Can the new mini cooper’s suspension or seats be modified to soften the ride for a woman with a bad back?
The ride is harsh due to suspension settings. Small (really small cars) ALWAYS have a harsher ride especially those with a short wheelbase. I would suggest moving up to a compact car or larger for a better ride.
I agree with Andrew, although it also depends on which model you have. The S model has a firmer suspension and shorter profile tires than the standard model resulting in a stiffer ride vs the standard Mini. If you have an S model trade it in for a standard model or upgrade to a larger car. This is why taking a TEST DRIVE is important before you purchase a car.