| Overall Rating |
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| Road Test |
Likes
Undiluted driving joy
Powerful, pleasing, efficient engines
Careful attention to detail inside and out
Unique MINI charm
Convertible top includes a sunroof
Dislikes
Diminutive rear seats
Nervous ride over broken surfaces
Numb, artificial feel to the electric power steering
The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible is based on the new-for-’08 Cooper hatchback bones (the 2008 convertible was based on the first-gen platform). We lauded the new generation last year for its even more delightful ride/handling mix, greater interior room, baked-in BMW solidity, sprightlier pair of engines, and (finally) the banishment of the CVT automatic that was at odds with the Cooper’s sporting nature. Given the changes, the MINI Cooper Convertible offers even fewer compromises and merits serious consideration for buyers looking for a tenacious runabout that offers surprising interior room (at least up front), pure driving joy nearly unmatched in the automotive realm, and a brilliant balance between sport and day-to-day livability. But in Convertible format, the MINI Cooper is really a two-person vehicle; we stick to our assertion that the backseat is a place for occasional riders in a good mood.
read the full MINI Cooper Convertible review |
| Positive Points |
- Undiluted driving joy
- Powerful, pleasing, efficient engines
- Careful attention to detail inside and out
- Unique MINI charm
- Convertible top includes a sunroof
|
| Negative Points |
- Diminutive rear seats
- Nervous ride over broken surfaces
- Numb, artificial feel to the electric power steering
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