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Quick Summary
When the standard Mini Cooper hardtop was redesigned in 2014, the convertible version remained unchanged. For the 2016 model year, the Mini Cooper Convertible has finally been updated. It's now slightly larger, yet more efficient and features a more user-friendly interior design. The fun-to-drive personality is still there; it's just a little easier to live with now.
What Is It?
The 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible is an open-top version of the standard two-door Mini. That car was redesigned for the 2014 model year. It featured a larger size, added features and improved performance compared to its predecessor. For 2016, the convertible is now based on the updated coupe, so it enjoys all of the same improvements.
The base 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible starts at $26,800 and possesses a 134-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Standard feature highlights include a power-folding three-position fabric top, a six-speed manual transmission, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, dual-zone automatic climate control and synthetic leather upholstery.
For additional performance, there's the upgraded Cooper S Convertible that starts at $30,450. For the extra cost you get a 189-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, several exterior enhancements and sport seats in front with firmer bolstering. There's also an even more extreme performance-oriented model called the John Cooper Works that features a 228-hp engine and a starting price just under $37,000.
Notable options on the Cooper Convertible include a six-speed automatic transmission, a rearview camera, navigation system, head-up display, adjustable ride control, premium audio, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Buyers can also choose from a wide array of paint colors, wheel designs and add-on graphics. For the new 2016 convertible, a Union Jack woven into the fabric top can also be added.
How Has the Interior Changed?
Even though there is an abundance of hard plastics that are typical for compact cars, Mini's unique flair for design makes it feel more special than other cars in its class. Foremost among these touches are the circular styling motif and heavy toggle switches that pay homage to the original Mini from the 1960s.
Our well-appointed Cooper S test vehicle's dash was dominated by a large 8.8-inch information display framed in a circular control pod. Entertainment and navigation operations are handled by the same dial controller found in current BMWs (Mini's parent company). The system is easy to use after a little time, but one of our biggest complaints is the positioning of the controller. Set low on the center console, it requires the driver to reach awkwardly, something that is further complicated with the armrest in place.
Unlike the previous Cooper Convertible, the 2016 redesign goes without the kitschy "Openometer" dial that keeps track of how long the convertible top stays open. That function still exists, but it's now displayed in the central infotainment screen. That screen, along with the large gauges mounted to the steering column and optional head-up display, help keep the driver's eyes on the road.
Forward visibility is excellent thanks to a tall upright windshield with narrow roof pillars, but the view out the back poses some problems. With the roof up, the small glass window surrounded by the vast fabric top leaves the driver with a lot of guesswork when backing into a spot. The top doesn't fold completely flat either, and the rear headrests also obstruct the view. Unlike the hardtop Mini Coopers, the convertible makes a strong case for the rearview camera and parking sensor option.
What About Cargo Space?
With the Mini Cooper hardtop, you actually get a surprising amount of available cargo space considering the size of the car. The convertible is not so generous, allowing only 7.6 cubic feet of space with the top up. That figure drops to 5.7 cubic feet with the top stowed.
A movable divider between the top and trunk dictates the available volume. If left in the more generous up position, the convertible top is restricted to the partial sunroof opening only.
The rear seats do fold for larger cargo, but the pass-through opening is still limiting. In a pinch, the rear deck lid can be propped partially open for taller items, though the open airflow makes it feasible for quick trips only.
Is It Comfortable?
Despite being the midlevel sporty model in the Mini lineup, the Cooper S won't punish passengers with an overly stiff ride. With the optional Dynamic Damper Control system, the driver can select a stiffer ride in Sport mode or a more compliant ride in the Mid or Green modes.
The front sport seats are well cushioned for longer trips, and provide ample lateral support when cornering. Even though the Mini's footprint is small, the tall roof and smart packaging result in an abundance of space up front. The two rear seats are much smaller, and suitable only for small passengers due to the lack of legroom and low-mounted cushions.
Even with the top open and the windows down, wind buffeting is minimal, allowing the driver and front passenger to have a conversation without having to shout. The engine and exhaust noises are more prominent, though, which can be fun given the crackles that come from the exhaust when you lift off the gas.
The convertible top itself is rather unique, as it can also be partially retracted to provide a sunroof-like opening. Opening or closing the top fully takes 18 seconds and can be done at speeds up to 18 mph by holding down a single button.
How Does It Feel on the Road?
Mini Coopers have always been known for their fun-to-drive spirit, and this new convertible is no different. Compared to the hardtop version, there's little to no discernible open-top sacrifice. The convertible gains about 200 pounds in reinforcement, but much of that weight is placed low to maintain its agility.
The manual transmission's clutch and shifter have a rubbery feel, but the easy action of the clutch makes smooth conservative getaways effortless. Nicely spaced gears also do a good job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot, so there's always plenty of power on tap when you need it.
With a claimed output of 189 hp and 207 pound-feet of torque, the Cooper S gets up to speed with ease. Mini estimates the manual version will reach 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and the automatic in 6.7 seconds. The standard Mini Cooper should be about 1.5 seconds slower.
On a mountain road, the Cooper S is an entertaining little car to toss into curves. Body roll is well managed and the tires feel solidly attached to the road, even when that surface is bumpy. The car responds quickly to your commands so you always feel in control. On Coopers with the automatic transmission, there are paddles on the wheel that you can use to change gears, a nice feature if you like the predictability of choosing your own gears.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Does It Get?
The EPA estimates the 2016 Mini Cooper S Convertible's fuel economy at 29 mpg in combined driving (25 city/34 highway) with the automatic transmission and about 2 mpg less overall with the manual. These estimates are slightly better than competitors. The standard Mini Cooper is better still, with a rating of 31 mpg in city and highway driving combined.
What Safety Features Are Available?
In addition to the typical safety features found in all new vehicles, the 2016 Mini Cooper S Convertible includes head and thorax airbags built into the front seats, and rollover protection bars that automatically deploy behind the door and rear passenger headrests. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are optional.
Why Should You Consider It?
This is a fun car to drive that offers plenty of features and respectable mileage, too. It also allows for a degree of customization in terms of colors and options that most other cars in its class can't match.
Why Should I Think Twice?
All the charm that comes with a Mini doesn't come cheap. Base prices may be comparable to other compact convertibles, but adding options to get them similarly equipped may put them slightly out of reach. Convenience and practicality suffer with most convertibles, but the Mini Cooper's small trunk and rear seats force even more sacrifices.
What Does It Compete Against?
The Volkswagen Beetle has its own retro style and charm, but comes up short when it comes to handling. It does benefit from a roomier cabin and better everyday usability, though. The Fiat 500 packs a lot of fun into its pint-size footprint but suffers from poor visibility, a lower-quality interior and disappointing fuel economy. If you're willing to pack even lighter and go without rear seats, the new Mazda Miata is at the top of our list.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Is the 2016 MINI Cooper a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2016 MINI Cooper and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2016 Cooper featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
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We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2016 MINI Cooper?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2016 MINI Cooper and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2016 Cooper 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2016 Cooper.
Review
The car runs drives great and is surprisingly smooth going down the highway at 80mph for a short wheelbase auto. My problem with MINI is their customer service after the sale. So my wife and I get 60mi outside the Dallas dealership and decide to set up the Sat radio that supposedly came with the car. After fumbling with the radio trying to find the "Sat" setting, I called my sales person back to ask where the setting was, he said he needed to call me back. A few minutes later we were informed our car is "Sat Prep" which means me as the owner has to take the car in at MY expense, buy a $150 Sat code followed by $700 to install software in my factory NAV headset. This was not explained to us prior to leaving the dealership. When we called the sales manager back to get this worked out, it was an instant "there is nothing we can do, we should have worked it into the original deal". So at that point when it came to the survey about the dealership, I wrote what happened and in a couple of days got a call from a Dewey Gatts customer relations supervisor on my voicemail to call him back. And so I did not once, but three times over the course of three days with no phone call back. Got a hold of another customer service rep who we again laid out our issue too and she sounded promising of helping out. She said if you have not heard anything in 24-48hrs call back. Again I called Dewey Gatts POC, and again straight to voicemail, so I called again, got another rep "Tara" who was quick to just say what Sat Prep means and that their is nothing they could do. I posted on MINI USA the following: "so there In addition to our previous post about some misleading advertisement about Sat Radio on our new car, we have been back and forth with MINI customer relations since we have not been able to get a call back from our case manager Dewey Gatts. We have waited the 48hrs to hear back on our case since Dewey Gatts will not call us despite the 3 different times I left my number on his voicemail to call. When we asked the customer relations rep named Tara who the relations supervisor was so we could get some resolve on our case (at this point she started telling us there is nothing they could do), she could not tell us who it was, Tara kept telling us the next level are all supervisors. What?? All departments regardless of business type have ONE person/manager who is in charge and then that Manager has someone s/he has to answer to as well. You mean to tell me you cannot tell me who your own boss is? or who your boss' boss is? MINI you have something seriously wrong in with your customer service reps if they cannot tell me who their direct line of supervisors are much less can provide a phone contact. MINI has put a huge damper on my "Motoring" experience. This type of customer service shows what MINI USA's true colors are in order to resolve an issue. If anyone is thinking of buying a MINI, you better have your homework down on what you want because MINI will use any misinterpretations to their advantage and continue to blow you off until you give up. The absolute worst customer service I have ever dealt with. I so should have bought a Fiat 500 or Chevy Spark that I was looking at in conjunction to this car. I know Ford, Dodge, and Chevy customer relations at least make an effort to right a wrong. MINI you have just lost a customer, we were planning to trade our Ram 1500 in next year for a Countryman but that will absolutely not happen at this point, I will stick with American or Japanese for next purchase".
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2016 MINI Cooper
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Is the 2016 Mini Cooper safe?
The 2016 Mini Cooper earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2016 MINI Cooper?
Available MINI Cooper 2016 Submodel Types: Hatchback, Convertible, John Cooper Works, S
Available Trims: S, Base, John Cooper Works
Exterior Colors: Pepper White, Chili Red, Midnight Black Metallic, Blazing Red Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic, Pure Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Volcanic Orange, White Silver Metallic, Dark Silver Metallic, Lightning Blue Metallic, Sparkling Silver Metallic, British Racing Green II Metallic, Eclipse Gray Metallic, Iced Chocolate Metallic, Spice Orange Metallic, Thunder Gray Metallic, Laser Blue Metallic, Oxygen Blue, Astro Black Metallic, Horizon Blue Metallic , Hyper Blue Metallic, British Racing Green II, Electric Blue Metallic, Highclass Gray Metallic, Ice Blue, Interchange Yellow, Mellow Yellow, Moonwalk Gray Metallic, Velvet Silver Metallic, Hot Chocolate Metallic, Melting Silver Metallic, Kite Blue Metallic, Lapisluxury Blue, Indi Blue Metallic, Jet Black, Caribbean Aqua Metallic, John Cooper Works Rebel Green, Liquid Yellow, Purple Haze Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Solid Gold Metallic
Interior Colors: Checkered Carbon Black/Black cloth, Carbon Black Cross Punch leather, Double Stripe Carbon Black premium cloth, Carbon Black leather/sueded microfiber, Checkered Carbon Black/Carbon Black cloth, Carbon Black SensaTec leatherette, Carbon Black leatherette, Grey/Carbon Black leatherette, Carbon Black leather/cloth, Black Pearl leatherette/cloth, Panther Black/Panther Black, Lounge Carbon Black leather, Black Pearl leather/cloth, Black/Panther Black, MINI Yours Carbon Black Lounge leather, Black/Panther Black leatherette, Gravity Tuscan Beige leather, Panther Black Leather, Diamond Carbon Black leather/cloth, Gray/Black leatherette, Malt Brown Chesterfield leather, Pacific Blue/Carbon Black leather/cloth, Punch Carbon Black leather, Black/Black leatherette, Diamond Satellite Gray leather/cloth, Gravity Polar Beige leather, Gray/Carbon Black leatherette, Polar Beige Gravity leather, Carbon Black Lounge leather, Cordoba Beige, Gravity Tuscan Beige/Tuscan Beige leather, Lounge Dark Truffle leather, Lounge Hot Chocolate leather, Lounge Toffee leather, Panther Black leather, Red/Carbon Black leather/cloth, Satellite Grey Lounge leather, Space Gray/Magnesium Gray, Space Gray/Panther Black, Toffee Lounge leather, Carbon Black Dinamica/Cloth leather/cloth, Carbon Black Punch leather, Cross Check Toffee/Carbon Black leather/cloth, Dark Truffle Cross Punch leather, Gray/Black, John Cooper Works Black Checkered cloth, Lapis Blue/Magnesium Gray, Lounge Classic Green leather, Lounge Redwood Red/Redwood Red leather, MINI Yours Satellite Grey Lounge leather, Malt Brown leather, Panther Black/Gray, Panther Black/Panther Black leather, Polar Beige/Carbon Black Cross Check leather/cloth, Ray Rooster Red/Carbon Black leather/cloth, Rooster Red/Carbon Black leather/cloth, Space Gray/Panther Black cloth
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Post-collision safety system, Trip Computer, Aux Audio Inputs, Stability Control, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, USB Inputs, Automatic Emergency Braking, Soft Top, Heated seats, Parking sensors, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Stereo, Keyless Entry/Start, Navigation, Alarm, Back-up camera, Heads up display
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 3 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
