2019 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review: The Definitive Modern MINI?

The latest MINI Cooper S Convertible is a perfect example of how BMW's differentiates its small car offering from the competition. Sarah-Ellen Brown takes a closer look in this CarGurus review.

Pros
Lively and entertaining to drive
The EV is ideal around town
John Cooper Works GP cars are very quick

Cons
The Convertible has a small boot
Ungainly looks if you choose the five-door
More powerful models can wear out tyres quickly

The CarGurus verdict
Park a current MINI alongside a 1959 Alec Issigonis original and you’ll question the new car’s right to use the MINI name. Over the years the car has grown in every dimension and become heavier and heavier. That is inevitable, of course, given the evolving nature of crash legislation and the consumer’s voracious appetite for more and more comfort and convenience kit.

So while the MINI isn’t quite so MINI any more, it is safer, faster, more comfortable and more practical than ever. MINI’s designers and engineers have also worked hard to maintain the lively, entertaining handling characteristics that have set all versions of the MINI apart from the competition for so many decades. Even now, it’s really good fun to drive.

The current version is defined as much by its versatility as anything else. You can have a zero emissions all-electric MINI if you, say, live in the city, a Convertible if you love feeling the wind in your hair or, if you get a kick out of the most uncompromising of driving experiences, you can have a two-seat MINI with more than 300bhp. Few cars can truly be described as icons, but the MINI is one.

#cargurusuk #bmwmini #minicoopers

[petermitchell]

What's with the goldfish bowl on the dash? And why is there no audio system? BMW don't even offer an audio system in the options, only Harmon Kardon which is incapable of producing ANY audio as they do not provide any input!


I do like the car though despite what I mentioned above.


I intend to purchase the 2 door Cooper version in the basic colour, have it re-sprayed to something more attractive, and finally rip the dashboard out and have a proper in-car audio system fitted. Oh, I also need to replace that naff looking goldfish bowl. Who on earth thought that that could be a design statement?

[simonaylett]

Great review, welcome back to quality motor journalism Sarah

[WorldHobby]

I bought my mini Cooper used and love it my just the standard model

[thomasmonds]

good review but can you go over all the new buttons and switch Please???

[CorkLucy]

Awesome review on the new Mini! Keep them coming!

[elvin]

By the way I don’t want to be rude but you can carry passengers in the rear seat just saying

[ab-fytp]

If they could only make it with a metal convertible roof

[robbae]

pounds per foot???? torque is the product of force and distance, not force divided by distance!!!

[coachsondberg]

When they say "without spending a fortune", and i remember i live in DK :*(

[panathaninf]

No1 car to watch out for on the road, worse drivers only after smart drivers

[indianaphones]

this woman needs to get up to speed on her facts. It's only a few minutes of a review but she tells us the mini is low cost. It's not. Options are many, but add up to a large expense. And then she points out the 8' touch screen, , which is not the up rated 8' screen. It the standard 6'.

[leonagraca]

Yeah but you can't see out the rear view mirror when soft top is down. Very dangerous