MINI Convertible (2009-2015) - Practicality & boot space

Tiny boot and impractical rear seats do the MINI Convertible no favours

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Practicality & boot space Rating

3.0 out of 5

Practicality is not the MINI Convertible's strong point. There's plenty of room for passengers up front, but what little rear room there is in the rear of the hatchback model has been squeezed further to make space for the folding roof. That means the rear seats are really only suitable for small children.

Being able to fold the roof back – either partially or all the way – at the touch of a button, naturally makes this MINI the most enjoyable version to own when the sun’s out (occasionally) in summer. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 20mph, and takes nearly 20 seconds to fully open. That's slower than the Citroen DS3 convertible's roof, which can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph. At higher speeds, although the air can swirl about in the cabin a little, buffeting is kept to acceptable levels thanks to the upright front screen, while an optional wind deflector can be added across the top of the back seats.

MINI Convertible interior space and storage

While space for the front two passengers is plentiful, the two seats in the back are so cramped that you may as well regard them as a large shelf on which to store bags, as they aren’t much use to children, let alone adults. A more pragmatic approach to the car’s layout is to regard the MINI Convertible as a two-seater – that way you won’t be disappointed by the amount of space in the rear of the car. Equally, if you need to regularly transport more than two people, then you may have to cross this car off your shortlist.

MINI Convertible boot space

The MINI convertible’s boot is very small at 125 litres and will only accommodate a pair of small bags. As a result, the rear seats basically become an overflow area for luggage. The Smart ForTwo convertible, which is a smaller car, still has a comparatively large 220 litres of boot space.

MINI Convertible towing

None of the MINI convertible models are suitable to use for towing.

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 Cooper Classic 2dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £21,305

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 Cooper Classic 2dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £21,305

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 Cooper S Classic 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £26,180

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Recommended

MINI Convertible review
Best Convertible: MINI Convertible
In-depth reviews
11 Oct 2023

MINI Convertible review

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
8 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Swoopy new Toyota Sport Crossover Concept to take on Polestar 2 in 2025
Toyota Sport Crossover Concept front-quarter
News
4 Dec 2023

Swoopy new Toyota Sport Crossover Concept to take on Polestar 2 in 2025

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023