MINI Convertible (2009-2015) - Interior & comfort

MINI Convertible dashboard

Even with the roof up, wind and road noise are quite intrusive in the MINI Convertible, but that’s always going to be the case when there’s only a fabric hood between you and the elements.

Ignoring the noise issue, the roof is actually very impressive, folding down very quickly and storing itself neatly on top of the boot. Once it’s down, you’re at the mercy of the wind, which swirls around the interior, especially on faster roads. This may be the very experience many buyers are looking for in a convertible, but if you’re after something super-serene and refined, you might need to reconsider.

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If you choose to have the 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, the already firm ride gets even harsher and life in the cabin will become too uncomfortable for some. At the very least we’d recommend avoiding the larger wheels if comfort is important to you.

Comfort aside, the convertible is just like the MINI hatchback, so there’s great space up front for the driver and passenger and virtually no space in the small back seats for anything other than a laptop bag and a small dog.

The added expense of the MINI compared to its rivals does get you a high-quality, well-appointed interior. The new version of the MINI hatchback may have taken the finish and practicality of the MINI’s interior a new level, but the interior of the most recent convertible is still a pleasure to sit in and to use.

MINI Convertible equipment

The entry-level MINI One comes with 15-inch steel wheels, 50:50 split-folding rear seats, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity and DAB digital radio, plus electric windows and door mirrors.

Going for a MINI Cooper or Cooper D gets you 15-inch alloy wheels, a chrome-plated exhaust pipe and radiator grille, as well as ‘Minimalism’ technology (which includes a stop-start system, brake energy regeneration and a light to tell you when to change gear).

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The MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD add to the Cooper spec with equipment that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather sports steering wheel, stainless-steel pedal covers, sports seats, twin exhaust pipes and chequered cloth upholstery.

The range-topping John Cooper Works model adds to the Cooper S and SD specification with 17-inch alloy wheels, an Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel, traction control, LED front foglights and a model-specific interior design.

A special Highgate package designed to give the car an exclusive feel was also introduced for the MINI Convertible. It consists of a style pack for the interior, as well as special colours for the paintwork and fabric roof. It can be added to all models in the range apart from the John Cooper Works.

MINI Convertible options

If you’re contemplating an investigation of the options available with the MINI Convertible, clear your diary for the next few days and take the phone off the hook, because you’ll need plenty of time to get through the extensive array of equipment and accessories.

MINI as a brand was something of an early pioneer in the drive to offer customers various ways of personalising their cars and that continues to this day.

Basic optional equipment like sat nav and leather seats are among the most popular and desirable extras. There are a huge number of graphics, trim upgrades and paint choices for the outside of the car, plus coloured accents to brighten up the interior of basic models.

Most buyers will choose one of the main option packs, which offer a range of features. The Pepper Pack provides height adjustment for the driver’s seat, a sports steering wheel and interior mood lighting. The Chili Pack provides half-leather upholstery, front sports seats and a multifunction steering wheel, among other features.