MINI Cooper Convertible

MSRP: $23,900 - $34,300

For those unfamiliar with the brand, the2009 MINI Cooper Convertible a two-door2009 MINI Cooper Convertible that, despite recent size increases, is still one of the smallest vehicles available for sale in the United States. The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible and its naturally aspirated base model brother hide their diminutive size well, however, thanks to styling that ConsumerGuide says "[brims] with character." The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup is "available in mild, medium and caliente flavors, officially designated as the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works edition" models, according to Autoblog reviewers. The styling across the lineup is virtually identical, however, and all three models boast a 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible top that Road & Track says "can be fully opened in just 15 sec. at speeds of up to 20 mph."

In keeping with the all-new theme for this2009 MINI Cooper Convertible a couple of exterior changes materialize. Autoblog points out that "the nose is a bit higher and rounder, but still utterly familiar and instantly recognizable as a 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible" Motor Trend also reports that the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible "silhouette seems longer and sleeker, although no change to its length has been made." Rather, the roofline has been lowered and the side windows enlarged, which gives the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible the slightly more aerodynamic look. One feature that carries over from the previous generation of 2009 MINI Cooper Convertibleis the sunroof function of the2009 MINI Cooper Convertible top. Autoblog reviewers find that if you "press the switch above the mirror...the portion of the roof above the front seats slides back," leaving the rear roof in place but opening up the cabin directly above the front occupants.

Interior styling on the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup can vary wildly according to personal preference, as Automobile Magazine reports "more than a dozen interior trim choices," including "two- or three-spoke steering wheels." Some reviewers surveyed by TheCarConnection.com continue to be turned off by ending quest for retro styling; for example, Motor Trend mentions the "questionable ergonomics" of the interior. The most dominant characteristics of the2009 MINI Cooper Convertible interior, like that of the rest of the lineup, is the "center-mounted speedometer" that Cars.com reviewers report is the same as the one found in the hardtop model (first-gen 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible had their own unique speedometers).

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MINI Cooper Convertible

MSRP: $21,950 - $25,400

The Mini cooper convertible 2008 version of the Cooper Mini cooper convertible 2008 falls into a special category of car, Car and Driver says: “They attract attention mostly for their snappy styling." The Mini cooper convertible 2008 always been "replete with British charm," as Edmunds says in their review, and theMini cooper convertible 2008 no exception. It does the unimaginable: It takes the effortless fun of the hatchback and one-ups it with a roof that lowers or opens like a sunroof. The basic Mini cooper convertible 2008 is left mostly undisturbed--a good thing--but the Mini cooper convertible 2008roof does slope a little at the rear, adding to the retro style. And as Motor Trend notes, “the colorfulMini cooper convertible 2008 is irresistible.”

Not only is the outside of the car appealing, but the interior of the Mini cooper convertible 2008 continues the retro funk that very few cars achieve. Edmunds raves, "the modernistic interior is a design student's dream," reminding one of this car's appeal for younger generations, while still maintaining its old fan base as well. Cars.com reports that “the interior shares the same whimsical design as the hardtop, characterized by a large speedometer in the middle of the dashboard rather than in front of the steering wheel — which seems to drive some people into a rage.”

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2007 Mini Cooper - Short Take Road Test

It's no secret that this office is a citadel of the "more power is always better" motoring philosophy. It colors our test-car priorities and tints our comparo results. It's why we rush the latest Mini Cooper S to the test track ["Power Toys," May 2007] and treat the ordinary Cooper as an afterthought.

We make no apologies for these proclivities. But we do recognize that max haste isn't a max priority for everyone. And for those folks, the latest Mini Cooper is a lovely update on a lovable original: subliminally bigger, a little more powerful, and, remarkably, a little lighter.

The Mini is now 0.2 inch narrower. The wheelbase is still 97.1 inches, but the overall length gets an increase to 145.6 inches, a gain of 1.7 inches. The back seat is still suitable only for house elves, but the cockpit does feel a little less snug. Looks a little more refined, too, even if some of us carp about the toggle switches, the center-dash speedo, and the flimsy sunroof shade.

Although the exterior has been subtly reshaped, the most tangible update is what lies beneath. A 1.6-liter Peugeot/BMW joint venture Valvetronic DOHC 16-valve four replaces the previous Chrysler/BMW four, mated, in this tester, to a Getrag six-speed manual, versus the older Cooper's five-speed. The new engine's output-118 horsepower, 114 pound-feet of torque versus 115 and 111-isn't much higher, and at 2555 pounds, this Cooper scaled in just 36 pounds lighter than a test car in July 2002.

But all the little gains show up on the clocks: 7.7 seconds to 60 mph and 16.3 at 85 mph in the quarter-mile versus 8.3 seconds and 16.6 at 83 mph for that 2002 car. The EPA city fuel rating is slightly worse-27 mpg city versus 28 for the old car, but that's because the '08 EPA test is tougher.

So, it's a more desirable base Mini Cooper: riding smoother on rough stuff than the S, equally brisk in its responses, and just as impressive in braking performance. One cautionary note: At an estimated $19,000, the Cooper rates as a bargain. But at about $25,500, our test car was in Cooper S territory. Careful with those options boxes. For example, are you really willing to pay $950 for a satellite-radio outfit that supports Howard Stern? Didn't think so.

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