Mini Convertible test drive: check these fun features out

By Stuart Johnston 

The Mini convertible is all about fun, rather than practicality and the Mini convertible is one of the most successful, best-selling vehicles of this type ever produced. In its latest guise, there are a host of features that you should check out when you take one for a test drive. 

 

Here are our top 10 fun features for the Mini Convertible.

1. The feature that’s going to interest you the most is the convertible top. The Mini’s top is opened and closed by using an electric switch on the panel above the central rear view mirror. The top folds up or down in 18 seconds and can also be operated on-the-move, but at speeds below 30 km/h.

2. The top can be rolled back partially to create a sunroof mode, again by operating the overhead button.

3. With the convertible top closed, the rear section can be clipped up to a certain degree, to enable you to more easily load luggage in the  tiny boot.

4. The Mini Convertible is available in Cooper form with a 100 kW three-cylinder 1,5-litre engine, or in Cooper S form with a 141 kW two-litre four cylinder engine. Both engines are turbocharged petrol units. For a review on the  potent 2016 John Cooper Works Convertible (not yet available n revised, up-dated form), click here.

5. You can only order a Cooper or Cooper S Convertible with a seven speed dual-clutch gearbox (which operates like an automatic gearbox). A six-speed manual gearbox is  available in the hatchback (steel roof) versions of the Mini, but not in the convertible. By ordering a so-called Sports Auto version of the Cooper S Convertible Automatic, you get paddle shifters for the transmission, at an extra cost of just over R 3 200.

6. LED lights with automatic dimming and road-side illumination on dim are optional extras that can be ordered. Ths is an excellent safety feature.

7. Standard features are LED taillights with a cute Union Jack Logo in the light pattern. Following a Min Convertible at night is like following two Union Jack flags! Fun.

8. You can personalise the illumination of the interior of your Mini convertible, by adding different illumination colours that surround the central infotainment module and the passenger-side dash board embellisher .

9. One-off personalised trim items can be ordered from new or retro-fitted to your Min Convertible. These items include small replacement features such as indicator repeater lenses on the front fenders that you could order with your name printed on the lens. Or you may choose some other personalised motif. Other items on this  program, known as the Mini Yours Customised program, include decorative strips for the dashboard, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors. So you could have you name shone on the ground next to your car when you open the door at night! This is made possible by 3D printing technology and can be ordered online or through your Min dealership.

10. A special Piano Black finish can be ordered, substituting this classy high- gloss black finish for chrome on items such as the headlight surrounds, tail light surrounds and radiator grille.