Archive first published
Mini Convertible F57: The Third-Generation Soft-Top, 2015 to 2024
The third-generation Mini Convertible, code F57, was unveiled in October 2015 ahead of its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was larger and roomier than the previous Cabrio, gained a fully electric roof and kept the Always Open Timer. Built only at VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands, it ran until 2024, when a new Convertible from Oxford replaced it.
Key takeaways
- 98 mm longer and 44 mm wider than before; boot of 215 litres with the roof up and 160 litres with it down.
- Roof opens in 18 seconds at up to 30 km/h and has a 40 cm sunroof position.
- Launch engines: Cooper 100 kW (136 PS), Cooper D 85 kW (116 PS) and Cooper S 141 kW (192 PS).
- Updated in 2018 and 2021; replaced in 2024 by a new Cooper Convertible built in Oxford.
What Mini revealed in October 2015
The F57 was the open version of the third-generation Mini hatch, the F56. The old 1cars report highlighted two playful features: the Always Open Timer, which counts the minutes driven with the roof down, and a Union Jack pattern woven into the soft top.
The roof was the main technical change: for the first time it worked fully electrically, and Mini said it was quieter. The front section could also slide back by up to 40 cm at any speed. Two hidden high-strength aluminium rollover bars deployed within 150 milliseconds when the electronics detected a rollover risk.
Mini Convertible F57 specifications
| Parameter | Mini Convertible F57 (2015) | Change from previous Cabrio |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,821–3,850 mm by version | +98 mm |
| Width | 1,727 mm | +44 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,495 mm | +28 mm |
| Boot, roof up / down | 215 / 160 litres | About 25% more with roof up |
| Roof operation | 18 s, up to 30 km/h | Now fully electric |
| Cooper (1.5, 3-cyl petrol) | 100 kW (136 PS), 220 Nm | |
| Cooper D (1.5, 3-cyl diesel) | 85 kW (116 PS), 270 Nm | |
| Cooper S (2.0, 4-cyl petrol) | 141 kW (192 PS), 280 Nm | |
| Gearboxes | 6-speed manual or automatic |
The hatchback it was based on is covered in detail on the Mini Cooper 3 (F56) page. For running costs by engine, the fuel cost calculator helps.
Small convertibles in 2015
Few rivals offered four seats and a fabric roof at this size. The Fiat 500C had only a folding fabric centre section, and the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet was larger and heavier. The Mini sat between them, with a full-length soft top in a short body. Other open cars are collected in the convertibles section.
Updates and the 2024 successor
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2015 | Revealed ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show |
| 2016 | Market launch; Australian showrooms from mid-2016 |
| 2018 | First update: seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox replaces the six-speed automatic on most versions |
| 2021 | Second update: new bumpers, standard LED headlights, Union Jack rear lights |
| 2024 | End of production at Born, Netherlands |
| 9 October 2024 | New Mini Cooper Convertible revealed, built in Oxford |
The 2024 Convertible kept the familiar figures: 18 seconds to open at up to 30 km/h and 160–215 litres of boot space. The Always Open Timer returned on a round OLED display. Mini announced a Cooper C with 120 kW (163 PS) and a Cooper S with 150 kW (204 PS).
Status in 2026: which one to buy
In October 2026 the F57 is a used buy, and the 2021 car with LED lights and the dual-clutch gearbox is the most modern version. The Cooper suits town use; the Cooper S is the one for winding roads. The diesel is rare and makes sense only for high mileage.
Compare versions with the comparison tool, or browse every model in the Mini catalogue.
FAQ
When did the third-generation Mini Convertible come out?
Mini unveiled the F57 Convertible in October 2015, shortly before the Tokyo Motor Show. It reached showrooms during 2016, and the car stayed in production at Born until 2024.
How fast does the Mini Convertible roof open?
The electric soft top opens or closes in 18 seconds and works at speeds of up to 30 km/h. The front part can also slide back by up to 40 cm as a sunroof.
How big is the Mini Convertible boot?
The F57 holds 215 litres with the roof closed and 160 litres with it folded. That was about 25% more than the previous Cabrio, and the 2024 successor offers the same figures.
What is the Always Open Timer?
It is a display feature that records how many minutes the car has been driven with the roof down. It appeared on earlier Mini Cabrios, stayed on the F57 and returned on an OLED screen in the 2024 Convertible.
