2012 MINI Convertible: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2012 MINI Convertible is mostly a carryover from 2011. Its most important change is that the John Cooper Works Convertible's aerodynamic body kit became standard equipment.

Shop 4 in stock at Carvana

About the 2012 MINI Convertible

2nd-generation MINI Convertible (R57, 2009-2015), third model year and one year after the 2011 refresh.

MINI positions the Convertible as a premium small four-seat drop-top that mixes playful handling, distinctive retro-inspired style, and more everyday usefulness than most tiny convertibles. The power soft top, Openometer top-down timer, split-folding rear seatbacks, and easy-load trunk opening give it open-air character without making it a pure weekend toy. Against rivals, the MINI leans harder into agile steering, a cheeky personality, and a more upscale cabin feel than a typical small convertible.

MINI positioned the Cooper as the accessible open-top model, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a power soft top, and a flexible easy-load trunk. The Cooper S is the sportier turbo model, while the John Cooper Works sits at the top of the range with 208 horsepower, a six-speed manual, Brembo front brakes, and more aggressive bodywork.

What changed, by category

Styling

The John Cooper Works Convertible's aerodynamic body kit became standard equipment. MINI also expanded its MINI Yours personalization choices for 2012.

2012 MINI Convertible specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 MINI ConvertibleCooper2 in stock	2012 MINI ConvertibleCooper S2 in stock	2012 MINI ConvertibleJohn Cooper Works0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic	Manual, 6-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	27 mpg	26 mpg	25 mpg
MPG Highway	35 mpg	34 mpg	33 mpg
Horsepower	121 hp	181 hp	208 hp
Torque	118 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	192 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	6 cu-ft	6 cu-ft	6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	28.1 in	28.1 in	28.1 in
Seats	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Traction Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2013 MINI Convertible compares

The main change for the 2013 MINI Convertible is that Bluetooth became standard on every trim. This was otherwise a light update rather than a redesign.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2012 MINI Convertible compared with the 2011 model?

Very little changed for 2012. The main update was a standard aerodynamic body kit for the John Cooper Works Convertible, while MINI also expanded its MINI Yours personalization choices.

Was the 2012 MINI Convertible redesigned?

No, the 2012 MINI Convertible was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation and arrived one year after the 2011 styling and engine refresh.

Did the 2012 MINI Convertible get new engines or transmissions?

No, the engines and transmissions carried over for 2012. The Cooper kept its regular 1.6-liter four-cylinder, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works retained their turbocharged engines.

What distinguishes the 2012 John Cooper Works Convertible?

The 2012 John Cooper Works Convertible is the range's performance model. It has a 208-hp turbocharged engine, a six-speed manual transmission, Brembo front brakes, 17-inch wheels, and a newly standard aerodynamic body kit.

Is the 2012 MINI Convertible meaningfully different from the 2011 model?

No, most 2012 models are very similar to their 2011 counterparts. The clearest reason to favor 2012 is on the John Cooper Works trim, where the aerodynamic body kit became standard.