Mini Convertible review

How’s the weather looking if you glance out of your window right now? If you’re reading this in the UK, the chances are that it’s overcast, perhaps drizzly and with a cold bite to the breeze. If the sun happens to be shining, you’ve definitely struck it lucky, and it’s on days like these that the Mini Convertible really comes to life. 

It’s our collective yearning for sunny days that makes Britain one of the biggest markets in the world for convertible cars, and you’ll find small offerings like the Mini and its Fiat 500C rival being enjoyed all year round – often roof-down in even the chilliest conditions – their warmly dressed occupants keen to capitalise on whatever sunshine they can catch.

But thanks to being based on the three-door version of the Mini hatchback, the Mini Convertible isn’t simply a car for fun days out and holidays; it can function just fine as an everyday car. You can keep things relatively cheap by going for the entry-level Cooper, or splash out on the seriously nippy 230bhp John Cooper Works model. And there are various trim levels and option packs to tailor the level of luxury your Mini Convertible offers.

But with only petrol engines to choose from, is the Mini rather old-hat compared with the electric Fiat 500 Cabrio? And is the slightly larger Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet a better buy? Read on to find out, and don’t forget to check out our New Car Buying service for a great deal on whichever new car you end up deciding to buy.