The latest Mini Cooper S Convertible facelift was launched in Malaysia on 19 July 2019, a year after the official introduction of the facelifted 3-door and 5-door Cooper S. Mini Malaysia also introduced a limited Sidewalk Edition convertible in 2020. The convertible hatchback is top-down Mini driving that has some special features that set it apart from the hardtop sibling. In Malaysia, only the Cooper S variant is available, with the local model kit in the Standard Line. The convertible is priced on the road without insurance at RM279,888 for the standard and RM295,888 for the Sidewalk Edition. Prices including the 2020/2021 SST exemption are RM269,900 and RM285,900 respectively.

Dimensions for Length, Width, Height in (mm) are 3,850 x 1,727 x 1,415. Wheelbase is 2,495 mm.

The Convertible Cooper S hatchback facelift in terms of bodywork at the front is indistinguishable from the pre-facelift model or the 3-door variant. The key differences here is the inclusion of Mini’s updated “flat” logo design and full circular LED daytime running/ indicator lights (as opposed to the semi-circle on the pre-facelift).

The rear like the facelift siblings, gets the updated Union Jack LED tail lamp graphics which sets the facelift apart from the previous model. The bumper design is similar to the 3-door variant.

As mentioned above, the headlamps are bi-LED units that feature full circle daytime running/ indicator lights.

Tail lamps are LED units with Union Jack graphics.

The wing mirrors are power-adjustable, retractable, auto fold and can be customised with different caps.

Front brakes are ventilated discs and rear solid disc units.

Rims are two-tone 17-inch Rail Spoke design.

The current generation Mini Cooper hatchback range including the convertible is rather special. It mixes in the Mini style with the circular theme across the dashboard. The overall styling is still very unique to Mini with simple and easy fonts and readouts. The trim for the convertible comes in the Mini Yours in Piano Black with Illumination.

The Convertible features a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment that comes with wired Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The driver multi-info display shows sufficient vehicle information together with cruise control and speed limiter.

Upholstery is decked in Leather Chester (cross stitch pattern) in malt brown.

Unlike the 3-door hatchback, storage space in the cabin is similar apart from the boot. With the roof down, boot space is 160-litres, which expands to 215-litres roof up. The convertible comes with what the brand calls ‘easy load’ system that allows the user to prop up a shelf for more space. However, with the shelf up, the roof can’t be fully folded down. Space compared to the 3-door boot is 211-litres and 731-litres seats folded. More space is available with the 50:50 split recline seats.

There’s audio, driver instrument controls and cruise and limiter function.

There are two primary cupholders on the front centre console. And accompanying slots by the doors.

There is one USB Type A charger at the front together with a 12V socket.

As it is, the build quality is good and premium, with good cabin insulation from the layered fabric soft foldable roof.

With the roof down, boot space is 160-litres, which expands to 215-litres roof up. The convertible comes with what the brand calls an ‘easy load’ system that allows the user to prop up a shelf for more space. However, with the shelf up, the roof can’t be fully folded down. More space is available with the 50:50 split recline seats.

Unfortunately, there are no active safety sensors included in the Cooper S convertible.

Passive safety includes front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and curtain airbags for a total of six. Isofix child seat anchors are on the rear passenger seats. The Convertible does come with an active rollover protection system – an invisible roll bar that deploys in the event of a rollover accident.

Driver assistance includes park distance control and a rear view camera.

In terms of equipment, the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit has wired Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The Cooper S convertible comes with a standard 6 speaker audio system.

The Cooper S convertible is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine developing 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque at 1,350 to 4,600 rpm.

Transmission is a 7-speed Steptronic sport dual-clutch.

The Cooper S convertible is front wheel drive.

The folding roof collapses in 18-seconds and has two steps – from sun roof (just for the front passengers) to full open.

Ride comfort is more comfortable compared to the previous generation 3-door convertible. A bit on the firm side for sportiness, but still very much better for long drives. Unfortunately, the rear seats are still small for long journeys at the back, not forgetting the upright back and deeper seats.

Sound insulation is good with the layered fabric roof up.