2016 Mini Cooper S Convertible first drive

Along with the more contemporary appearance, there’s also a newly developed fully-electric cloth hood, which opens in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 19mph. As before, the multi-layer structure folds and stows in an exposed position above the boot at the press of a button, heavily obscuring visibility to the rear when opened. With integral header rails, it also features a sliding function that allows you to semi-erect the roof when you don’t want the full alfresco experience.

Among the safety enhancements that compensate for the lack of a fixed roof are a reinforced windscreen frame, roll bars that extend from behind the rear seats when sensors detect a possible rollover, more substantial strut braces across the suspension towers front and rear and stiffing within the sills.  

The larger dimensions bring added versatility to the interior. Climb in and you discover an overall increase in space up front. It remains snug, but there’s noticeably more shoulder room and larger footwells than before. It’s in the rear, though, that the more significant increase in accommodation has taken place, the width of the rear seat having increased by 34mm and, crucially, there is now an added 36mm of leg room.

Luggage carrying capacity, never one of the Mini Convertible’s great strengths, has also increased by 35 litres to a larger-than-ever 215 litres with the roof in place and 160 litres with it lowered. As before, the rear seats receive standard split-folding backrests, but the inherent properties of the high-strength steel UKL platform, including a stiffer rear bulkhead, allow for an 8mm wider through-loading facility for easier stowage of longer items.

Given how aggressively it is marketed at the lifestyle set, you would be forgiven for not taking the Mini Convertible that seriously, but it is also a highly engaging car to drive in the right conditions.

The adoption of the larger turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder provides the Convertible Cooper S with an additional 9bhp and 20Nm, which hardly sounds like much until you drive it. Along with the subtle increase in overall power and torque, the new powerplant also provides a noticeable improvement in tractability and refinement over its predecessor, a smaller turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit.

Whether tooling around town or charging along deserted country roads, you’re aware of the increase in performance. There is enhanced response and urgency at low revs along with stronger flexibility and vigour through the mid-range.

This new engine is also significantly smoother and pulls to its 6300rpm ignition cut out with a great deal of verve on a loaded throttle, providing the new open top with a fittingly zesty on-road character. Additionally, it boasts a sweeter exhaust note with less induction blare and a more alluring timbre that builds in intensity as the revs rise but is never overbearing.

The new Mini feels every bit as quick as its official 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds suggests, offering up sharp off the line acceleration with significantly less torque steer than the old model.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox uses less forceful springing and slightly shorter longitudinal travel than before, allowing you to confidently guide its rather long lever between the closely stacked gates with ease even at high engine loads. The blip function negates the need for heel and toe downshifts, allowing you to rush up to a corner before grabbing a lower gear – at which the electronics automatically provide a blip of the throttle to settle the car upon turn in.

Dynamically, there’s a lot to like about the Convertible Cooper S. The chassis receives its own unique tuning with individual spring and damper settings. Our test car also featured the optional Mini driving modes, which provide the choice between Sport, Mid and Green modes for steering and throttle mapping, as well as sports suspension with dynamic damper control.  

Around town it is nippy and highly manoeuvrable. Press on along more challenging roads and it proves highly capable with impressive grip and outstanding balance. Its breadth of abilities has clearly improved, making it a more rounded and desirable car than ever before.

The electro-mechanical steering is light and quite responsive at lower speeds, and it weights up well and provides a nice direct feel off centre. There’s a hint of body roll in tighter corners, but it is nicely controlled and never builds to uncomfortable levels, making the new Mini a real joy to hustle along. There is some odd steering bump and torque steer to contend with when you’re really on it, although it is never short of charisma or involvement.