Should you buy one?

If you want a fun and stylish convertible, the answer is a definite yes. This new MINI is up there with the best convertibles, and though it is generally a gentle evolution on the previous car, its tech-filled interior represents a significant step forward. 

The market for more affordable new convertibles is limited these days, and the only car that gets close to is the Mazda MX-5, which is more fun to drive but only comes with two seats. Make no mistake, the MINI Cooper Convertible is not a practical choice, but offers more everyday usability than plenty of other drop-tops, and still at an attractive price. 

Just choose your version carefully – and by that we mean go for a Cooper S in Sport trim with the Level 1 options pack – as otherwise it can be both compromised to drive and quite expensive. 

What we like

We love the MINI’s sense of fun. It’s great to drive with peppy engines and darty handling. It’s got some great engines, too. No other convertible at this sort of price offers so much in the way of style, and the interior’s mix of technology and interesting materials is brilliant. 

What we don’t like

We don’t like that you now can’t get a manual gearbox in a new MINI, and the standard automatic gearbox isn’t great. We think the Sport’s transmission with gearshift paddles should be fitted as standard. The ride is also a bit too firm and it can get rather expensive in top-spec trim levels and with options, but the same applies for all MINIs.