What's New
The 2020 Mini Convertible receives a major boost in standard equipment. All models now come with Active Driving Assistant, a bundle of safety features that includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. New wheel and upholstery choices are also available.
Choosing Your Mini Convertible
The Mini Convertible lineup comprises three trims: Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works. Pricing starts at $29,250 including destination for the Cooper and climbs to $39,250 for the John Cooper Works.
Each version is available in three nearly identical subtrims: Classic, Signature, and Iconic.
Signature models add heated seats, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights for $3,000 (Cooper), $3,500 (Cooper S), or $1,500 (John Cooper Works) over the Classic. The Iconic brings those features plus navigation, Apple CarPlay, and leather upholstery for $7,000 (Cooper and Cooper S) or $6,500 (John Cooper Works) over the Classic.
Engine Choices
The Cooper Convertible runs with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S gets a turbo four-cylinder motor. The John Cooper Works carries a high-output version of the four-cylinder.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
1.5L Turbo 3-Cylinder | 134 hp | 162 lb-ft | 31 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 189 hp | 206 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 228 hp | 235 lb-ft | 28 mpg |
The first two engines use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but the John Cooper Works' four-cylinder is paired with an eight-speed automatic. According to Mini, the Cooper scoots from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works do it in 6.7 and 6.3 seconds, respectively.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Mini Convertible is rated to seat four, but the near absence of rear leg room makes it a two-seater in practice. The rear seat works well as a cushy cargo shelf, a good thing since the trunk is minuscule at 5.7 cubic feet.
Safety Features
The newly standard Active Driving Assistant furnishes every Mini Convertible with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Rear parking sensors are also standard.
The Driver Assistance Package, available on the Signature and Iconic for $1,000, adds front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and an automated parking system.
Connectivity
The Mini Convertible starts with a colorful 6.5-inch infotainment display, six speakers, a USB port. Signature models can equip an 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay (Android Auto isn't offered), and wireless charging through the $1,700 Touchscreen Navigation Package. These features are standard on Iconic Convertibles.
Cooper - From $29,250
Even in standard Classic trim, the Cooper comes thoroughly equipped with automatic wipers, ambient interior lighting, heated side mirrors, push button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette SensaTec upholstery, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Heated front seats are optional at $500.
The Signature's Premium Package ($1,500) adds a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors, and chrome exterior trim. Leather seats and upgraded interior finishes come in the $2,000 Upholstery Package. All these goodies are standard on the Iconic.
Cooper S - From $33,250
The Cooper S gets the 189-hp four-cylinder turbo engine, plus front sport seats, 16-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, paddle shifters, and sporty exterior accents.
A $500 dynamic damper control system that lets you adjust the suspension is available on Signature and Iconic models, while the Signature's Premium Package costs $1,750 here.
John Cooper Works - From $39,250
Along with the 228-hp four-cylinder engine, the John Cooper Works carries a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a sport steering wheel, additional seat bolstering, and LED headlights and taillights.
Compare Convertible Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Mini Convertible is agile and fun no matter how it's equipped. Whether to upgrade beyond the three-cylinder Cooper is a matter how dedicated you are to performance and handling.