2023 Mini Convertible

Pros

• It turns and curves well because it is easy to control.
• Elegant and fashionable interior design
• There is a lot of room for customization with the available add-ons.

Cons

• The ride may be stiff and uncomfortable, mainly when bigger tires are used.
• pricey compared to most of its competitors
• There needs to be more space for people or things.

How does the Convertible get around? The JCW version of the Mini Convertible was put to the test. The JCW should be the most impressive, but it doesn’t feel as good as the S trim. Our test car reached 60 miles per hour in 6 seconds, which is fast for a convertible in this class. Even though the turbocharged engine in the Mini makes a lot of torque, it doesn’t have the fun, high-revving personality of the machine in Mazda Miata.

We thought a panic stop at 60 mph, which is about average, would take more than 119 feet. The Mini JCW’s small tires and the way it handles generally are the main reasons. Even though we love how agile it is, it is also available in Mini Convertible grades that are less expensive.

How comfortable is the Convertible? The Mini John Cooper Works has the rugged and sporty ride that was expected. It’s never rough, but it can be jumpy on surfaces that aren’t even. Adaptive dampers were an option on our test vehicle, but we didn’t think the difference between Normal and Sport modes was big enough to be worth the extra cost. Even though the seatbacks are vertical and there isn’t much shoulder room, the front seats are supportive and comfortable.

The top of the Mini is well-made, but driving fast on the highway lets in a lot of background and road noise. When we measured the noise levels inside, we found that the top is slightly louder when it is down than when it is up. The center exhaust on the JCW makes some nice burbles and pops, but after driving at the same speed, it starts to drone.

How does the inside look? The relatively long doors are well-balanced and make it easy to get into the front seats. However, they make getting into the back seats more challenging. If adults can fit (it’s easier with the top down), their shoulders will probably touch in the back. The driver and passenger will have a lot of headroom and shoulder room, making the small Mini look pretty big. The Mini Convertible’s controls are easy to use and understand.

When folded down, the well-made cloth top on the back of the Mini makes it very hard to see what’s behind you. The big windows and outside mirrors make it easy to see the sides when it’s up. The rearview mirror takes up a lot of room on the small windscreen, which makes it harder to see what’s ahead.

How good is the tech? The parent company, BMW, significantly impacts how the Mini Convertible is made. This is a good thing because the infotainment system is a BMW with a bright Mini-themed user interface. It’s easy to use and looks much more high-end than similar products. Voice commands and navigation work well and have been helpful in many situations. Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity is standard, but since most of Mini’s competitors come with Android Auto, its absence stands out. Our test car’s Harman Kardon sound system was strong enough to make a high-quality sound over the loud noise inside.

The adaptive cruise control works well and ensures there aren’t too many gaps in traffic. None of the other systems gave us any reason to worry or act too quickly. But since this car is meant to be fun to drive, we were disappointed by how cautiously the electronic stability control was set up. Luckily, you can turn it off.

What about putting things away? The Mini Convertible could be more helpful, which isn’t a big surprise. Its trunk is hard to open and is 7.6 cubic feet in size. On the other hand, the 4.6 cubic feet of trunk space in the Mazda Miata is more valuable and easy to use.

The storage space inside is better; one person’s small items can fit in the cupholders and the cubby next to them. If you choose wireless charging, you will lose most of the storage space in the middle armrest. Even though child seat anchors are in the back seat, only the smallest booster seats will likely fit smoothly.

How well does it use gasoline? The EPA says that the John Cooper Works Convertible will get a combined 28 mpg (24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway). The drop-top Mini got a respectable 29.4 mpg over our 115-mile test route, which was true even when we drove it fast. Mini recommends using premium gas in the JCW, which is something to keep in mind.

Is it wise to buy the Convertible? When it has John Cooper Works trim, we usually say “no.” Our test vehicle costs $46,250 (including destination fees), which is about the same as a Mustang GT convertible and at least $10,000 more than a Mazda Miata with the same equipment. The Mini is a higher-end and better-built exchangeable than most others. It has few panel gaps and is made of high-quality materials. But Minis like the Cooper S that cost less are almost as well made and work almost as well.

The four-year/50,000-mile standard warranty is about average for the class. It covers everything from bumper to bumper and the powertrain. On the other hand, Mini gives you three years of free maintenance and four years of unlimited roadside assistance.

A Mini Convertible is sure to be fun and quick to drive. But the John Cooper Works trim gives you only a regular Mini. Even though it has more power, the JCW could be faster. It also drives well, though it could be more fun to operate as a Cooper S.

The Mini still has the quirky design elements and attention to detail that have made it famous. This is a great visual reminder of how much fun this little car will be once you’re out of weekday traffic. But sometimes, the JCW has used it too much. We all like driving a Mini, but we’d rather have one that is less expensive and less fancy.

It’s a good idea to spend money on the Cooper S. The bigger engine fits the car better and makes it quicker and more responsive than the standard three-cylinder engine. The Signature trim has the best value and amenities, like heated front seats and keyless entry. It also has optional features like adaptive dampers and a premium audio system. As of this writing, the Signature trim is the standard base trim.

MINI Convertible variants

The 2023 Mini Convertible comes in the Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works trims (also called JCW). What makes them different is the engine under the hood. There are also two sub-trims, Signature and Iconic, that show how many features each car has.