MINI Cooper S Convertible. The wind blew into my head / MINI test drives

Mini Cabrio. Price: from 1,290,000 RUB. On sale: since May 2009

The test organizers took a creative approach: the tests of the new open-top Mini took place in snowy Austria, and we drove a significant part of the route with the roof down.

Test pilot
Stanislav Pavlov, 38 years old, deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine, 20 years of driving experience, personal car — Mazda6

2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible
© Photo: BMW Group

What a brilliant idea: to send the Mini convertible for a test drive in the snowy Alps! The yellow cars looked very organic against the white snow, which, just like in our region, stays there almost until mid-spring. In Russia, cars without a roof are treated with caution, and the main reason is the cold climate. And also the ecology of megacities. Try taking a ride for an hour or two around the city center or the Moscow Ring Road. The consequences are predictable: a headache that you'll have to cure with aspirin, a noble bronze complexion like a monument's, and possibly a reason for an unscheduled fluorography — who knows what might settle in your lungs during that risky ride.

Before us is the third-generation Mini convertible, officially called the Mini Cooper S Convertible. I admit, we could have taken the version without the S letter, but youthful maximalism won out. The car, as before, rolls off the assembly line in British Oxford. Over the entire production run of such cars with a folding top, 164,000 have been made.

About such cars, they usually say: inside they are more spacious than they seem from outside. And that's true. Two tall men can easily fit in the front seats. I recall a case from ten years ago: back then, Mini hadn't yet experienced the perfection of German technology. I was wandering around the Paris Motor Show with my colleague Igor — a very large guy, about 195 cm tall and clearly weighing over a hundred kilos. At the Mini stand, he suddenly suggested: "I'll get in the car, and you take a photo of me." While he was doing that, the stand staff were taking bets. Some predicted the car would burst at the seams, others that the suspension would collapse, and still others that the tires wouldn't hold up. Fortunately, nothing like that happened, but it was quite a sight. My colleague filled all the space from the seat back to the windshield, which his massive nose pressed against. His legs somehow ended up under the seat, his knees rested on the pedals, and his chest on the steering wheel. In the current Mini convertible, that same journalist will be able not only to sit comfortably behind the wheel but also to drive normally. Moreover, if he's flexible enough, he'll even survive a couple of hours on the rear bench. Although, honestly, it's better to put children or tennis rackets back there.

2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible
© Photo: BMW Group

Now that Mini is under the wing of the Bavarians, it has become a sort of little BMW. And it's not at all a cheap toy, as it might seem. It's a real mini-racer, somewhat reminiscent of the nimble and angry "Gremlins" from the famous horror movie. Official data: acceleration to 100 km/h for the S version is just 7.4 seconds, and you believe it right away. The top speed is 222 km/h, which also commands respect. At the same time, the appetite is modest: 6.4 liters per 100 km, which is almost two liters less than the previous version. That's what efficient dynamics look like. All this is provided by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharging and direct injection. Power — 128 kW, or 175 hp, at 5500 rpm.

Despite the cool weather, each crew tried to drive with the top down as much as possible. This was encouraged by a special Always-Open-Timer counter, located next to the tachometer, which counts the time spent without a roof. The main thing is not to forget to turn the heating up to full, otherwise a runny nose and sore throat are guaranteed.

2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible
© Photo: BMW Group

On the winding Alpine serpentines, we were suddenly hit by heavy snowfall — in the mountains, the weather changes instantly. Nothing terrible: we reduce speed to 30 km/h (this is the limit for roof operations) and hide our heads from the wet snowflakes. The process takes 15 seconds. The bad weather stays outside, and we can focus on handling. And then it turned out that the convertible isn't just suitable for slippery roads — it's as if it was made for them. The Mini literally screwed itself into the Alpine turns, leaving not the slightest doubt about its reliability.

Finally, about the stereotypes that are usually attached to convertibles. First, as the Alpine test showed, cold is not a serious obstacle for the Mini. The fabric top protects quite reliably from frost. But as for traffic jams in the metropolis — that's indeed a problem. It's better to be safe and raise the roof. But when the Mini gets out of the city, how pleasant it is to surrender to the wind and sun!

Love it — don't love it

2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible
© Photo: BMW Group

A powerful METAL TUBE behind the driver and passenger protects them in case of a rollover. The main thing is to tuck your neck in in time. Safe

If desired, an adult can fit in the REAR SEATS. But for long trips, we wouldn't recommend it. Better to leave this option for children. Cramped

The BUTTON in the center, above the rearview mirror, controls the roof folding. Familiar

Driving
Instant response to commands, sharp steering, excellent brakes.

Interior
The Cooper S interior is made quite playfully: lots of bright colors and rounded shapes.

Comfort
The suspension, especially in the S version, is a bit stiff. But that's the price for impeccable handling.

Safety
The Mini convertible provides a high level of safety thanks to the solid protective roll bar located behind the rear seats.

Price
For such a work of art, money is no object.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Original appearance, sporty character, excellent handling.
- Not taken seriously by other road users.

Technical specifications

Make and model — Mini Cooper S Convertible
Dimensions — 3714x1683x1414 mm
Engine — gasoline, 4-cylinder, 1598 cm3, 175 hp/5500 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics — max 222 km/h; 7.4 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — none

Our opinion

The Mini Cooper S is unlikely to become a mass-market product. It's a product for connoisseurs. But those who decide to buy it will get a loyal and, despite its modest size, athletic friend. Don't treat the Mini as a toy. It's a serious car — strong, very strong, though light.