2017 MINI Convertible Review

All Cooper models come standard with a power-operated fabric convertible roof (with sunroof-like function), 15-inch alloy wheels, an electronic limited-slip differential, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, remote locking/unlocking, keyless ignition, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, adjustable driving modes, dynamic ambient lighting, automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, height-adjustable front seats, a center armrest, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery and 50/50-split folding rear seatbacks. Technology highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration, a 6.5-inch display screen and a six-speaker sound system with HD radio, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack.

The Cooper S adds a more powerful engine, a hood scoop, dual center-mounted exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels with run-flat tires (regular tires are optional), LED foglights and sport front seats.

Additional equipment for the John Cooper Works variant includes 17-inch wheels, Brembo front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, an even more powerful engine, an aerodynamic body kit, a rear spoiler, a sport steering wheel and special seats with cloth upholstery. The standard suspension is available as a no-cost option for the JCW.

Although there are many standalone options, most are bundled into packages. The Premium package consists of keyless entry, a dual-pane sunroof, heated front seats, satellite radio, auto-dimming mirrors and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Sport package includes adjustable suspension dampers, 16-inch wheels (17-inch wheels on the Cooper S), sport seats, adjustable driving modes and LED headlights. The Technology package bundles a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an 8.8-inch display screen. The Fully Loaded package combines all three packages, and a separate Cold Weather package adds auto-dimming mirrors, power-folding exterior mirrors and heated front seats.

Other available features include a head-up display, an automated parking system, and cloth or leather upholstery. Even more personalization is available through a large selection of custom details such as hood stripes, mirror cap choices and special interior trim pieces.

Regardless of the engine or number of doors, the 2017 Mini Convertible comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission (with hill start assist and automatic rev-matching for smooth and simple downshifts). A six-speed automatic (also with rev-matching) is optional. For extra fuel savings, an automatic stop-start feature shuts off the engine while the car is stopped.

The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that develops 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is impressive, especially considering the available performance -- the EPA estimates 32 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway) with the manual, while the automatic earns 30 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway).

The Cooper S is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are available for automatic-equipped models. Fuel economy for the Cooper S is estimated at 26 mpg combined (23 city/32 highway) with the manual and 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway) with the automatic.

The John Cooper Works variant ups the output of the turbocharged 2.0-liter to 228 hp and 236 lb-ft. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway) with the manual and 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) with the automatic.

In Edmunds testing, a manual-equipped Cooper S Convertible made the sprint from zero to 60 mph in a scant 6.8 seconds. Though we haven't yet tested the Convertible in regular Cooper or JCW trims, we have tested several variations of its fixed-roof brother, the Mini Hardtop. We found the two-door Hardtop Cooper trots from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while it takes the JCW only 6.2 seconds to hit 60.