DS 3 Cabrio vs Fiat 500C vs Mini Convertible

Can the new, more grown-up Mini Convertible steal style conscious buyers from the DS 3 and Fiat 500C?...

Published07 June 2015

Our Verdict

It didn’t take much time in these convertibles for us to learn the Mini was easily the best of the bunch. It has a grown-up, solid feel that backs up the premium badge and justifies its cost. The Cooper version is fun yet polished to drive, holds its value well, is available with some attractive finance deals and gets a decent amount of standard kit. It’s also the most refined of our trio despite being the only true convertible here.

The DS 3 is beginning to feel a little outpaced now, despite some recent styling tweaks and an identity change (losing the Citroën badging) earlier this year. The body flexes and shudders on poorly finished roads, and the controls and gearshift feel sloppy and vague. The DS 3 might have a great engine, decent handling and the best space and practicality here, but it looks expensive whichever way you buy. On top of that, it can’t match the Mini’s classy interior and it’s predicted to depreciate far quicker.

The ever-popular Fiat 500C remains desirable thanks to its effortlessly chic styling, but even its low costs can’t save it from being outclassed here. It’s difficult to find a comfortable driving position due to limited adjustment, the dashboard feels cheap, the performance and refinement are seriously lagging, and the handling is too soft.

It’s fun in its own way, but if you like the 500C you’d be better off going for one of the cheaper trim and engine variants. Looking at it objectively, the Twinair model is hard to recommend.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

After a sportier alternative?