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2009 MINI Cooper Convertible Review

June 4, 2009

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

MINI design team, forty-some strong, has done excellent work
Automobile Magazine

Convertible roof can be fully opened in just 15 sec. at speeds of up to 20 mph
Road & Track

Standard Openometer that tracks how much time you've driven with the top down
Cars.com

MINI's 2009 convertible lineup is the first based on the second-generation MINI platform, but despite the styling differences, this 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is still instantly recognizable as purely MINI.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is a two-door convertible that, despite recent size increases, is still one of the smallest vehicles available for sale in the United States. The MINI Cooper S 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 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 this 2009 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 MINI." Motor Trend also reports that the MINI Cooper S Convertible's "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 MINI Convertibles is the sunroof function of the 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 MINI 2009 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 MINI's never-ending quest for retro styling; for example, Motor Trend mentions the "questionable ergonomics" of the interior. The most dominant characteristics of the MINI Cooper S Convertible's interior, like that of the rest of the convertible lineup, is the "center-mounted speedometer" that Cars.com reviewers report is the same as the one found in the hardtop model (first-gen convertibles had their own unique speedometers).

New for 2009 is a gauge unique to the convertible that MINI has christened the Openometer, a device that Cars.com says will track "how much time you've driven with the top down." While the gauge doesn't serve any really useful purpose, it does fit right in with the rest of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible's unorthodox styling.

Conclusion

The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is different, to be sure, but despite some questionable interior ergonomic decisions, the whole package works to great effect.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:MINI design team, forty-some strong, has done excellent workAutomobile MagazineConvertible roof can be fully opened in just 15 sec. at speeds of up to 20 mphRoad & TrackStandard Openometer that tracks how much time you've driven with the top downCars.com MINI's 2009 convertible lineup is the first based on the second-generation MINI platform, but despite the styling differences, this 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is still instantly recognizable as purely MINI. For those unfamiliar with the brand, the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is a two-door convertible that, despite recent size increases, is still one of the smallest vehicles available for sale in the United States. The MINI Cooper S 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 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 this 2009 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 MINI." Motor Trend also reports that the MINI Cooper S Convertible's "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 MINI Convertibles is the sunroof function of the 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 MINI 2009 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 MINI's never-ending quest for retro styling; for example, Motor Trend mentions the "questionable ergonomics" of the interior. The most dominant characteristics of the MINI Cooper S Convertible's interior, like that of the rest of the convertible lineup, is the "center-mounted speedometer" that Cars.com reviewers report is the same as the one found in the hardtop model (first-gen convertibles had their own unique speedometers). New for 2009 is a gauge unique to the convertible that MINI has christened the Openometer, a device that Cars.com says will track "how much time you've driven with the top down." While the gauge doesn't serve any really useful purpose, it does fit right in with the rest of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible's unorthodox styling. ConclusionThe 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is different, to be sure, but despite some questionable interior ergonomic decisions, the whole package works to great effect. 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE STYLING | [9 out of 10] Automobile Magazine: " MINI design team, forty-some strong, has done excellent work" Road & Track: " Convertible roof can be fully opened in just 15 sec. at speeds of up to 20 mph" Cars.com: "Standard Openometer that tracks how ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

As an extremely unique, classically styled, not inexpensive little open-air coupe, the MINI Cooper Convertible proves a challenge when finding a competitive set. But the Ford Mustang Convertible pops to mind; while the Mustang's muscle car mission contrasts with the MINI's less-is-more ethos, the Mustang possesses style in droves and offers an exciting driving experience—with less fuel efficiency and more weight. The Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible hews close to the classic Beetle's shape, but offers much more charm than it does fun driving dynamics. Or if you yearn for a convertible but don't want to make the sacrifices of driving a soft top in winter, consider the Volkswagen Eos and its wonderful, tight retractable hardtop. The Eos is neither that sporty-feeling to drive or particularly head-turning, though. Finally, you could consider a classic roadster, such as the Mazda Miata. Though it comes only as a two-seater, it's perhaps the closest to the MINI Cooper's lightweight joy, its controls and responses a seeming extension of the driver's wishes.

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See the MINI Cooper Convertible in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  Kingoftheroad88 #1, Posted: 10/12/2009

    The greatest thing about this car is its cockpit!!! Outer design is also not bad!

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