The MINI Cooper Convertible returns for another generation with the release of the F67 model, which is very closely related to the F65 3 Door (and F66 5 Door models) that made their debuts earlier this year.
Unlike its predecessor, the latest Cooper Convertible isn’t made in the Netherlands but returns to the MINI plant in Oxford. There aren’t a lot of small convertibles these days, so it’s pleasing news that MINI isn’t completely withdrawing from this segment yet.
“We are very proud to offer our customers a true convertible in the current MINI family. Our new MINI Cooper Convertible offers unmistakable, hallmark driving fun, coupled with boundless freedom and great emotions: Always Open. Iconic design combined with modern technology and connectivity make this vehicle an unrivalled experience for our customers,” says Stefan Richmann, head of the MINI brand.
Given its close relation to the F65 3 Door, the new F67 Convertible is predictable in the way it looks. A new front grille and round LED headlamps match those of its fixed-roof sibling, with the main (and obvious) difference being the retractable soft top.
According to the MINI, the folding roof can be used at speeds of up to 30 km/h and takes 18 seconds to fully open. At the same time, the window bars and side windows are lowered to provide a completely unobstructed view of the surroundings. In reverse, the closing process takes 15 seconds to complete.
There’s also a sunroof function that can be used anytime, whereby the roof slides back to reveal an opening of up to 40 cm so passengers get fresh air at all times. For a bit of fun, MINI also provide an Always Open Timer that shows time traveled by the minute with the roof open on the circular OLED touchscreen inside the cabin.
For safety, an integrated rollover protection system is activated automatically as soon as the central safety electronics detect a risk of rollover. On the matter of practicality, you get 160 litres of boot space with the soft top open and with it closed, this grows to 215 litres.
Buyers will have three different trims (Classic, Favoured and JCW) to choose from, along with 12 paint finishes. The interior comes in a choice of grey or black seats in a combination of artificial leather and textile silhouette in blue, with JCW sport seats also available in beige and Nightshade Blue synthetic leather with contrasting stitching – the JCW Trim makes it black leather with multi-colour knitted fabric on the shoulders and red stitching.
In terms of powertrains, MINI offers three 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engines for the Cooper Convertible. The entry-level Cooper C variant is rated at 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 250 Nm of torque and will get from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 km/h.
Next comes the Cooper S with 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 300 Nm that sees the century sprint time drop to 6.9 seconds and the top speed increase to 237 km/h. The company also outs a performance-oriented JCW model but did not disclose output figures in its release. All engines get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.
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