MINI Convertible: Top down, spirits up

Drives like a go-kart; looks like a high-tech, high-fashion accessory

December 20, 2025 00:40 IST

New MINI Cooper S Hits Streets at ₹58.5 Lakh

In a country that loves SUVs and big cars, a tiny hatchback can be an absolute head turner, especially when you open its roof. The MINI Convertible – just launched for Rs 58.5 lakh, ex-showroom – is India’s most affordable open-top car. It’s small, impractical, won’t move your family or furniture, but can move your soul. It’s not even a car, but a high-tech, high-fashion accessory for a select few.

How’s the design?

The MINI silhouette is the most recognisable in the automotive world – iconic round headlights fitted into a newly designed grille, MINI logo projection on the ground when you open the door, tyres at extreme ends of the car, two doors, and the ready-to-pounce stance of a cat. It’s available in four colours – shades of green, red, yellow, and ocean green.

How’s the cabin?

It’s tight – front seats have average legroom, and rear seats are for kids (or luggage). It has a tiny boot (160-215 litres) that can take a couple of shoulder bags. Headroom is limited with the roof closed, but unlimited with the roof open.

The cockpit stands out, with its round OLED display. Called the MINI Interaction Unit, it combines the functions of an instrument cluster and a central display. Head-up display projects relevant information directly in the driver’s line of sight (on the windscreen), and the Harman Kardon sound system is good.

How does it drive?

With the MINI Experience Modes, you can choose how the car behaves – from the race-inspired ‘Go-Kart Mode’ to the energy-saving ‘Green Mode’ or the lively ‘Vivid Mode’.

It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (204 bhp, 300 Nm) mated to 7-speed double-clutch automatic transmission. The car is quick (0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds), but feels quicker because of its tiny size and light weight. Because its wheels are located at extreme ends (like a go-kart) and because it has a low centre of gravity, handling is extremely sharp, and even while cornering there is absolutely no body roll – it feels like you’re on rails. It also rewards a good driver with its accurate steering inputs.

What about the roof?

It’s a soft top (made of a canvas-like material), but is dustproof, weatherproof, waterproof, and to an extent soundproof. At the touch of a button and if the car’s speed is less the 30 km/h, the roof opens in 18 seconds (giving you infinite headroom), and closes in 15 seconds. It can also be partially opened to act like a sunroof, at any speed.

Is it practical?

In most Indian weather conditions and urban areas (with high AQI), the MINI Convertible is a highly-impractical car – if you won’t be able to drive it open-top, what’s the point of driving it? We drove it in a clean Jaisalmer environment, but let’s be honest, the buyer of this car is sitting in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad. However, even in our urban areas, there are times of a year/week and places where such a car can be enjoyed – early Sunday morning in Lutyens Delhi in February, post-monsoon drives in Lonavala, anytime of the year north/south of Bengaluru, and during mild winters in Hyderabad. One thing is certain, a car like this will make you explore your city and nearby places – if you’ve spent so much, you’d like to find a place where you can enjoy much more.

Lastly, the MINI Convertible is a luxury toy, but this toy comes with two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and the peace of mind of BMW India’s large service network.