The third generation MINI Convertible has been thoroughly redesigned, gaining a few inches in length and taking on a fresher family face. It retains the character that is so important to the MINI brand and has addressed the major flaws of past models, namely improving the rear passenger space and luggage capacity.

The Convertible MINI has a slightly different remit from the hatchback - being all about style - but the fact that it invokes the Cooper name across all three variants hints at the potential for driving thrills. The base 136bhp MINI Cooper Convertible will accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and hit 129mph. There’s also a 116bhp Cooper D diesel model and a pokier 192bhp Cooper S petrol model. High performance though, what is important is the operation of the newly-designed roof. At speeds of up to 18mph, this fabric top can be lowered or raised in 18 seconds, so when the British weather does what it does, you’ll not be left out in the rain for too long. If you just want to open the small portion over the front seats, it can slide back 40cm, automatically, at any speed.

The third generation MINI Cooper Convertible retains the basic overall body shape that we all know and love, but each of the dimensions are just a little larger. This car is 98mm longer than its predecessor and 44mm wider too, plus there’s 28mm more in the wheelbase.

The roof is customisable and retracts in 18 seconds. Optional is a woven Union Flag option available for the first time on a MINI. The rival DS 3 Cabriolet model can also be specified with a patterned roof, but the Union Flag has been so long associated with the MINI, it’s a wonder why it hasn’t been done before on the Convertible version. The fresh family front end includes a much cleaner, circular headlight design and a large grille area.

So, this third generation MINI Convertible looks great, is brilliantly designed, cheap to run and holds its value. This car has so much more street-cred than obvious rivals and the fact that it’s huge fun to drive. A MINI adventure then, that could see you living happily ever after.

  • CAR: MINI Convertible range
  • PRICES: £18,615-£31,305 – on the road
  • INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-19
  • CO2 EMISSIONS: 100-139g/km
  • PERFORMANCE: [Cooper S] 0-60mph 7.2s/ Max Speed 143mph
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: [Cooper S] (combined) 46.3mpg
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, ABS with EBD and CBC, runflat tyres
  • WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Cooper] Length/Width/Height mm 3850/1727/1415mm