What's Different from the MINI Convertible?

The MINI Coupe, a two-door, two-seater coupe, was created by completely discarding the versatile utility of the base model, the three-door hatchback. Considering how the expanding variations of MINI have consistently prioritized everyday practicality, its outlier status stands out.

This is also true for its styling. Even within the MINI family, where a contrasting roof color is a design prerequisite, the Coupe's roof feels particularly incongruous. While they may have intentionally aimed for an unstable appearance, like a hardtop has been fitted, it also evokes an homage to the classic lightweight sports cars of Britain, MINI's spiritual homeland.


In other words, if the MINI Coupe occupies a fixed-head coupe-like position, then the Roadster is what belongs there. As if to say, 'We know that already,' the MINI Roadster, which arrived almost simultaneously with the Coupe, requires us to appreciate its playful spirit to discern its differences from the existing Convertible. If the latter is an alternative to a three-door hatchback that can handle everything, the MINI Roadster is a model whose chicness, achieved by shedding burdens, should be appreciated.

Nevertheless, this is a modern car. Looking at the proportions of the MINI Roadster, shaped by a roofline 50mm lower and A-pillars tilted 13 degrees more than the base three-door hatchback, it gives the impression that interior comfort was a secondary consideration. However, once inside, one does not feel cramped. The way the scenery unfolds before your eyes is horizontally framed, like wearing a helmet, but this is pleasantly received as part of the impression of driving a different kind of MINI.

Similar to the MINI Coupe, there is ample space behind the seats to toss a jacket or handbag. Thanks to the compactly stored soft top, the trunk space is 240 liters, a reduction of 40 liters compared to the MINI Coupe. Even the Roadster can accommodate uses such as carrying two people's carry-on luggage and bags to the airport.

Suspension Perfect for Enjoyable Driving on Public Roads

When the manual soft top, which can be operated from inside the car once you get used to it, is lowered, the sense of openness is considerable. Even at leisurely city speeds, the wind passing comfortably overhead becomes quite vigorous inside the cabin at legal highway speeds. I tested this in Portugal, and at speeds beyond that, the wind rushes through with such force that conversation becomes difficult. Although a deflector is fitted, perhaps as a token gesture, it's likely not what the developers intended. They probably want you to feel the wind, which is often treated as a nuisance in modern convertibles. If you don't like it, buy a Convertible... the car seems to say, with its clear-cut attitude.



Thanks to this, while enjoying the exceptional sense of openness, one notices that this car possesses a different suppleness in its ride compared to the MINI Coupe. Although the chassis and suspension configurations are the same, the reduction in rigidity due to the open roof likely has a favorable effect on the feel. The ride quality, which smoothly absorbs significant inputs from the road at constant speeds, does not change much even at higher speeds. In this regard, the MINI Coupe offers handling that is like a fish in water on good road surfaces, but its ride comfort on general roads felt somewhat compromised. In essence, it gave the impression of a more aggressive setup designed to maximize MINI's signature go-kart feel. While the Roadster may fall short of the MINI Coupe in immediate responsiveness, its setup is ideal for spirited driving on public roads.

The MINI Coupe and Roadster have been given distinct personalities, not just in appearance but also in their driving characteristics. Which one to choose is a matter of personal preference, but both remain special vehicles for adults within the vast MINI lineup, offering the luxury of choosing what to forgo. Considering this, their not-insignificant price tags become understandable.