The wait is almost over for Mini enthusiasts in South Africa. After a gradual global roll-out, BMW is bringing the fourth-generation Mini Cooper Cabriolet to South Africa, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. This new soft-top version joins the Mini family, aligning with the three-door and five-door models, and introduces a fresh take on the beloved Cabriolet.

Mini Cooper Cabriolet: Familiar Look, Convertible Fun

Visually, the Mini Cooper Cabriolet keeps the iconic style of its three-door sibling, with the major difference being its retractable fabric roof. The roof can be opened or closed in just 18 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h, making it perfect for spontaneous open-air drives. A new feature—the Union Jack monogram—adds a touch of British flair to the design.

Aside from the roof, the Cabriolet retains the same standout features as the hardtop models, including the option for LED or Matrix LED headlights and wheel sizes up to 18 inches. The trim options also remain unchanged: Classic, Favoured, and JCW, providing variety for different tastes and preferences.

A Redesigned Rear for Practicality

To accommodate the folding soft-top, Mini made slight changes to the rear design, ensuring it retains its practicality. Even with the top down, the Cabriolet offers a decent 160 litres of boot space, which expands to 215 litres when the roof is up. However, the addition of the convertible mechanism does add a bit of weight—88 kg more than the standard three-door version.

Tech and Interior Updates

Inside, the Mini Cooper Cabriolet maintains the familiar interior of the Cooper range. A 9.4-inch OLED infotainment display takes center stage, accompanied by a sleek centre console featuring physical toggle switches for functions like gear selection and ignition. The steering wheel, head-up display, and wind deflector behind the rear seats all remain in place, enhancing comfort and convenience. Depending on the chosen trim, buyers can enjoy different materials and fabric options for the interior.

Petrol-Powered Performance

For now, the Mini Cooper Cabriolet sticks with its petrol-only powertrain lineup. The entry-level Cooper C Cabriolet is powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. This version hits 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h.

The more powerful Cooper S Cabriolet comes equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine delivering 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 237 km/h. Both versions are front-wheel drive and use a seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic gearbox.

Built in the UK, Headed to South Africa

Unlike some electric Mini models produced in China, the Cooper Cabriolet will be manufactured at Mini’s Oxford Plant in the UK. South African buyers can expect to see it on the roads by early 2025. While pricing for the local market hasn’t been confirmed, the Cabriolet is likely to carry a premium over the standard three- and five-door Coopers. Based on current pricing, the three-door Cooper C starts at R602,052, with the Cooper S at R646,395. The five-door versions range from R624,052 to R676,395.

This soft-top Mini promises to blend the iconic driving experience with the thrill of open-air cruising, making it a stylish option for those looking to stand out on South Africa’s roads in 2025.