2025 MINI Convertible: Firmly Engaging

In addition to the new MINI John Cooper Works three-door hatchback, we also had the opportunity to test drive the convertible variant during a recent media event down in Savannah, Georgia. Needless to say the weather conditions were much better and sunnier than what we experienced in parts of Canada earlier this spring.

Unlike the previous generation, this one does not come standard with a three-cylinder engine under the hood. All MINI models are now powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, obviously with more power as you get higher up in the range. The base Cooper C develops 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Cooper S is rated at 201 hp and 221 lb-ft, while the top-line John Cooper Works delivers 228 hp and 280 lb-ft. The only transmission available is a seven-speed automatic, with a different calibration as well as paddle shifters on the steering wheel for the JCW model.

• Also: 2025 MINI John Cooper Works: Driving With a Smile
• Also: MINI Unveils New, Gas-Powered John Cooper Works Models

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible further stands out with a centre-mounted tailpipe inspired by the Minis that raced at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s, unique seats trimmed in vegan leather, a standard heated sport steering wheel, exclusive 18-inch wheels, an upgraded suspension and braking system, plus JCW badging inside and out.

All About That Screen

Speaking of the interior, quality materials are used throughout. Similar to other MINIs, you’ll interact with the infotainment system via a round 9.4-inch touchscreen. Most vehicle functions are accessible through this sleek display, which requires a little getting used to and taking your eyes off the road to get to certain menus. The previous generation had more physical buttons and proved arguably easier to use.

There’s adequate space up front for average-sized adults, even with the roof closed. It's quite a different story in the rear, where occupants may feel trapped especially with the black headliner and tiny windows. Likewise, cargo space is very limited at just 215 litres (down to 160 litres with the roof stowed away). You’d better pack light. That being said, MINI has come up with a clever system that expands the trunk’s opening by slightly lifting the panel between the roof and the trunk. This makes loading cargo more convenient.

Fun With a Few Compromises

MINI gave us the keys to two of the three models in the Convertible lineup: Cooper S and JCW. We started with the former, whose ride and handling reminded us of the 3-door hardtop. The short-travel suspension is fairly stiff and the low ride height further keeps the car glued to the road. The short wheelbase improves agility, preserving that wonderful go-kart feeling. Of course, precise steering also plays a part, with the front wheels always pointed in the right direction.

As long as the roads are nicely paved and full of twists, driving the MINI Convertible can be extremely fun. However, when things get a bit rougher, you start to wish you were in a different car. Georgia's roads are generally in better shape than Canada’s, mind you, so make sure you spend some time behind the wheel to find out if the ride is too firm and uncomfortable for your liking.

Nifty Soft Top

With the top up, we found the cabin to be quiet enough—not as much as a hardtop MINI’s, obviously, but occupants don’t have to shout to carry a conversation even when driving at over 100 km/h.

The new MINI Convertible features a fully automatic top that can be activated at the touch of a button and can also be fully retracted at speeds of up to 30 km/h, a process that requires 18 seconds. When the roof is closed, the convenient sunroof function can be used at any time with an opening length of up to 40 cm, just like before.

A small wind deflector between the cockpit and the rear helps reduce turbulence when the top is down. Visibility remains an issue, especially with the tall rear-seat headrests, so relying on the back-up camera is often a must. 

Noise levels increase as you pick up speed, but not excessively so—as long as you keep the side windows up and don’t go faster than, say, 90 km/h. We did notice some turbulence with four people in the car, though not so much as to seriously affect the driving experience.

What About the John Cooper Works?

The good and the bad of the Cooper S model obviously carry over to the John Cooper Works. The main difference, of course, is the superior performance. Thanks to its standard adaptive suspension and more powerful brakes, the MINI JCW Convertible proves even more competent around corners. However, this once again comes at the expense of ride quality.

While output is unchanged at 228 hp, peak torque has gone from 236 to 280 lb-ft. Combined with the more responsive transmission, the JCW model delivers zippy acceleration, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds (6.1 seconds with the non-convertible variant). Hard takeoffs can make the tires squeal in the first two gears due to the extra torque, but traction is never really a problem.

For sporty driving, the JCW-specific paddle shifters on the steering wheel contribute to a more rewarding experience. We also enjoyed listening to the whistling turbo under acceleration and the backfiring exhaust system when decelerating with Sport mode activated.

Originality Has a Price

Now, we can’t finish this review without a word about Canadian prices for the 2025 MINI Convertible. The base Cooper C, which we didn’t get the opportunity to drive, starts at $42,990 (MSRP). To upgrade to the Cooper S, you need to add another $3,000, while the JCW tops out at $58,990. These are pretty hefty prices, and that’s not even counting the numerous options for customization. If you ask us, the JCW sure is very expensive, but the other two models are not unreasonably priced in today's market.

A Ford Mustang Convertible with a four-cylinder turbo engine starts at just over $45,000 (MSRP), but forget about the V8 models, which top the $60,000 mark. More potent than the MINI Cooper C and Cooper S, the Mustang EcoBoost delivers similar acceleration to the much more expensive MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. That said, while these two drop-tops cost roughly the same, they are not aimed at the same customers.

Larger, heavier and less nimble, yet more comfortable, the Mustang is more of a grand tourer and a status symbol. On the other hand, the MINI is like a little toy that is easy to drive and park anywhere. It's up to you to decide which one best meets your wants and needs.