MINI Convertible Convertible interior, tech and comfort
- MINI’s quirky cabin is well built
- Looks quite busy, but easy to use
- Driving position is spot on
How is the quality and layout?
The MINI Convertible’s interior retains the quirky feel of the rest of the range with friendly circular graphics and toggle switches.
Dash plastics and materials are of high quality, while the seats are on the firm side of comfortable (but impressively supportive), and there’s a lot of adjustment to hone the right driving position.
The layout mostly makes sense – there’s a range of toggle switches either side of the starter button, and physical controls above that so you don’t have to rely on the screen for everything. The screen itself is high-quality, though you interact with it using a scroll wheel that’s placed just a little too far back to be comfortable.
The instrument binnacle is the same as is fitted to the MINI Electric and it’s not bright enough to overcome sunshine – quite the issue in a convertible.
Infotainment and tech
An 8.8-inch infotainment screen is standard fitment. It works really well. Everything will be intuitive to anyone who can work a smartphone, and it’s razor-sharp with inputs so there’s no second guessing. Apple CarPlay is standard but there’s no Android Auto at all.
Elsewhere, the optional driving mode selector is operated by a toggle switch alongside the starter button.
The clever instrument binnacle behind the steering wheel (above) moves when you adjust the wheel, ensuring it’s always ideally placed.
An optional head-up display also reduces the need for the driver to avert their eyes from the road. Admittedly, this is on a cheap piece of plastic rather than beamed onto the windscreen directly.
Comfort
- The Convertible is a fairly comfortable cruiser
- Roof-down refinement is better than you might expect
- Engines are all punchy, but ride can be fidgety
The MINI Convertible is generally very refined with both three-cylinder Cooper and four-cylinder Cooper S engines being smooth throughout. It helps that they sound good when you stretch them, rather than sounding unpleasant.
The fabric hood operates almost silently, and suppresses noise from surrounding traffic when raised. There is, however, some wind noise at the top of the side windows at speed.
With it down, refinement is surprisingly impressive. With the windows raised, there’s much less wind buffeting, and as you sit low in the car, you’re protected from the breeze. Specify a wind deflector and things improve further – this simply clips in over the back seats.
A further plus to comfort is the excellent front seats. With extendable squabs and plenty of lumbar support, they adjust a long way back for taller drivers and prove supportive over long trips. The same can’t be said of the tiny back seats, but they’re more for luggage or for occasional use.
