Name: Mini Cooper Convertible (2025) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mini Cooper Convertible
Rating: 63.0

Summary

Part of the latest compact Mini Cooper range, the Cooper Convertible is a petrol-powered soft-top that arrived in UK showrooms in 2024.

Taking the place of the now-retired Mini Convertible of the previous generation, the three-door Cooper Convertible isn’t an entirely new design, sharing some components with the outgoing drop-top. That said, the British motoring media generally agree that this latest soft-top Mini is a marked improvement over its predecessor.

“This is effectively a heavy refresh of the model that had been on sale since 2017”, says Business Car’s Martyn Collins, with Parker’s Ted Welford describing this model as a “gentle evolution on the previous car, its tech-filled interior represents a significant step forward.”

“It’s just as much fun to drive as before”, says Heycar’s Antony Ingram, who concludes that the convertible’s “peppy powertrains make it one of the most amusing small cars to drive.” That said, the car’s price list has received some criticism, particularly the price tag of top-spec trim levels.

As Top Gear’s Jason Barlow points out, “there’s not much else out there” when it comes to compact convertibles. The Mazda MX-5 is a price range competitor, but is only available with two seats. Car’s James Dennison praises the Mini for its enjoyable handling and interior flair, but advises buyers to “pick your version carefully as the standard automatic gearbox really is not the best.”

As of March 2026, the Mini Cooper Convertible holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. This score is likely to change in the near future as we receive further Euro NCAP safety scoring and more running cost data.

Cooper Convertible highlights

Stylish, tech-laden interior
Exciting driving experience
Attractive exterior looks

Cooper Convertible lowlights

Firm ride quality
Not a practical choice for daily commuting
No manual gearbox options

Key specifications

Body style: Small convertible
Engines: petrol
Price: From £28,715 on-road

Launched: Summer 2024
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“Fun and style points aplenty, but the Mini Cooper Convertible is anything but practical.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Darren Cassey

“Fun to drive with a funky interior that’s perfectly practical for a weekend away, the Mini Cooper Convertible is a brilliant little soft-top.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde

More reviews

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mini Cooper Convertible sits in a class of its own, offing drop-top thrills, lots of character and the latest tech. While it is not as sporty as a Mazda MX-5, it is more practical and continues to make an appealing lifestyle choice for those looking for an everyday convertible which stands out from the crowd.”
Author: Catherine King
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Business Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Mini seems to have a niche of its own with the Cooper Convertible, as there are no obvious rivals. Like the Cooper hatch, it’s a stylish and well-resolved drop top, but it’s not a cheap option, and as before, rear seat and boot space are even more compromised.”
Author: Martyn Collins
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The cabin design is blessed with flair and there’s more than enough tech, the roof-down experience is accomplished and the handling is enjoyable. Just pick your version carefully as the standard automatic gearbox really is not the best.”
Author: James Dennison
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“It’s great to drive and now its funky interior has been brought up to date with the rest of the lineup. We would certainly not call the MINI Cooper Convertible practical, but it doesn’t fare too badly compared to its few rivals.”
Author: Charlie Harvey
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s just as much fun to drive as before – MINI’s nimble handling and peppy powertrains make it one of the most amusing small cars to drive. It’s even decent value, at least at the lower end of the range.”
Author: Antony Ingram
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new MINI Cooper Convertible is one of very few small soft-tops left on the market, but continues to justify its existence with funky styling, fun handling, and feel-good factor.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“This new MINI is up there with the best convertibles, and though it is generally a gentle evolution on the previous car, its tech-filled interior represents a significant step forward.”
Author: Ted Welford
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The Sun

Model reviewed: John Cooper Works Convertible
“The “most British” little petrol car on sale today. We’re gonna miss it when it’s gone.”
Author: Rob Gill
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Top Gear

Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re in the market for a small soft-top, look no further. Even if you wanted to, there’s not much else out there. We’d go for the Cooper S with the Sport pack, no question, but we suspect that might not be a deal-breaker for the likely Mini Cooper Convertible buyer. The new interior is a USP in its own right.”
Author: Jason Barlow
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of March 2026, the Mini Cooper Convertible has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.

While Euro NCAP has put the hard-top Cooper Electric through its paces at the time of writing, this five-star safety rating does not stand for the Cooper Convertible, which is structurally different due to its fabric roof.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Mini Cooper Convertible has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	43 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	147 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	23	B

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mini Cooper Convertible to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Cooper Convertible, we’ll publish the results here.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mini Cooper Convertible

As of March 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Mini Cooper Convertible. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mini dealer.