Which MINI Cabrio Version Should You Buy?
The MINI Cabrio catalogue spans seven listed production phases but four actual generations, all with a Cabrio body and FWD. The choice is fundamentally between the first-generation 1.6-litre cars, the second generation’s broader Gasoline and Diesel range, the third generation’s efficient 1.2- and 1.5-litre entries plus faster 2.0-litre models, and the fourth generation’s three 2.0 AT versions.
The MINI Cabrio catalogue spans seven listed production phases but four actual generations, all with a Cabrio body and FWD. The choice is fundamentally between the first-generation 1.6-litre cars, the second generation’s broader Gasoline and Diesel range, the third generation’s efficient 1.2- and 1.5-litre entries plus faster 2.0-litre models, and the fourth generation’s three 2.0 AT versions. The quickest listed choice is the fourth-generation 2.0 AT with 231 hp: it reaches 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and 245 km/h. The lowest measured combined consumption is 4.0 l/100 km, achieved by several 1.5 MT and 1.6 MT Diesel versions. Buyers prioritising the strongest power-to-weight ratio should also examine the third-generation 2.0 AT with 231 hp and 1,320 kg kerb weight, equivalent to about 5.7 kg per hp.
MINI Cabrio generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from March 2004 through April 2008 and offered six Cabrio versions. Every engine displaced 1,598 cc and used Gasoline. Outputs were 90, 116, or 170 hp, with Manual, Variable, or Automatic transmissions. This generation is the simplest choice for buyers who specifically want a 1.6-litre engine, although measured combined consumption is available for only three versions.
The second generation ran from March 2009 through September 2015, with 13 versions listed and 12 shown in the supplied catalogue. It expanded the range to include 1,560 cc and 1,995 cc Diesel engines alongside 1,598 cc Gasoline engines. Its restyling, listed from 2010 through 2015, contains 12 versions and adds outputs up to 211 hp. Depending on version, ground clearance is 120–140 mm before restyling and 130–139 mm after restyling.
The third generation ran from 2015 through 2018 with 10 versions, followed by a 2018–2021 restyling with 10 versions and a second restyling beginning in 2021 with seven versions. It introduced 1,198 cc, 1,496 cc, 1,499 cc, 1,995 cc, and 1,998 cc engines across the listed phases. Its transmissions include Manual, Automatic, and Robotic units with six, seven, or eight speeds. All listed third-generation versions have 115 mm ground clearance and a 40-litre tank.
The fourth generation began in November 2024 and contains three Cabrio versions. All use a 1,998 cc turbocharged Gasoline engine, a seven-speed Automatic transmission, and FWD. Power ranges from 163 to 231 hp, while measured combined consumption ranges from 6.6 to 7.1 l/100 km. Ground clearance is 124 mm and the tank holds 44 litres.
MINI Cabrio engine and transmission specs
Repeated database names are distinguished below by generation, phase, power, and fuel.
| Generation and phase | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2004–2008 | 1.6 CVT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 140 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable, speeds not measured | FWD |
| First, 2004–2008 | 1.6 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 140 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First, 2004–2008 | 1.6 MT, 116 hp | 116 hp | 150 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| First, 2004–2008 | 1.6 CVT, 116 hp | 116 hp | 150 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable, speeds not measured | FWD |
| First, 2004–2008 | 1.6 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 220 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| First, 2004–2008 | 1.6 AT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 220 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 MT, 122 hp | 122 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 140 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 AT, 98 hp | 98 hp | 153 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 MT, 98 hp | 98 hp | 153 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 MT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 AT, 109 hp | 109 hp | 260 Nm | 1,560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 MT, 109 hp | 109 hp | 260 Nm | 1,560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 220 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 2.0 MT, 143 hp | 143 hp | 305 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 AT, 122 hp | 122 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 AT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2009–2015 | 1.6 AT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 220 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 MT, 122 hp | 122 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 MT, 98 hp | 98 hp | 153 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 AT, 98 hp | 98 hp | 153 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 MT, 112 hp | 112 hp | 270 Nm | 1,598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 2.0 AT, 112 hp | 112 hp | 270 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 2.0 MT, 143 hp | 143 hp | 305 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 2.0 AT, 143 hp | 143 hp | 305 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 AT, 211 hp | 211 hp | 260 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 MT, 211 hp | 211 hp | 260 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 AT, 122 hp | 122 hp | 160 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 AT, 184 hp | 184 hp | 240 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Second restyling, 2010–2015 | 1.6 MT, 184 hp | 184 hp | 240 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 1.2 MT | 102 hp | 180 Nm | 1,198 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 1.5 MT, 136 hp Gasoline | 136 hp | 220 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 1.5 MT, 116 hp Diesel | 116 hp | 270 Nm | 1,496 cc | Diesel | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 1.5 AT, 116 hp Diesel | 116 hp | 270 Nm | 1,496 cc | Diesel | 3, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 2.0 MT, 231 hp | 231 hp | 320 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 2.0 AT, 170 hp Diesel | 170 hp | 360 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 1.5 AT, 136 hp Gasoline | 136 hp | 220 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 2.0 AT, 231 hp Gasoline | 231 hp | 320 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 2.0 AT, 192 hp Gasoline | 192 hp | 280 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2015–2018 | 2.0 MT, 192 hp Gasoline | 192 hp | 280 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 2.0 MT, 192 hp | 192 hp | 280 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 2.0 AT, 170 hp Diesel | 170 hp | 360 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 8-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 2.0 MT, 231 hp | 231 hp | 320 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 1.5 MT, 116 hp Diesel | 116 hp | 270 Nm | 1,496 cc | Diesel | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 1.5 DSG | 116 hp | 270 Nm | 1,496 cc | Diesel | 3, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 1.5 MT, 102 hp Gasoline | 102 hp | 190 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 1.5 MT, 136 hp Gasoline | 136 hp | 220 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 2.0 Mini Cooper S | 192 hp | 285 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | Mini John Cooper Works | 231 hp | 326 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 8-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling, 2018–2021 | 1.5 Mini Cooper | 136 hp | 224 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Robotic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 1.5 T MT One | 102 hp | 190 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 1.5 T MT Cooper | 136 hp | 220 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 2.0 T MT Cooper S | 178 hp | 280 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 2.0 T MT John Cooper Works | 231 hp | 320 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 1.5 T AT Cooper | 136 hp | 220 Nm | 1,499 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 2.0 T AT Cooper S | 178 hp | 280 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Third restyling 2, from 2021 | 2.0 T AT John Cooper Works | 231 hp | 320 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 8-speed | FWD |
| Fourth, from 2024 | 2.0 AT | 231 hp | 380 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Fourth, from 2024 | 2.0 AT Cooper S | 204 hp | 300 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 7-speed | FWD |
| Fourth, from 2024 | 2.0 AT Cooper C | 163 hp | 250 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 7-speed | FWD |
MINI Cabrio performance and fuel economy
For minimum fuel consumption, the third-generation 1.5 MT Diesel records 4.0 l/100 km combined, as does its second-generation 1.6 MT Diesel counterpart. The third-generation Diesel reaches 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and 195 km/h, while the second-generation 1.6 MT Diesel takes 10.3 seconds and also reaches 195 km/h. The newer car therefore cuts 0.4 seconds from the acceleration time without changing the measured top speed.
Among Gasoline versions, the third-generation 1.2 MT combines 5.2 l/100 km with 102 hp, a 10.6-second acceleration time, and a 190 km/h maximum. The 136 hp 1.5 MT from the same phase uses 5.1 l/100 km, reaches 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, and tops out at 208 km/h. It therefore adds 34 hp, saves 0.1 l/100 km, cuts 1.8 seconds from the sprint, and adds 18 km/h.
For performance, the fourth-generation 2.0 AT with 231 hp leads at 6.4 seconds and 245 km/h. The third-generation 2.0 AT with 231 hp records 6.5 seconds and 240 km/h, while the 2021-onward 2.0 T AT John Cooper Works also records 6.5 seconds but reaches 241 km/h. The fourth-generation car is 0.1 second quicker and 4–5 km/h faster than those alternatives.
The strongest economy-performance compromise in the fourth generation is the 2.0 AT Cooper S: 204 hp, 300 Nm, 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h, 237 km/h, and 6.6 l/100 km combined. The 2.0 AT adds 27 hp and 80 Nm, cuts 0.5 seconds, and adds 8 km/h, while increasing combined consumption by 0.5 l/100 km. The 2.0 AT Cooper C matches the Cooper S at 6.6 l/100 km but has 41 hp and 50 Nm less, takes 1.3 seconds longer, and is 17 km/h slower.
Where the database provides no fuel figure—for example the first-generation 1.6 CVT with 90 hp and several 2018–2021 named Cooper versions—city, highway, and combined consumption are not measured.
MINI Cabrio dimensions, weight and wheel specs
Length and other exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data, so no MINI Cabrio length or “2025 dimensions” claim can be made here. Kerb weight, gross weight, clearance, tank capacity, and occasional wheel sizes are available.
The first-generation kerb weights that were measured range from 1,175 kg to 1,265 kg, while gross weights range from 1,565 kg to 1,660 kg. Ground clearance is 140 or 150 mm and the tank holds 50 litres. Kerb and gross weight for the 90 hp 1.6 CVT are not measured; wheel sizes are not measured for every first-generation version.
The listed second-generation cars span 1,160–1,340 kg kerb weight and 1,565–1,695 kg gross weight. Clearance varies between 120 and 140 mm, and every version has a 50-litre tank. The 143 hp 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT Diesel versions list 195/55 R16 and 205/45 R17 wheels; most other wheel sizes are not measured.
Measured third-generation kerb weights range from 1,205 kg for early 102 hp and 136 hp Manual versions to 1,435 kg for the restyled Mini John Cooper Works. Gross weight ranges from 1,670 to 1,800 kg. Every version has 115 mm clearance and a 40-litre tank. The 2.0 Mini Cooper S lists 195/55 R16 and 205/45 R17 wheels; most other wheel sizes are not measured. Kerb and gross weights for the 2021-onward versions are not measured.
Fourth-generation kerb weights are 1,375 kg for 2.0 AT Cooper C, 1,380 kg for 2.0 AT Cooper S, and 1,425 kg for 2.0 AT. Their gross weights are 1,805, 1,805, and 1,845 kg respectively. All have 124 mm clearance and 44-litre tanks; wheel sizes are not measured.
Which MINI Cabrio should you buy?
Choose the third-generation 136 hp 1.5 MT Gasoline if you want the clearest measured balance of moderate consumption and useful performance. At 5.1 l/100 km combined, it consumes 0.1 l/100 km less than the 102 hp 1.2 MT while accelerating 1.8 seconds faster. Its 1,205 kg kerb weight gives about 8.9 kg per hp.
Choose a Diesel if measured consumption takes priority. The third-generation 116 hp 1.5 MT Diesel and second-generation 109 hp 1.6 MT Diesel both record 4.0 l/100 km combined. The third-generation version has 7 hp more, 10 Nm more, and a 0.4-second advantage to 100 km/h. The restyled third-generation 170 hp 2.0 AT Diesel is the faster Diesel option: 7.7 seconds, 218 km/h, 360 Nm, and 4.4 l/100 km combined.
Choose the 2015–2018 2.0 AT with 231 hp when power-to-weight matters and an Automatic transmission is required. Its 1,320 kg kerb weight works out to about 5.7 kg per hp. The 2018–2021 Mini John Cooper Works has the same 231 hp but weighs 1,435 kg, or about 6.2 kg per hp; it has 6 Nm more torque and the same 6.5-second acceleration time, while its maximum speed is also 240 km/h.
Choose the 2021-onward 2.0 T AT Cooper S if you prefer the seven-speed Automatic with 178 hp and a measured 5.8 l/100 km combined figure. The Manual 2.0 T MT Cooper S uses 6.7 l/100 km and takes 7.1 seconds, whereas the Automatic takes 6.9 seconds. The Automatic therefore uses 0.9 l/100 km less and is 0.2 seconds quicker in the supplied figures.
Choose the fourth-generation 2.0 AT if outright measured performance matters most. Its 231 hp and 380 Nm provide 27 hp and 80 Nm more than the 2.0 AT Cooper S. Its 6.4-second acceleration time is the quickest in the catalogue, and its 245 km/h maximum is the highest. The trade-off is a 45 kg greater kerb weight and 0.5 l/100 km higher combined consumption than the 2.0 AT Cooper S.
No version can be recommended here on price, availability, trunk space, electric power, reliability, roof problems, or other ownership faults: those values are not measured in the supplied data. For a used MINI Cabrio or MINI Cabriolet, the defensible comparison is therefore the exact engine, transmission, performance, consumption, weight, and clearance specification of the individual version.