2009 Mini Cooper Convertible

2009 Mini Cooper convertible
2009 Mini Cooper convertible

The Mini family grows a bit bigger for 2009 with the introduction of the 2009 Cooper convertible at the Detroit Auto Show. It joins its coupe sibling, which was redesigned for 2007, and the new-for-2008 extended-wheelbase Cooper Clubman.

The redesigned droptop, manufactured by German company Edscha, slides open in about 15 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 20 miles per hour. The top folds behind the rear seat, but cargo space is improved this year by an optional expanded luggage compartment and two-position shelf between the luggage and passenger compartments. The rear seats also now fold flat independently of each other.

CG Says...
According to Mini execs, "Americans have truly fallen in love with Mini." Most likely, the feeling is mutual. The U.S. market is Mini's largest and most important, representing one quarter of Mini's global sales. In fact, Mini sales in North America were up 29 percent in 2008. With the new-for-2008 Clubman model and a redesigned convertible due to start sale in March, Mini's competition better beware.
New this year is the "Openometer" feature, which records the time spent driving sans top. Also new is a single rollover bar that pops up when an impending rollover is detected. It replaces the current generation's two fixed rollover hoops, which impeded rear visibility.   

The convertible is available in base Cooper trim with the 118-horsepower and 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and in S trim, with the turbocharged 172-horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder.  

Base convertibles start at $24,550 and S models run from $27,450. The redesigned Cooper convertible goes on sale March 28th.

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