Mini Cooper Convertible Could Be Bowing Out Soon

It’s no secret the sedan and minivan segments have been suffering due to the surge in popularity of SUVs and other bigger vehicles. This has led to several automakers discontinuing their respective models in an effort to lessen the losses.

But there are two other segments that many fail to realize are also affected by the market shift to bigger cars: the compact cars and convertibles.

In fact, a report recently published by Automotive News claims that another vehicle is dropping out of the market: the Mini CooperConvertible.

According to insiders, the small convertible could be making an exit in 2024 due to a steady decline in sales in the last few years. The model reportedly sold just over 4,000 units in the United States in 2019, marking a significant 25% drop from its 2018 sales.

Taking this into consideration, the current production run of the vehicle scheduled to conclude in 2024 is believed to be the last. This will see the end of the car’s two-decade history in America.

Interested buyers can take advantage of the remaining years, though, before the model takes a bow from the market.

The current Mini Cooper Convertible sold in dealerships is available in three trim levels: the Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works. It has a starting price of $27,000, while a full package of the range-topping John Cooper Works can go up to $40,000.

The John Cooper Works variant sports a twin-turbo 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 228 horsepower. It can go from 0 to 60 miles in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph. However, this trim is only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Even if the discontinuation turns out to be true, it’s still a few years away before the model formally leaves dealerships. But there’s a chance loyal customers won’t get an upgraded version of the vehicle until it takes its final leave.