star MINI Hatch
• Plenty of safety equipment is thrown in

The MINI Convertible shares its underpinnings with the MINI Hatch, which received a four-star rating when it was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2014. The Convertible hasn’t been tested itself, but it should fare well if you’re unfortunate enough to be in an incident.

All MINI Convertible models come with integrated rollover bars, stability control, electronic brake force distribution, and a traction control system that works when driving on loose sand or snow.

Front and side airbags are fitted along with Isofix child seat mounting points. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also standard.

The optional Driving Assistant Pack includes adaptive cruise control, road sign detection and a collision and pedestrian warning system for extra convenience and peace of mind.