Verdict
At RM318,888, the MINI Convertible costs RM3,288 more than the Toyota GR Yaris, yet takes a very different route. The MINI brings a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 215-litre boot and 360-degree camera, but its 204 hp, 300 Nm and 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time trail the GR Yaris’ 296 hp, 400 Nm and 5.2 seconds. Malaysian buyers chasing pace get all-wheel drive and 5-year warranty cover in the Toyota; the MINI makes more sense for its convertible body, automatic gearbox and richer parking equipment. Its RM379 annual road tax is also RM172 higher.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you want a convertible with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 215-litre boot and 360-degree parking camera.
Pick the Toyota GR Yaris if you want 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: MINI Convertible RM318,888; Toyota GR Yaris RM315,600.
- Performance: MINI Convertible 204 hp, 300 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds; Toyota GR Yaris 296 hp, 400 Nm and 5.2 seconds.
- Driveline and gearbox: MINI Convertible front-wheel drive with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; Toyota GR Yaris all-wheel drive with 6-speed manual.
- Boot space: MINI Convertible 215 litres; Toyota GR Yaris 174 litres.
- Warranty: MINI Convertible 2 years plus extendable 2 years; Toyota GR Yaris 5 years.
- Annual road tax: MINI Convertible RM379; Toyota GR Yaris RM207.
Convertible
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifts
- 215-litre boot and 360-degree view monitor
- 9.4-inch OLED display with Harman Kardon sound system
- Slower 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.2 seconds
- 204 hp and 300 Nm trail the GR Yaris’ 296 hp and 400 Nm
- RM379 annual road tax versus RM207
GR Yaris
- 296 hp, 400 Nm and 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- All-wheel drive with Torsen front and rear limited-slip differentials
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- 6-speed manual instead of the MINI’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 174-litre boot versus the MINI’s 215 litres
- No navigation, head-up display or auto parking
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM318,888 | RM315,600✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM207✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 296 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 87 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed Steptronic Transmission | 6MT |
| Gears | 7 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.9 seconds | 5.2 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 237 km/h✓ | 230 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,879 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,744 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,431 mm | 1,455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,495 mm | 2,560 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,280 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 44 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 215 litres✓ | 174 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/40R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/40R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | United Kingdom (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 18" Night Flash Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Night Flash Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Torsen Front and Rear Limited-slip Differential, Performance-tuned Springs, Dampers and Steering, User-selectable Torque Split, Rev Matching |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 50:50 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System | 7" Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, AUX and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Flip Switch | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 2 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Convertible & GR Yaris for sale
Convertible vs GR Yaris FAQ
Is the MINI Convertible or Toyota GR Yaris better?
The Toyota GR Yaris is better for outright performance, with 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and 5.2-second acceleration to 100 km/h. Choose the MINI Convertible for its automatic transmission, convertible body, larger boot and 360-degree camera.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Convertible costs RM3,288 more than the Toyota GR Yaris.
Which has the better warranty?
The Toyota GR Yaris has the longer standard manufacturer warranty at five years. The MINI Convertible has two years of cover, with a repair-inclusive extension available for a further two years.