Mini Cooper S Convertible

Mini gives the Convertible a more modern front end, more technology on the inside and a very bright paint scheme

- Karan Singh

THE MOMENT YOU LAY YOUR eyes on the Mini Convertible, it makes you smile. Zesty Yellow Metallic. Against the grey clouds Pune is accustomed to these days, it looks like a glow stick on wheels. It also gets as much attention as a glow stick on wheels would. The very first day, I was driving it home from work with the top down of course and a random biker yells “woohoo”. I did him one better with a “yeehaw”. Over the next few days, I interacted with more strangers in the Mini than I’ve had the pleasure of finding on Tinder. Whether that’s down to how cool the Mini looks or how uncool I do, is for you to decide.

I think it is the former though, because the Mini Convertible looks brilliant. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t all-new like the press release would have you thinking but there are some more than subtle changes. There’s a new grille up front which droops down to the bottom of the bumper, almost resembling a french beard. The front bumper is also sharper with slightly more pronounced air vents and slits on either side to channel airflow. There’s also a slightly refreshed bumper at the rear, now featuring an integrated fog light. Then there are the big round LED headlamps, the Union Jack details on the taillights and (optionally) on the roof. Like with the outgoing Convertible, the roof doesn’t tuck away into the boot, it sort of folds and sits on top of it. The roof operation is quick though and all it takes is for you to push one button and 18 seconds later, infinite headroom. It can be done on the move too, provided you are under 30kmph. But let’s get back to what’s new and for that, we must hop inside.