The below editorial is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

MINI Convertible (2004 - 2010)

SOFT TOP, FIRM BOTTOM LINE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 54

There's not too much that beats the cheeky feel-good factor of a soft top MINI and while the queues may have been long to join the waiting lists from new, used buyers can get instant access as long as they're willing to pay the price. Here's how to sift the wheat from the chaff.

Modelsword count: 20

Models Covered: Two door convertible - April 2004 to date: (1.6 90bhp, 1.6 116bhp, 1.6 170bhp [One, Cooper, Cooper S])

Historyword count: 118

Three years after the introduction of the hardtop version of the MINI came the Convertible, a vehicle that once again rocketed the Cowley-built but Munich-bankrolled car onto the must-haves list. Two versions were on offer from the outset; the entry-level 90bhp MINI One Convertible and the sporty 116bhp Cooper Convertible. A few months later, MINI surprised everybody by launching the supercharged 170bhp Cooper S drop top. Demand was strong, although, as with any model that is a fashion item, demand can drop off as quickly as it ramps up and with newer rivals now rivalling the MINI Convertible in terms of high street chic, now could be a good time to pick up a cut price used bargain.

What You Getword count: 286

The roof itself is a fully automatic fabric affair, MINI wisely choosing to reject the far more complex folding hard top fashion. Opting for this more complex engineering solution would not only have ruined the MINI's shape but also severely impinged on its luggage space. As it stands, the MINI retains a characteristic profile with the roof in place yet looks appealingly cheeky with the hood down. Press a button once and the roof slides back by 40cm, creating a sunroof effect. Press it again and the hood retracts fully, folding down behind the rear seats. It's not the neatest stowing arrangement but it only takes 15 seconds to get there and you'll retain a healthy 120 litres of storage space in the boot. The boot itself is worth taking a look at and it's not often I find myself saying that in a road test. It's redolent of the original Mini insofar as it has a drop down lid which can double as a loading platform. A pair of steel cables mounted on a sprung retractor act as boot hinges and can hold up to 80kg which, in old money, is nigh on 13 stone. With the roof in place - i.e. up - there's 165 litres of stowage space but those wishing to transport bulkier items are also accommodated. By flicking a pair of levers located in the boot, the rear fastening of the roof can be detached, allowing the entire rear section to be raised. This in turn creates a wider space through which bigger items can be loaded. Couple that with the folding rear seats and you'll be able to jemmy-in some surprisingly loads. MINI claim a total capacity of 605 litres.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227

Pictures (high res disabled)

Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Convertibles

Performance
70%
Handling
90%
Comfort
50%
Space
40%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

Client login

Mobile
Narrow
Narrower
Normal
Wide