The 2010 convertible Cooper features head/thorax side airbags and an active rollover bar. A wide variety of interior trim materials and colors are available. Features such as xenon headlights, sport suspension, Dynamic Traction Control, power sunroof, navigation system, parking sensors, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and satellite radio are optional. Like the last generation and the original, an enlarged round speedometer is mounted in the center of the dash. The tachometer is mounted on the tilt/telescoping steering column, moving with it as you adjust it up and down. The convertible also has a unique Openometer next to the tach. It's a meter that measures the number of hours you drive with the top down. Think of it as a measure of your enthusiasm for an open cockpit. For 2010, cruise control is now standard on all models, which also have a new steering wheel with multifunction controls. A Harman Kardon sound system is a new option for all models. The design of the second-generation convertible looks enough like the first that there is little difference to casual observers. The most noticeable difference is the roll bar, which used to stick up behind the backseat head restraints, is now active; it's visible but rests low unless a rollover occurs, in which case it pops up to provide protection. The convertible's soft-top opens partially, like a sunroof, or can open fully as a conventional convertible top would. The convertible's cargo volume is more than respectable at 6 cubic feet.
Cooper Convertible Design
The convertible comes with a power canvas roof that opens at the touch of a button in just 15 seconds when the car is parked or traveling at up to 18 mph. There are no latches to operate. The convertible top has a heated glass rear window and a sliding roof function that opens just the portion over the front seats. It acts as a sunroof and can be opened at speeds up to 75 mph. The soft-top maintains the same basic silhouette as the hardtop, though the rear window is tilted farther forward. The rear side windows are about a third of the size of those on the hardtop because the cloth top wraps farther around the sides of the car. Behind the rear seat, the convertible has a concealed Active Rollover Protection Bar that pops up in case of a rollover. When the convertible top is down, it rests at the back of the car and sticks up a bit, resembling a spoiler. After a lengthy break, the MINI Cooper returned to our shores in 2002 under BMW's direction to resurrect the legend. As before, the current MINI Cooper convertible appeals to a diverse audience. Its high style is embraced by pop stars and celebrities, while an affordable bottom line is available for more buyers. It's a uniquely sporty blend of classic British MINI-car heritage and charm combined with precise German engineering and construction underneath. The second-generation convertible first made its debut as a 2009 model, and carries over to 2010 with minimal changes.
Powering the 2010 Cooper
The 2010 MINI Cooper convertible is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 118 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The MINI Cooper S convertible is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter engine, rated at 172 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, a stiffer suspension, performance exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 all-season run-flat tires for both body styles; 17-inch wheels are optional. Exterior design details, including fog lights, a black grille insert, hood scoop, rear bumper inserts and prominent rear spoiler wing (optional on the Cooper), distinguish the Cooper S from the Cooper. This latest version handles better than the previous-generation convertible thanks to a stronger body structure that allows for little cowl shake. Electro-mechanically assisted steering, which uses an electric motor, instead of hydraulics, is used to alter and enhance driver steering input. Because the steering is still mechanically connected to the front wheels, this system can't be called drive-by-wire, and the driver still has a feel for the road and the car's changing cornering force can be felt through the wheel. This system varies the steering ratio and effort according to speed. This is most apparent in tight, slow parking lot maneuvers where very little effort or wheel motion is needed to make large changes in direction. In comparison, at highway speeds greater rotation of the steering wheel results in smaller and less sensitive directional changes. One advantage of electronically assisted steering is that input/output ratios can be optimized for various portions of a corner, not just varying with vehicle speed. In the MINI, this means that the initial turn-in is cushioned slightly, so the car doesn't feel as twitchy as the previous model, but once a constant turning radius is established, it takes almost no effort to maintain the turn, regardless of speed.
2010 MINI Cooper Convertible Cabin
Standard equipment on the convertible includes air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, RDS, and pre-wiring for satellite radio; power windows with auto-down; power locks; remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key: leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel; six-way adjustable driver's seat; height-adjustable front passenger seat; split-folding rear seat; leatherette upholstery, outside temperature display, and a cooled glovebox. Upholstery and trim is very nice and there is a wide range of options. At one extreme, by ordering sport seats with leather and contrasting cloth trim, along with metal accents and ambient lighting, the buyer can create a trendy, fast-and-furious cabin. At the other extreme, by opting for very-English leather seats with contrasting piping, trim panels matching the piping color, and real wood accents, it can have the look of an upscale British luxury car. Heating and air conditioning controls in the base model are straightforward. The available automatic climate control system, which maintains a constant temperature dialed in by the occupants, is cleverly configured in the shape of the winged MINI logo. A navigation system is optional, and if selected, replaces the central speedometer with a round screen of the same size, which has a central rectangular display screen surrounded by a digitally generated needle indicating vehicle speed around the perimeter.
Conclusions
The MINI Cooper's heritage dates back to the late 1950s, when it was conceived by the British Motor Corporation in response to the Suez crisis to provide efficient, bare-bones transportation. It was roomy and comfortable. It was cheap to build, cheap to buy, and cheap to run. Safety features on all models include dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Cornering Brake Control. Brake Assist detects emergency operation of the brakes, and builds up maximum brake pressure as quickly as possible. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control is standard, and a version that can be turned on and off is optional on all but the JCW, where it is standard. Hill Assist start-off assistance is a feature of DSC, activating the brakes when starting on an uphill ascent to prevent the car from rolling back. Rear park assist is optional. Although there's no car quite like a MINI, the Cooper competes with the VW Eos, VW Beetle, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder and BMW 1 Series. For more research, view the official MINI website.
The convertible comes with a power canvas roof that opens at the touch of a button in just 15 seconds when the car is parked or traveling at up to 18 mph. There are no latches to operate. The convertible top has a heated glass rear window and a sliding roof function that opens just the portion over the front seats. It acts as a sunroof and can be opened at speeds up to 75 mph. The soft-top maintains the same basic silhouette as the hardtop, though the rear window is tilted farther forward. The rear side windows are about a third of the size of those on the hardtop because the cloth top wraps farther around the sides of the car. Behind the rear seat, the convertible has a concealed Active Rollover Protection Bar that pops up in case of a rollover. When the convertible top is down, it rests at the back of the car and sticks up a bit, resembling a spoiler. After a lengthy break, the MINI Cooper returned to our shores in 2002 under BMW's direction to resurrect the legend. As before, the current MINI Cooper convertible appeals to a diverse audience. Its high style is embraced by pop stars and celebrities, while an affordable bottom line is available for more buyers. It's a uniquely sporty blend of classic British MINI-car heritage and charm combined with precise German engineering and construction underneath. The second-generation convertible first made its debut as a 2009 model, and carries over to 2010 with minimal changes.
The 2010 MINI Cooper convertible is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 118 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The MINI Cooper S convertible is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter engine, rated at 172 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, a stiffer suspension, performance exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 all-season run-flat tires for both body styles; 17-inch wheels are optional. Exterior design details, including fog lights, a black grille insert, hood scoop, rear bumper inserts and prominent rear spoiler wing (optional on the Cooper), distinguish the Cooper S from the Cooper. This latest version handles better than the previous-generation convertible thanks to a stronger body structure that allows for little cowl shake. Electro-mechanically assisted steering, which uses an electric motor, instead of hydraulics, is used to alter and enhance driver steering input. Because the steering is still mechanically connected to the front wheels, this system can't be called drive-by-wire, and the driver still has a feel for the road and the car's changing cornering force can be felt through the wheel. This system varies the steering ratio and effort according to speed. This is most apparent in tight, slow parking lot maneuvers where very little effort or wheel motion is needed to make large changes in direction. In comparison, at highway speeds greater rotation of the steering wheel results in smaller and less sensitive directional changes. One advantage of electronically assisted steering is that input/output ratios can be optimized for various portions of a corner, not just varying with vehicle speed. In the MINI, this means that the initial turn-in is cushioned slightly, so the car doesn't feel as twitchy as the previous model, but once a constant turning radius is established, it takes almost no effort to maintain the turn, regardless of speed. 
Standard equipment on the convertible includes air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, RDS, and pre-wiring for satellite radio; power windows with auto-down; power locks; remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key: leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel; six-way adjustable driver's seat; height-adjustable front passenger seat; split-folding rear seat; leatherette upholstery, outside temperature display, and a cooled glovebox. Upholstery and trim is very nice and there is a wide range of options. At one extreme, by ordering sport seats with leather and contrasting cloth trim, along with metal accents and ambient lighting, the buyer can create a trendy, fast-and-furious cabin. At the other extreme, by opting for very-English leather seats with contrasting piping, trim panels matching the piping color, and real wood accents, it can have the look of an upscale British luxury car. Heating and air conditioning controls in the base model are straightforward. The available automatic climate control system, which maintains a constant temperature dialed in by the occupants, is cleverly configured in the shape of the winged MINI logo. A navigation system is optional, and if selected, replaces the central speedometer with a round screen of the same size, which has a central rectangular display screen surrounded by a digitally generated needle indicating vehicle speed around the perimeter.