Used 2023 MINI Convertible

The 2023 Mini Cooper lineup of subcompact hatchback and convertible body styles features some of the most entertaining and enjoyable cars available to buyers who don’t have the funds for a Porsche — which is most of us.

Some may sneer at the strictly front-wheel-drive setup of the Mini Cooper, but gripes turn to glee once behind the wheel. Mini is owned by BMW, a company that knows a lot about the joy of driving.

This also means pricing that’s more toward the premium end of things, but strong resale values can cushion that blow. Just don’t choose a color scheme that’s too odd for most people’s tastes. Which is perfectly possible given the kaleidoscope of personalization offered with every new Mini.

Prefer to have Mini choose your color scheme? The new-for-2023 Resolute Edition comes with a Rebel Green paint job with Pepper White roof, black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels, frozen bronze-colored exterior trim and hood stripes, and seats covered in a mix of leatherette and cream-colored tweed cloth.

This cosmetic package is available on the Cooper S 2-door, 4-door, Convertible, and SE Electric Hardtop. The Convertible variant trades the white roof for a foldable black soft top.

Front-wheel drive can be thrilling. The 2023 Mini Cooper cars bolster that argument so effectively. Even the base 134-horsepower 3-cylinder engine can be part of the fun, because it’s in a small and relatively light car that also has a suspension tuned for poise and quick responses.

As a great middle ground, the 189-horsepower Cooper S drivetrain provides affordable and accessible excitement. Those with a taste for the more extreme should check out the 228-horsepower John Cooper Works models. But keep in mind that a regular Mini rides on the firm side, while a JCW is even firmer.

This is also one of those cars where a manual transmission can be an asset, rather than just the cheaper version. Minis appeal to people who like driving, who want to get involved. A manual gearbox brings that greater degree of engagement.

There’s no point in complaining too much about the rear passenger space or trunk area. The 2023 Cooper is a subcompact, so accommodations for the driver and front passenger are prioritized. This isn’t meant to be a family car. That said, the Hardtop 4 Door only has 32.3 inches of rear legroom, a mere 1.5 inches more than the 2 Door.

Those whose stature is Mini-friendly, however, are treated to a cabin that’s far from typical. The infotainment display is round, measuring 8.8 inches in diameter and set right in the center of the dashboard. Some of the switches have an aircraft-style design. Mini does the basic stuff correctly as well — like comfortable and supportive front seats, and well thought-out ergonomics.

The Resolute versions have model-specific upholstery, unique door sill coverings, bronze pinstriping on the dashboard, and a sports steering wheel covered in Nappa (high-quality) leather.

This is all part of the Mini appeal, the particular approach to styling. Among the many ways to personalize a new Cooper subcompact hatchback (or convertible) is the option of stripes, white-painted side mirror housings, and contrasting roofs. Mini offers a multi-tone roof with three color combinations available.

Zesty Yellow used to be an exclusive color for the convertible, but now, you can get it with the Hardtop hatchbacks as well. The Resolute Edition means a body in Rebel Green (once the preserve of the John Cooper Works models) with a Pepper White roof — minus the convertible, which uses a black soft top. The chrome pieces on regular Coopers are finished in bronze on the Resolute.

The Mini Convertible also offers a fabric roof with a Union Jack design.

UNION JACK TAILLIGHTS
The Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom, consisting of elements from the English, Scottish, and Welsh flags. The standard LED taillights of the 2023 Cooper play with this design. The diagonal section is the regular taillight, the horizontal part acts as the turn signal, and the vertical part functions as the brake light.

CLEVER CONVERTIBLE ROOF
The fabric soft top of the 2023 Mini Cooper Convertible doesn’t just go up or down. The front part is able to slide open separately, so occupants can still have all the fresh air while keeping turbulence to a minimum.

Starting off in Classic trim, the 2023 Cooper models come with 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/cornering lights, LED Union Jack taillights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and black simulated leather upholstery.

Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The infotainment system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and six speakers.

Finally, Apple CarPlay is standard on every 2023 Cooper trim. It was previously an extra-cost option. People with Android phones remain out of luck, it’s still not available.

As well as a broader choice of color schemes, Signature trim brings 16-inch alloys, panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting.

Once a 2023 Cooper is in Signature trim, it becomes eligible for more extras, such as leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel.

Iconic trim makes the full range of colors available, offers a choice of 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, and adds a head-up display, heated steering wheel covered in nicer Nappa leather, real leather upholstery, navigation, wireless phone charging, and a 12-speaker/360-watt Harman Kardon audio system.

Other extras for the 2023 Cooper range include a Driver Assistance package with a head-up display and parking assistance. Adaptive cruise control has been removed from this package for 2023 and is offered as an individual option for versions with an automatic transmission.

The Resolute treatment adds trim-specific cosmetic touches inside and out, along with the Driver Assistance package. Considering all this adds just $1,000 to the price, it’s quite a sweet deal.

The base engine in the 2023 Cooper Hardtop and Convertible models is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit making 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Things become progressively more interesting with the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder alternatives. The Cooper S variants enjoy 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, and the John Cooper Works versions are propelled by 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.

Front-wheel drive is the sole configuration. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual — a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission is the 2-pedal option with the first two engines. The John Cooper Works models offer an 8-speed automatic transmission. All three of these turbocharged engines require premium gasoline.

The 2023 Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door is an electric vehicle (EV), deploying a 135-kilowatt/181 horsepower permanent-magnet motor energized by a lithium-ion battery. A full recharge from a DC fast charger takes just over 90 minutes. A 240-volt supply will do the job in 4.75 hours.

Maximum range of the 2023 Cooper SE is 114 miles, which is not that impressive, but this is one of the cheaper new electric cars and it still has some Mini charm.

These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relate to 2022, but no changes are expected for 2023.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 (Cooper Hardtop 2/4 Door & Convertible)
134 horsepower @ 4,400 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/37 mpg (manual), 29/38 mpg (auto)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Cooper S Hardtop 2/4 Door & Convertible)
189 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,350 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg (manual), 28/38 mpg (auto, Hardtop 2/4 Door), 27/36 mpg (auto, Convertible)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (John Cooper Works)
228 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (manual, Hardtop 2 Door), 25/34 mpg (auto, Hardtop 2 Door), 24/33 mpg (auto, Convertible)

AC synchronous electric motor (Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door)
181 horsepower
199 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy (miles per gallon equivalent): 119/100 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 114 miles