2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet Review
Price
RM235,888
Installment
RM2,250/mth
2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet at a glance
The 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet possesses the same iconic style, handling ability and, importantly, the charisma of the MINI Cooper Hatchback. The best part? Price-wise, it even undercuts key rivals substantially.
2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Despite having all new body panels, the current MINI Cooper Cabriolet has retained the iconic styling of its predecessors. And who can blame BMW for carrying on the successful looks which everyone has come to identify with. So, while some faction may lament the lack of styling innovation, we think it is great marketing on BMW's part. The cabin is highly stylish and memorable.
Handling
A car that is as fun to drive as it is cute to look at. The perfectly-weighted, delicate, communicative steering, coupled with taut body control and endless grip, give the 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet extremely fine road manners. The agile, responsive chassis means every twisty road is an opportunity to have fun. The ride-and-handling balance is spot on as the slightly firm ride is never harsh or edgy. There is some noticeable scuttle shake though.
Comfort
With the roof up, refinement is good enough for the 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet to be used for long-distance cruising, even if some wind and road noise is audible at speed. Roof down, draught is minimal. The driving position is improved, seats are more comfortable, and the footwell is no longer cramped. There is a comprehensive range of steering and seating adjustments, too. Roof up or down, rear visibility suffers due to the wind blocker, roll-over bars and hood.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin looks stylish and premium, apparent from the use of classy materials and the solid build quality. The MINI brand has always performed well in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, and the 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet can be expected to be reliable.
Performance
With 113 bhp at 6000 rpm and 150 Nm at 4500 rpm, the 1.6-litre engine produces less power and torque than the 1.6-litre engine in the 2011 MINI Cooper Hatchback. Due to the extra 100 kg as a result of chassis-stiffening, and slightly less power and torque output, the 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet goes less briskly, taking more time for overtaking or to reach cruising speeds. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Roominess
The 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet has seats for four, with the front driver and passenger enjoying plenty of head- and leg-room, but the rear two passengers make do with no more than adequate room. Access to the rear is awkward as the door opening is rather narrow. The boot space is small, and folding the roof eats into some space, but at least the rear seats can split-fold for more loading space.
Running Costs
The 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet has good fuel economy, returning 13.7 km/litre. Servicing costs are not quite as high as for other premium brands, and should be affordable for a MINI owner. MINI models, including the Cooper Cabriolet, hold their values in class-leading fashion, thus lowering the overall ownership costs.
Value for Money
The BMW 1-Series Convertible, Volkswagen Eos and Peugeot 308 CC are comparable to the 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet in the sense that all can go topless while carrying four on board. But in actual fact each of them appeals to different segments. The MINI Cooper Cabriolet offers plenty of style, driving fun and is arguably the most desirable of the four models. The best part? Price-wise, the 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet undercuts the 1-Series Convertible and the Eos substantially.
Equipment
The standard equipment list is decent with many desirable items in the option list. The 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet gets as standard automatic air-conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, alloy wheels, remote central locking and alarm. Standard safety kit includes six airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and roll-over bars.
Environment
The 2011 MINI Cooper Cabriolet emits 175 g/km of carbon dioxide. That figure and the fuel consumption are highly commendable. BMW has replaced the old, inefficient MINI engines with new, environmentally-aware ones. Now, fun can be had without guilt.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Iconic styling
Immense driving fun
Relative value for money
Roof up or down, rear visibility is poor
Extra weight blunts performance
Small boot space
