The roof’s off the new Mini Cooper S and we head to sunny Goa to find out what it is like.
What's it like to drive?
It’s a rabbit. It can scoot off and change direction in an instant. It’s only when you compare it to the hardtop that it does not feel as track-sharp with a bit less bite in the front end and slower reaction to quick steering inputs. The electric steering in sport mode is nice and weighted with a very direct feel and the brakes are nice and sharp, allowing you to brake quite late into a corner.
When we drove it in the US, we did feel that the poor roads in India would cause some amount of scuttle shake over potholes and while the roads in Goa are generally good , over the rough patches we did seek out, tremors did come through. On deeper potholes, we did manage to bottom out the suspension. The ride on the whole is very acceptable.
What also adds greatly to the rabbit-like performance is the engine. It seems like a hyperactive little kid. There is a sense of urgency right from the low revs all the way to the top where it howls and snarls, and then on lift off, it will delight you with the ‘blat-blat-blat’ from the exhaust in sport mode.
Should I buy one?
The new Mini convertible is a job well executed. It’s now more spacious and comfortable. The hood is fully electric and can be raised while on the move (up to 30kph) in 18 seconds. Yes, the rear hood folded down does spoil the neat lines a bit and the visibility and boot space drops too. But the Mini convertible is not a car you buy for these rational reasons, it’s one you buy for fun. So, with the styling intact, the Go Kart-like handling and an exciting peppy engine, the fun quotient of the Mini is right up there with a park ride and that is reason enough to buy one.