The MINI Mk2 was launched in 2007 and received many styling and engineering changes to meet tightening safety regulations and improve efficiency. It’s clear however, that BMW is on to a winning formula, as concepts like the Beachcomber, Coupe, Roadster and Crossover have created much hype and anticipation among fans. Further proof of the brand’s success were the well attended 50th anniversary celebrations held last year, which took place across the globe, including the local town of Clarence in the Free State. We decided to find out what all the fuss is about and, being summer in South Africa, we could think of no better way to soak up the sun than in the Cooper S Convertible.

Interior
Hands down, the MINI has one of the most engaging interiors of any car available today. The retro design provides a feast for the senses and offers solid build quality to match. The exception is the ‘Always-Open Timer’ that pokes out from the rev counter, which feels a bit too plasticy and blocks the flow of air from the centre air vent. Even despite its gimmicky function of recording how much travel time has elapsed with the roof folded away, its foibles are forgiven in the name of funky design. But retro does not necessarily mean old, and the MINI Cooper S Convertible is fitted with an array of modern conveniences such as satnav, climate control, cruise control, bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary connection for MP3-players and more. Comfort levels in the Cooper S Convertible are high, with supportive leather sports seats holding you in place and all the instruments easily accessible – barring the centrally mounted speedo that was difficult to read at a glance. Rear passengers, well, lets just say that the rear seats are best used only if you really have to – rear legroom is non existent and after a 15 minute blast down the road our passengers were happy to disembark. Behind the rear seats lies a tiny boot with just 170-litres available with the roof closed, and a more useful 660-litres with the rear-seat backrest folded down. Equally as small is the fold-down tailgate through which we contorted our shopping bags in order to fit. But despite the lack of space behind the B-pillar, the car still offers a unique, fun and well appointed interior.

Exterior
The Cooper S Convertible loses none of its MINI pedigree when swapping its hardtop for a canvas roof. In fact, the convertible’s looks remain unchanged to those of the conventional Cooper S, with compact dimensions, 17-inch light alloy wheels at each corner, various chrome accents and centrally-mounted twin tailpipes adding to the S’s sporty appeal. Despite the MINI being a familiar sight on our roads, the Cooper S Convertible still manages to turn heads, especially with the roof folded down and the chrome roll-over bar glistening in the sunshine.

The Drive
It’s common knowledge that when a manufacturer removes the roof on one of their models, the car is going to lose rigidity in its chassis and will be more flexible. As a result, the MINI’s body has been crash-optimised and further reinforced to provide extra rigidity. But despite losing 10 kg’s over the previous generation convertible, the already stiff ride has become particularly choppy on all but the smoothest of roads. The MINI creeks and rattles along on run flat tyres and taught sports suspension. Drop the roof however and the car seemingly transforms into a smooth operator with any obvious signs of scuttle shake dissolved. Open top cruising is a pleasure and the wind-deflector fits quickly and easily in place to prevent buffeting. We weren’t quite sure why the MINI is fitted with park distance sensors at the rear, until we noticed that because the canvas top stacks itself behind the rear headrests, it wipes out the view from your rearview mirror. With such short overhangs we still don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s a nice touch. The canvas roof also features a separate sliding roof function that allows it to open just above the driver and passenger area, acting as a sunroof. Steering response is lightening quick and combined with the sports suspension, makes for a nervous ride on most roads. Head for a freshly tarred strech of tarmac however and the Cooper S Convertible delivers accurate steering, surefooted grip and a truly sporty drive synonymous with the ‘S’ badge. But this is a convertible we’re talking about after all and although it is fun to drive, if not a little skittish on bumpy roads, it does do cruising best and we’d recommend the more focused, and cheaper, JCW model for more spirited driving.

Performance
Beneath the bonnet of the Cooper S Convertible lies a 1,6-litre 4-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection that delivers 128 kW at 5 500 rpm and maximum torque of 240 N.m. Combined with a rorty exhaust note, low seat height and direct steering, the engine seems to fire the little car toward the horizon at what feels like a wicked pace. This MINI seems far quicker than the 7.4 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint would suggest and the same goes for in-gear acceleration. A smaller capacity turbocharged engine means fuel consumption is an economical 7.2 l/100km, but when that’s not your primary concern, the MINI Cooper S Convertible offers a “Sport” mode with the push of a button. When engaged, this mode tightens the steering and quickens the response of the drive-by-wire throttle, to give the MINI real go-kart like characteristics. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers short throws and is fun to use, although the torquey engine often makes changing down unnecessary.

What we like…

• Great performance from the turbocharged engine.
• Engaging interior design and functionality.
• Funky convertible with near limitless personalisation.
• Nothing else like it, but the Fiat 500C will arrive this year to offer a cheaper retro-chic alternative.

What we would like…

• Better sound insulation with the roof on.
• More compliant suspension to take the harsh edge off the ride.
• A cheaper price tag – unless of course you like flicking your hair back and thinking “I’m worth it”.