2019 MINI Convertible Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The original MINI vehicles are considered icons of 1960s pop culture in the UK. These compact cars still have that unmistakable British style and flair. For 2019, the MINI comes in a number of different body styles. You can get a hardtop with two or four doors. This is simply called a MINI Hardtop. There's also a four-door MINI Countryman and a larger crossover vehicle called the MINI Clubman. MINI now even offers a plugin hybrid and various special editions of their famous little car.

Last of all, there's the MINI Convertible. We will be taking a look specifically at the MINI Convertible and all of its trims and configurations. Trim levels can be somewhat confusing with this car company as they do things a bit differently. First, there are three configuration choices called the Cooper, Cooper S and the John Cooper Works. The main differences between the three are found in the powertrain and performance specs.

The Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works can each be further divided into three specific trim packages. These dictate the various cosmetic, convenience and safety features you'll get. MINI calls these three trim levels the Classic, Signature and Iconic. We will take a close look at each configuration and trim level and what they have to offer. By comparing each option to the others, you can get a better idea of which setup might be best for you.

Compare the 2019 MINI Convertible Cooper vs Cooper S. What is the difference?

The Cooper and Cooper S are both two-door vehicles that can seat up to four people. These are compact cars in the truest sense with an overall length of just 151.9 inches and a width of 68 inches. The Cooper is powered by a 1.5-liter, I-3, turbocharged, direct-injection engine. The engine produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This model can get you from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in around 8.2 seconds. The Cooper comes with a 6-speed manual-transmission system. You can opt for a 6-speed automatic if you so choose.

The Cooper S is equipped with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, twin-turbo engine with direct injection. This gets you 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. This time around, you can get from 0 to 60 in just 6.7 seconds. You once again get the choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Cooper has a combined fuel-economy rating of 32 miles-per-gallon for the manual and 30 miles-per-gallon in the automatic. The Cooper S offers 26 miles-per-gallon for the manual and 28 miles-per-gallon with the automatic transmission.

Compare the Convertible Cooper S vs John Cooper Works. What is the difference?

The John Cooper Works comes with the same 2.0-liter, twin-turbo engine as the Cooper S model. The difference is that it has now been fine-tuned and upgraded for high performance. The power is greatly increased to 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The 0 to 60 time is now an impressive 6.3 seconds. If you value performance and sporty driving dynamics, the John Cooper Works is probably your best choice.

In addition to the engine, the John Cooper Works gives you a few more performance perks and extra options. You can even choose a full-body aero kit if you plan to race this car or just like the aesthetic and performance boosts. The suspension system can be upgraded if you choose. You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with racer-styled paddle shifters. A sport exhaust is installed that gives the MINI an aggressive voice.

All three of these configurations give you more passenger room than you might expect. The engineers did a fine job of packing all of that space into the small body of the MINI Convertible. The trunk has a volume of 5.7 cubic feet. There's also around 7.6 cubic-feet of cargo space in the rear area. The Cooper S and John Cooper Works both feature three individual driving modes. You can select Sport for the best performance, Green for economical performance or Mid for a nice balance between the two.

Compare the Convertible Classic vs Signature Trims. What is the difference?

All configurations and trim levels of the MINI Convertible offer a unique, 3-in-1 top. This soft top can quickly be opened or closed within 18 seconds at speeds of up to 18 miles-per-hour. There's also a sunroof mode for those days when you just want to let a little more air and sunlight in. MINI also offers an optional woven top with a Union Jack design.

The Classic trim is only available in four colors. These are Midnight Black, Pepper White, Chili Red and Moonwalk Grey. The Signature model adds on six more choices for a total of ten colors. The new choices are Starlight Blue, White Silver, Electric Blue, Melting Silver, Caribbean Aqua and Solaris Orange. There's a color here for everyone, whether you prefer a conservative choice or something more bold.

The Classic trim on any configuration gets you a rear-view camera, parking-distance control and an automatic rain sensor. It comes stock with 15-inch wheels. The Signature model adds on heated front seats, MINI's Comfort Access System and 16-inch wheels. The Signature also gives you a lot of optional features and customization choices that are not available on the Classic.

The Signature trim allows you to tack on the Premium Package. This package gives you chrome accents on the exterior. The fog lamps and headlights are upgraded to LED models. You also get a premium sound system by Harman Kardon. This also gives you a navigation system and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Signature model even gives you extra interior options such as leather upholstery.

The safety features are mostly the same between the Classic and Signature trim levels. Both come equipped with two front airbags, two side airbags and two airbags located around the knees of the driver and front passenger. An Active Driving Assistant is available. This system gives you a camera-based display with a warning for forward collisions and automatic emergency braking.

Every version of the MINI Convertible has a hidden roll bar. When you get into an accident, this feature is deployed within a micro-second. This provides additional protection for you and your passengers should the vehicle roll over. The MINI engineers use strong frames, strategic design and a rigid body structure to make the MINI Convertible a safer vehicle.

Compare the 2019 Convertible Signature vs Iconic Trims. What is the difference?

The Iconic trim level gives you the same features for the Cooper, Cooper S or John Cooper Works. You get all of what the Classic and Signature trims offer except where a total upgrade has been made. Last of all, you get new added features and many options from the previous trims are now standard equipment.

The Iconic trim gives you the Premium Package. This provides you with the top-tier audio system. You get the upgraded headlights, fog lamps and power exterior mirrors as well. An included Upholstery Package gets you leather seats and upgraded build materials for virtually every part of the interior. You'll receive a number of color choices for the interior and one extra color for the exterior too. The new paint color is called MINI Yours Lapisluxury Blue.

When you move up to this trim, you automatically get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Iconic includes a navigation system, a large touchscreen and wireless charging for your various devices. A heads-up display near the instrument cluster gives the driver a wealth of information. This package also gets you some larger, 18-inch alloy wheels for your ride.

Most of the safety and security features are the same between the three trim levels. MINI makes sure that every version of the MINI Convertible is a safe vehicle. Emergency braking, forward-collision detection and a wind reflector are all included for the Iconic trim.

Final Thoughts

If you've read this far, it's safe to assume you've already decided on a Convertible model of the MINI. Your next choice will be to decide which configuration to go with. If you plan to take your MINI Convertible to the track, then the John Cooper Works is your only choice. Most serious racers and weekend enthusiasts will want a hardtop if they plan to race though. If you must have the top performance, the John Cooper Works is still the right choice, but most drivers will be happy with the Cooper S model.

When it comes to trim levels, there's very little difference in cost between the three. This makes it easy to recommend the Iconic trim no matter which configuration you choose. You get an upgraded sound system and a navigation system. You get the best comfort features and a ton of extra safety features and driver aids. This trim level gives you the most choices for customization too. The MINI Convertible Cooper S in an Iconic trim package is an excellent value.