MINI Convertible (2009 – 2015) Review

MINI Convertible (2009 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Highly desirable and very pretty. Handles well even with the roof down. Lower emissions than previous MINI Convertible. Air conditioning now standard.

-Options can easily add quite a lot to the final price.

Insurance Groups are between 14–32
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

The second generation MINI Convertible is slightly lighter and narrower than the original model yet has sightly more boot space. Another change is the pop-up rather than fixed rear roll bars, giving the Convertible a much cleaner look. At launch, the new MINI Convertible was available as a Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW but in 2010, a MINI One Convertible was added followed by the 2.0-litre Cooper SD. 

Refined and mature it may be, but all MINI Convertible models are good fun to drive, with all the grip you'd need on the road. It has a desirable image and strong residuals.

Real MPG average for a MINI Convertible (2009 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

27–63 mpg

MPGs submitted

104

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What compact convertibles would be a suitable replacement for a Fiat 500C?

"Is there another small convertible to rival my ageing Fiat 500C? I want something that is just as compact, has a back seat to take a dog or small people and, unlike the MINI convertible, looks nice! Budget flexible."
You can get a Citroen C1 Airscape, a Peugeot 108 Airscape and a Renault Twingo with a full length canvas sunroof. All significantly cheaper new than a FIAT 500C.
Answered by Honest John

Should I fit non-runflats to my MINI?

"I'm replacing all four runflats (195/55 R16 87H) on my MINI Cooper Convertible (2010) with non-runflats to reduce costs and improve driving comfort. I'm looking at 'Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance' summer tyres as they're good value and have excellent wet grip and fuel efficiency ratings. Do you think these are suitable summer tyres or can you suggest better ones in the same price bracket?"
Good, fairly quiet and economical tyres. Not much road feel. Fitted to the Peugeot I am currently running. But they won't save your life it you get a puncture on a motorway. Runflats will, because you don't have to stop on the hard shoulder.
Answered by Honest John

MINI Convertible - which model is best?

"My wife wants a MINI Convertible and has decided the plain Cooper and Chilli pack will be the best choice. Also, since I will sometimes drive it too and given that I normally cannot find my way out of a paper bag, I was thinking of adding navigation as an accessory. However, MINI want £1040 for it, why do they charge so much?"
MINI convertibles are the 2nd generation R56 model, not the new 3rd generation MINI which is a vastly better car than the 2nd generation MINI, with more character, better handling, better performance and lower emissions. So if you buy a 2nd generation MINI convertible, buy a 2-3 year old used one, not a new one.
Answered by Honest John

Getting a small lease car - which is best?

"I'm looking to get a lease car. I'm interested in a medium size hatchback such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Mini. What do you suggest I get?"
In its class, nothing better than a Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 125, preferably a Zetec. Going cheap as a buy via http://www.drivethedeal.com For a lease, try http://www.lingscars.co.uk
Answered by Honest John
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