MINI Convertible review - MPG, running costs & CO2 (2016-2024)
The MINI Convertible's powerful turbocharged petrol engines are reasonably economical
The most fuel-efficient MINI Convertible – apart from the limited-run EV – is the 1.5-litre Cooper. MINI claims it can achieve up to 47.9mpg, with CO2 emissions of 134-138g/km. Company-car users will be liable for a Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate towards the higher end of the table.
The more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine in the MINI Cooper S claims fuel economy of up to 43.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 141-146g/km.
Even jumping up to the fastest John Cooper Works Convertible won’t see your running costs increase dramatically, as it manages up to 39.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 162g/km. The fuel efficiency figure seems achievable, too; our test car averaged around 38mpg after a couple of hours of mixed driving. Consumables like brakes and tyres may well be more expensive on this model, however.
The MINI Electric Convertible is rather curious, because while it’s a precursor of a future EV MINI that could well become our top pick for budget-conscious cabrio buyers, its extremely high price tag of over £52,000 makes it impossible to recommend unless you’re a MINI collector. Putting its rarity and high price to one side, it should cost peanuts to run, but its 125-mile range is limiting and likely to consign the Electric Convertible to quick urban and countryside blasts on sunny days. Rapid charging at up to 50kW isn’t all that competitive, but it does at least provide 80% top-ups in around 36 minutes. The anticipated 250-mile range of the next-generation model should make the open-air MINI far more convincing.
All petrol MINI convertibles are liable for the standard yearly rate of road tax, while the MINI Electric convertible will exempt from VED until 2025.
Insurance groups
Despite more safety tech now being available, the MINI Convertible will be slightly more expensive to insure than before. Cooper models sit between groups 21 and 22 out of 50, rising to 27-28 for the Cooper S and 29 for the range-topping JCW.
Warranty
The standard MINI warranty isn’t the longest, lasting just three years, but it does at least cover you for unlimited mileage during that period. None of the MINI’s main rivals, including the Mazda MX-5 and BMW 2 Series coupe, offer a longer period of cover.
Servicing
The MINI Service Inclusive (previously known as MINI TLC) servicing pack costs just under £900 and can be purchased if your MINI is less than 12 months old. This covers servicing for five years or 62,000 miles (whichever comes first.)
Alternatively, MINI Pay Monthly can be purchased at £17.99 per month for all MINI vehicles regardless of the model and age of the car. It can be bought or cancelled at any time.
