2020 Mini Convertible Reviews

Peter Anderson road tests and reviews the Mini Cooper S auto, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Neil Dowling road tests and reviews the Mini Cooper S, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Peter Anderson road tests and reviews the 2014 Mini Cooper, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Dispatched and now matched - Mini and VW build two of Europe's favourite hot hatches.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Mini Cooper, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Mini has announced pricing and details of the new Mini One entry-level hatch.The most affordable Mini, the One replaces the previous entry-level variant, the Mini Ray. The One delivers more power, greater economy, more sophistication and a higher level of specification at a lower price.Priced from $24,500, the Mini One comes standard with Bluetooth and USB interface, automatic start/stop with keyless go, servotronic power steering, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock as well as colour line in carbon black.It has the same technical and quality advancements in the rest of the new generation Mini hatch range, and when compared to the previous entry level model, offers buyers greater performance, improved comfort and more value for money.Mini One is powered by a 1.2 litre version of the three-cylinder engine currently found in the new Cooper hatch and delivers 75kW and 180Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is 4.9 L/100km (automatic is 5.0).

Have you ever had one of those moments of total clarity, just before you do something that you know is going to hurt?If yes, then you may know Guerlain Chicherit's pain.The pro skier, snowboarder and rally car driver from France was attempting a world record for the world's longest car jump when things went horribly wrong.The unbelievable footage, captured by Go Pro cameras in the car and film crews on the ground, show the terrifying moment when Chicherit's car hits the ramp at 133km/h.When the car finally comes to a stop, the ramp is littered with debris and fluids can be heard leaking from the car, with Chicherit visibly shaken inside the car.All seems well while he is flying through the air, and then he lands….. on the nose of his car and flips over and over and over. Thankfully Chicherit was treated and released from hospital with only minor injuries.Next time he may want to leave the Monster car at home and take the Red Bull out - you know, because it gives you wings. 

Longer and more spacious, this five-door Mini still looks the part.

You’d be hard pressed to notice but they’ve done a complete update on the Mini hatch, redesigning the body and installing new powertrains and interiors. Mini says the new hatch is more sophisticated, more functional, more powerful and slightly larger than the second generation it replaces. Yep, this is Gen III.Occupant comfort is improved with increased interior space, a higher level of functionality with updated features and a more refined driving experience. Passengers will instantly feel the difference inside in shoulder room gains and foot space, a roomier rear-seat arrangement and luggage space is also increased.PRICESThey’ve cut the price with new Mini Cooper pitched at $26,650, down $5,000, Cooper D is down $3,000 to $31,800 and the range topping Cooper S is now priced at $36,950, a reduction of $3,750.The new model has grown in every direction, with increased dimensions for the chassis, body and interior space. The new platform allows for an increased, track length, width and height.STYLINGNot much can be said about the exterior styling except that it has that defining Mini look albeit with detail differences between the latest and previous models. Park them side by side and it’s obvious, on the road – not so much. It’s still a brick on wheels.They differentiate the various models but once again, you’d be hard pressed to notice…though the Cooper S has a much more aggressive look to its flanks, bigger wheels more body add-ons and centre tail pipes.ENGINESThere are three pot petrol engines (diesel and petrol) in the line-up this time around. Both three and four-cylinder engines in the line-up feature TwinPower turbo technology with the petrol models scoring turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS in BMW speak).The petrol engines also feature fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The turbo diesel has variable turbine geometry along with higher pressure fuel injection.All have improved engine and driving performance figures while their fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced. The Mini Cooper’s three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine Is good for 100kW/220 Nm, the latter at 1,250rpm with 230Nm on over boost. It uses as little as 4.7 l/100 km. The Cooper D also has a three pot 1.5-litre engine with 85 kW/270Nm at 1,750 rpm and fuel consumption of an astonishing 3.7 l/100 km.  The Mini Cooper S is a four pot 2.0-litre turbo with 141kW/280Nm (300 on over boost) and 5.9l/100km.All engines are hooked up to a new six-speed manual transmission with a six speed auto available. Automatic start/stop with the automatic transmission is fitted for the first time.DYNAMICSThe chassis and suspension systems underwent a full scale revision with the results all aimed at intensifying the experience of the agile Mini handling properties. It brought new materials with increased use of aluminium and targeted use of high strength steels to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Further development was also carried out in the area of geometry such as increased track width for both front and rear axles with the result being improved axle kinematics.Changes were also made to the electromechanical power steering which includes torque steer compensation to prevent self-steering tendencies. The steering has been optimised for increased precision in spirited driving situations and standard features include the speed-related steering assistance system, Servotronic.INSIDEThe interior has a familiar, funky Mini ambience, although with more sophistication and functionality. A new display and operating console combines the typical brand-style look and feel of the cockpit with improved functionality. Road speed and engine speed, along with other key driving-related information, is shown in the newly designed instrument cluster directly in front of the driver on the steering column.The characteristic central instrument display now includes either a four-line TFT display, a 6.5 inch or 8.8 inch colour display depending on model and options fitted. In each case, the display provides feedback on vehicle functions, infotainment and communication as well as navigation maps and route directions in the case of the larger displays.

Designing a new Mini isn't easy. As with the Porsche 911, Fiat 500 and VW Beetle, a new Mini must not stray too far from the original.