Mar 27, 2017 12:40 PM EDT
2017 Mini Cooper S Convertible Review: Still A Fun Go-Kart-Like Driving Experience

The Mini Cooper S Convertible is nothing different from its hardtop sibling. The only thing that sets it apart is its noticeable lack of a roof as expected from a convertible.

The 2017 Mini Cooper S Convertible. There really isn't much that stylistically and mechanically different with the Cooper S Convertible from the hard top version. For one, the exterior metal sheet is more or less the same. The Convertible carries over the familiar large snout with an extended underbite and longer rear overhang looking identical to the previous model.

The Cooper S Convertible is no doubt still a cute vehicle. It carries with it a vibe of open-air road trip fun.

The vehicle is the third generation model and is the focus of high-level engineering, execution, and design. It no longer sports PSA engines but instead runs on modular BMW gasoline and diesel engines that come in three, four, or six cylinders.

The engine of the vehicle's base trim is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that debuted on the BMW i8. It is able to produce 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Cooper S, on the other hand, has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that can produce 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque a few points away from what the top level John Cooper Works trim.

The Cooper S Convertible can get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.7 seconds. This number is 1.5 seconds faster than the base trim and only 0.4 slower than the John Cooper Works trim.

The chassis on this vehicle is much stiffer than previous models. It comes with an optional Dynamic Damper Control System with three different drive modes namely Normal, Sport, and Eco.

The newer Cooper S Convertible does not sport a fully electric top. The 2016 model employed a mix of electric and hydraulics that was a bit too loud for comfort and actually took quite long to open and close.

Driving the 2017 Mini Cooper Convertible, regardless of the trim, is still fun. It continues to provide that familiar go-kart driving feel present in previous models with amazing cornering and a small turning radius.

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