2020 Mini Convertible Cooper S Review

The B-class convertible market in 2020 is not highly competitive. The mainstream choices either lean towards practicality for home use or overly pursue performance premiums. The emergence of the MINI Convertible Cooper S perfectly fills the gap for "refined personality combined with driving pleasure" — it retains MINI's iconic retro design while enhancing its playful attributes with a 2.0T engine and convertible structure. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to focus on testing its performance in daily commuting and short weekend road trips, to see if this RM 279,888 car truly balances "appearance" and "practicality."

From an exterior perspective, the 2020 MINI Convertible Cooper S fully inherits the classic silhouette of the MINI family: short front and rear overhangs, smooth and rounded body lines paired with a soft-top convertible design, making it instantly recognizable. At the front, the signature round LED headlights feature a ring-shaped daytime running light, which is highly recognizable when illuminated; the front grille adopts a black honeycomb pattern design, and the fog lamp areas below on both sides are darkened, adding a touch of sportiness. On the side of the body, the 17-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 204/45 R17 tires complement the compact body proportions; the "Cooper S" badge on the lower door and the slightly protruding side skirts further emphasize its performance attributes. The rear design is relatively simple, with the round LED taillights echoing the headlights, while the dual exhausts under the rear bumper suggest its power capabilities. The most notable feature is the soft-top convertible, which takes only 18 seconds to open and can be operated at speeds below 30km/h, making it very convenient for daily use.

Entering the interior, the retro style is consistent with the exterior. The center console is covered in large areas of soft-touch black materials, complemented by silver trim, providing a good tactile and visual experience. The three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel has paddle shifters, with a solid grip that feels natural and smooth to operate. The central control area is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that supports the Sound Plus function, with audio quality meeting the expectations for its price point. However, the screen's resolution and responsiveness feel somewhat average by today's standards. The seats are made of a fabric and leather combination. The front seats offer good cushioning and sufficient support to prevent fatigue during long journeys. The rear seats are relatively compact, suitable for short rides and better for storing items. In terms of storage space, the front row features two cup holders and a central armrest box, and the door panel storage compartments can also hold a mobile phone and a water bottle. The trunk has a capacity of 160L, which can fit two 20-inch suitcases when the roof is closed. However, the space is slightly reduced when the roof is open, though it's still sufficient for daily commuting or short trips.

In terms of power, the 2020 MINI Convertible Cooper S is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum of 194 PS and peak torque from 1,350 to 4,600 rpm. During actual driving, the power response during the start-off phase is very swift, with a noticeable push-back feeling when lightly stepping on the gas pedal. During acceleration, the power output is smooth and sustained, particularly in the mid-to-high-speed range. When overtaking, you only need to press the gas pedal harder, and the gearbox quickly downshifts, providing power on demand. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic gearbox with clear logic for shifting. The speed of upshifts and downshifts is relatively quick, and paired with the paddle shifters, it delivers a decent driving experience. Regarding the chassis, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned with a sporty bias, providing clear feedback from the road. When cornering, the body roll is well controlled, and the suspension's support is adequate, giving the driver a strong sense of confidence. However, when driving on bumpy roads, the suspension's filtering effect is average, and the small undulations of the road surface are quite perceptible inside the car, which slightly affects comfort.

Handling is MINI's forte, and this Convertible Cooper S is no exception. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and the effort required to turn is moderate. Whether executing low-speed U-turns or high-speed cruising, it delivers an excellent sense of control. The braking system performs exceptionally well, with a combination of front and rear ventilated disc brakes. The braking distance is short and linear, providing a strong sense of safety. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km. From our actual tests, fuel consumption in urban driving is around 7.5L/100km, while on highways it's about 6L/100km, which is average performance. Regarding noise control, when the convertible top is closed, the interior insulation is decent, with minimal wind and tire noise. When the convertible top is open, wind noise noticeably increases but remains within an acceptable range and does not impact normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Mini Convertible Cooper S lie in its unique retro design, enjoyable driving experience, and convenient convertible functionality. Compared to other B-segment convertibles in the same class, its brand premium and design style are more distinctive, while its power and handling can meet the needs of most drivers. However, its rear space and storage capacity are relatively compact, making it more suitable for young people who value individuality and driving enjoyment, or as a second car for families. If you're a consumer who loves convertibles, prioritizes the driving experience, and doesn't have high space requirements, the 2020 Mini Convertible Cooper S would be an excellent choice.