There are few cars on sale today that evoke as much pure driving joy as the Mini, and fewer still that double down on that emotional appeal with a folding roof. The new Mini Cooper S Convertible, in Favoured trim, does just that. It combines everyday usability with go-kart handling, stylish flair, and a well-judged hit of luxury. This isn’t just about looking good on a sunny day, it’s about having fun every day, roof up or down.
This is the only Mini Convertible variant offered in NZ, but it comes fully loaded with features such as a Harman Kardon sound system, augmented reality navigation, and heated JCW sport seats. Finished in Sparkling Copper Grey, this Mini oozes boutique cool. The Union Jack soft top adds classic British charm, and the 18-inch Night Flash Spoke wheels in Vibrant Silver/Black give the car a punchy, premium stance. Despite riding on the largest wheels offered, it never feels too aggressive or overstyled.
The two-door body maintains that instantly recognisable Mini silhouette, with a modern twist—more refined, more tailored, and just a little more grown up. Yet even with the roof up, it still shouts fun. The soft top roof opens fully in around 18 seconds, but also has a sunroof-style halfway mode, which is genuinely useful for quick open-air moments.
Inside, it’s a step up from cheeky to chic. The Vescin Beige upholstery with grey patterning fits beautifully against the copper exterior, and quality feels high across the board. Mini’s new 240mm OLED circular display takes pride of place in the centre of the dash, handling infotainment and drive modes with crisp clarity. Complementing that are a head-up display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and wireless phone tech. You also get adaptive cruise, augmented reality navigation, and a full suite of assistance features, including lane keep, blind spot warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
The front JCW sport seats are heated, electrically adjustable, and even offer a massage function, a nod to its dual personality of fun and comfort. Rear seats? Small, but usable for kids or bags (not both). The 215L boot is modest, but that’s the convertible trade-off.
Mini has leaned hard into digital transformation here. The new interface is slick but intuitive, offering driver and passenger alike customisation and clarity. The MINI Experience Modes (complete with ambient light projection) let you match the cabin mood to your mood. It’s part theatre, part tech showcase. Driver aids like Steering & Lane Control Assist, Parking Assistant Plus with surround view, and tyre pressure monitoring round out a generous tech offering that now rivals much larger premium cars.
The 2.0L turbo four in the Cooper S is punchy, responsive, and lively enough to back up the Mini’s cheeky looks. The 7-speed dual-clutch auto is smooth and quick to shift, with well-calibrated ratios that keep you in the sweet spot of the powerband.
With 150kW and 300Nm, 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds feels brisk, particularly in a compact open-top car. But it’s not just the numbers—it’s the feel. Acceleration is accompanied by a playful exhaust note, partly synthesised, but satisfying all the same.
Style and looks aside, on the move is where the Mini magic happens. Despite its convertible body, it still feels stiff and sorted. It’s agile, direct, and incredibly pointy through corners. The steering is light around town, but weights up beautifully at speed, giving you real confidence and feedback.
On our NZ backroads, even with those 18-inch wheels, it stays composed—surprisingly mature, actually. The ride is firm but not crashy, and it doesn’t hop or fidget like earlier models. The absence of a manual might bother purists, but the auto suits the car’s new personality. It’s more usable, more relaxed when it needs to be, but still eager when you want it to be.
Roof down? It’s pure joy. With the buffeting reduced by all windows up and the roof dropped, every drive becomes an event.
The Mini Cooper S Convertible is an automotive mood booster. It’s not the fastest, the most practical, or even the most affordable car in its segment, but it delivers driving pleasure like few others can. With top-spec kit, grown-up manners, and just the right amount of edge, the new Convertible shows that Mini has matured, but without losing its mischievous grin. It’s the ultimate Sunshine Machine
Pros:
- Fun, agile handling
- Great sound and performance
- Excellent tech and luxury features
- Roof-down experience is addictive
- Still feels like a true Mini
Cons:
- No manual transmission
- Rear seat space is tight
- Boot space compromised when roof is open
At a Glance
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol
- Power/Torque: 150kW / 300Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 0–100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 237 km/h
- Fuel Economy: 6.9L/100km (combined)
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
- Price (NZ): $69,990 + ORC (est.)
- Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited km
