Used 2017 Mini Cooper for sale 

The new MINI Cooper Convertible is available in 3 trims- Cooper, Cooper S, and the high-performance John Cooper Works edition. The trims vary in features like LED headlights, paddle shifters, and power output of the engine along with some cosmetic changes.

The base variant MINI Cooper packs a 1.5L Twin Power Turbo motor that produces 134 hp @4400RPM and 162 lb.-ft of torque @1250RPM whereas the Cooper S and JCW edition contain a 2.0L Twin Power Turbo motor producing 189 hp @5000RPM/228 hp @5200RPM respectively. The torque figures also differ at 207 lb.-ft @1350RPM and 236 lb.-ft @1250RPM for the same.

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Rivals of the MINI are similarly powered but at a lower price. The handling and steering of the MINI are nimble and the driver is able to place the hatchback right where he wants it. The features and classy looks are something that makes it stand out from the crowd. The joint BMW-MINI venture, however, has affected the prices of the hot-hatch.

The 2017 MINI Cooper packs a 1.5L/2.0L Twin Power Turbo motor that produces 134 hp @4400rpm/189 hp @5000RPM/228 hp @5200RPM respectively for the Cooper/Cooper S/JCW edition which is mated to either a 6-speed manual (with hill assist and auto rev-matching) or a 6-speed automatic transmission (with rev-matching) as per option.

The shifts are smooth and require no extra effort to make it so. The power delivery is linear and smooth. The Cooper trim has a good initial punch but feels underpowered in the higher end of the power band unlike the Cooper S and JCW edition that pack enough torque and power to take you through. However, the base level hatch can be super fun to drive around twisty turns and corners.

2017 Mini Cooper Convertible Acceleration

The MINI Convertible Cooper variant completes the acceleration from 0-60 MPH in 8.3 seconds with Manual transmission and 8.2 seconds with Automatic transmission.

Cooper S trim takes 6.8 seconds to reach 60 MPH with Manual/Automatic transmission. Furthermore, the time taken by the high-performance John Cooper Works edition is 6.4 seconds with Manual/Automatic transmission respectively.

The Audi A3 Cabriolet sprints 0-60MPH in 6.9 seconds, followed by the Beetle at 6.4 seconds, and MX-5 takes 5.6 seconds. Overall, the Mazda wins a point for being the quickest in the competition.

2017 Mini Cooper Convertible Braking

The MINI Cooper has 11.0-inch front brakes and 10.2-inch rear brakes which bring the hatchback to a halt from 60 MPH in 134 feet. It is a lightweight car being 2855 pounds and the higher trims- Cooper S and JCW edition have better and bigger brakes that help to stop it much earlier.

The Volkswagen Beetle has weighed 3225 pounds and the distance used to stop it is 118 feet which are considered average for a hatchback. The MX-5 Miata is the lightest of all at just 2332 pounds resulting in very good braking and takes 109 feet to come to a halt. The distance is the same for the heavier Audi A3 thanks to its excellent brakes that are seen in all their cars securing Audi a positive point.

The fuel economy for the rev-happy engine of the MINI is the best-in-competition with 28/37/32 in city/highway/combined respectively. This proves the MINI to be a fun as well as a fuel-efficient vehicle that can be used as a daily commuter without a doubt. This is achieved with the help of technology like the Auto Start/Stop function even though it gets annoying soon. Thankfully, it is switch enabled that can be toggled to disable it as well.

The balance maintained by the engineers and designers at MINI is worth appreciation for creating something like itself. The competition is not far behind Cooper but still lacks a good 3-4 MPG. The closest it gets is the Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport that delivers a good 26/33/29 MPG in city/highway/combined areas respectively.

The 2017 MINI convertible has a fun driving experience but the same cannot be said for its practicality because of its small compact size and low volume capacity. It has good headroom/shoulder room in the front as well as in the back but the legroom is tight.

The interior feels classy and upscale with premium quality material used all across the cabin for a lush experience. It now features the MINI infotainment technology as standard which was optional in the previous generation model. The JCW edition has sports front seats and other touches like the steering wheel, dashboard trims that give it a sporty feel.

The space inside the VW is the maximum because of its curvy design and gets a point for comfort as well. The Mazda and Audi feel a bit short on space inside the cabin and feel more focused on the drivability.

2017 Mini Cooper Convertible Infotainment System

A 6-speaker sound system is provided by MINI for your audio experience. Along with that USB Port, Bluetooth connectivity is present. A 6.5-inch infotainment screen is provided which also handles the smartphone device integration.

On the optional part, an 8.8-inch display is also available with a navigation system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon setup. The infotainment system is minimalist and simple. Some of the infotainment features available on this car are:

• 6.5-inch display
• 6-speaker sound system
• USB Port
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Smartphone device integration
• Navigation System
• MP3 Player

2017 Mini Cooper Convertible Cargo Volume

The MINI loses for low space inside the cabin and the cargo volume. The Convertible has a retracting soft top that folds on top of the trunk rather than going inside it to save space. Still, it does not have much space and is therefore not the most practical hot hatch.

The Audi A3 Cabriolet offers the best cargo space in this comparison. With the top up it has a 9.9 ft. cube volume in the trunk which shrinks to a good 7.1 ft. cube volume with the top down in the trunk. It still is able to accommodate a lot with the top down. The overall best cargo volume is displayed by the German hero.

The 2017 MINI Convertible remains unchanged since the previous generation models as far as dimensions are concerned. The MINI's design is an iconic one that was introduced more than 50 years ago.

It is a legendary car and still remains one based on the same design philosophy, just a little better and loaded with technology.

The convertible hot hatch weighs 2855 pounds and has a compact size. This helps to zip through city streets and gives the freedom to park it in tight squeezes with ease. Moreover, because of its compact design, it handles very well around corners and conveys good feedback of the road through the well-weighted steering wheel.

The nimble handling of the MINI convertible is complemented by the JCW edition's sports-tuned suspension setup, Brembo brakes, and larger wheels. However, the ride quality is more comfortable in the smaller-wheel, stock suspension base variant and has the most fun driving experience in its competition.

The new Mini Cooper has performed excellently well in the crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS). It has received an overall Good rating in many of the test sections. Also been through the tests of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) and has received an overall rating of 4 stars. It is a vehicle loaded with the latest and greatest safety technology there is in the segment to protect its passengers. It features Airbags in the front, back as well as sides. Apart from that, it has side impact beams and crumple zones that allow the cabin area to stay intact and not crush the passenger.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver And Passenger Side Airbag Head Extension, Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible vs MINI Convertible 

The Volkswagen Beetle is an icon in itself designed by the German automaker Volkswagen. It is cheaper than the MINI, has more power, a bigger engine, a better room inside the cabin, and has good value for money. However, it does not provide ample customization options. It lacks driving fun and handling that the MINI offers and looks more cute than sporty.

The MINI Cooper has better technology, features, and riding pleasure along with personalization freedom. However, the power in the base variant is lower than the Beetle unless the more expensive Cooper S variant is chosen.

Overall, the MINI is a better riding and handling hatchback but the extra money paid for Cooper S is not worth it.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport vs MINI Convertible 

The new Mazda MX-5 Miata is almost $1,000 cheaper than the base variant MINI Cooper. It has better acceleration, amazing brakes, good design, and decent comfort. It has greater room inside the cabin and can impart driving fun to the driver too. It has loads of personalization options available for upgrading performance as well as making your ride one-of-a-kind at a much cheaper price.

Overall, the Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport is a better pick if performance, safety, and driving pleasure are something you want along with the value of your money.

Audi A3 Cabriolet vs MINI Convertible 

The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a great car but the pricing is very high according to the performance it delivers. It has a great design, good performance when compared to the base variant Cooper. However, the John Cooper Works edition costs a cool $2,000 cheaper along with sport suspension setup, much better power delivery, sports bucket seats, and amazing fuel economy for the performance.

The 2017 MINI Coope Convertible is a hatchback with loads of driving fun to offer but at a cost that is higher than it is worthy of. The cabin is wrapped in premium quality, not much airy in the back and trunk though. It handles really well and is bliss to zip on city streets. It has loads of personalization options and offers good performance for the JCW edition trim.

However, the Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport performs better and is a bang for the buck at prices cheaper than the stock Cooper base trim. It is a better pick if performance, safety, and driving pleasure are something you want along with the value of your money.