2011 Mini Cooper Convertible

Fun and fuel-efficient, the 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible (Base MSRP $24,850 to $34,300) offers seating for four and top-down driving at an affordable price. The tiny Mini Convertible doesn't leave much room for passengers and their cargo, though, and its handling prowess comes at the price of a stiff ride for all. For a comprehensive review check out our full report of the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible (*Est. $23,900 to $34,300), which is mostly the same as the current model year.

For 2011, the Mini Cooper Convertible and Mini Cooper S Convertible receive slight bumps in power output from their 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines. The standard Cooper Convertible is now up to 121 horsepower (from 118), while the turbocharged Cooper S Convertible now makes 181 horsepower (versus 171 in the 2010 car). The range-topping Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible holds steady at 208 horsepower. Other than the slight power increases, these cars are carried over essentially unchanged.

Fuel economy is very good. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible with its standard six-speed manual transmission at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. Opt for the six-speed automatic, and you can expect 26 city/34 highway/30 combined.  The even sportier Cooper S Convertible is rated at 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined with the stick shift, and 26 city/34 highway/29 combined with the automatic. Finally, the powerful (and expensive) Mini John Cooper Works Convertible is EPA-rated at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined.