Despite a modest weight gain of 100kg the topless model can still handle and just like the tin-top version delivers buckets of fun. Not only is this four-seater the ‘must have’ soft-top of the year but it is value, too. Unlike some ‘rag-tops’ the cute convertible will remain a rock solid investment that you’ll want to pass on through the family for generations.
Okay, it’s clear I am a huge MINI fan, but looking dispassionately at the car, it is a well thought-out package that features a very rigid bodyshell and a clever electric folding roof that is almost over engineered.
The ‘Z’ folding hood has a sunroof stage prior to full retraction that, to be honest, is pretty pointless as it just creates a lot of wind noise. The roof folds very quickly (you could do it at traffic lights) and there is an optional wind deflector in place (it sits in position behind the front seats).
Now, most people hate the look of these pop-up mesh wind deflectors as they ruin a car’s profile but on a recent spin down to Cannes in a ‘hot orange’ MINI Cooper (how subtle is that?), I must admit the foldable deflector allowed serious motorway speeds to be maintained. There was absolutely no fuss in the cabin, unlike some open-top cars that do great impressions of a suddenly depressurised airliner.
That said, when you need to put people in the rear seats the knack needed to fold up the deflector screen (it is similar to the Beetle cabrio’s) and stow it in the tiny boot requires the skills of Prof. Rubik and I could solve the ‘Cube’ in 32 seconds!
The MINI is safe, too, as most open-top cars have a lower centre of gravity than the tin-top version. In fact, you are more likely to roll in a hard-roofed car. The convertible features insurance friendly additional roll-over protection. The floor, ‘A’ pillars, sills and doors have all been strengthened while very strong integrated head restraint hoops dominate the rear of the car. The hoops compromise the MINI’s profile but they do make the car very sturdy.
The MINI convertible is available in ‘One’, ‘Cooper’ and ‘Cooper S’ guises, with Cooper and ‘S’ my choice for more enthusiastic drivers. The MINI convertible appeals on so many levels and I can’t recommend it enough. If you have lost the will to live take it for a test drive and you’ll be revitalised.
MINI Open approximately €27,000.
- Michael Sheridan
RTÉ Guide
