The reinvention of the MINI brand continues apace with the launch of the all-new MINI Convertible.
With major refinements against its predecessor, the car features a striking new design and significant enhancements to make open-topped MINI motoring even more dynamic, stylish and practical.
Officially on sale in the UK from March 2016, it follows hugely successful model launches in 2004 and 2009. After 12 years of sales success, it remains the only premium soft-top four-seater convertible in the small car segment, and the UK continues to be the largest market worldwide for the new MINI Convertible.
Brand new features include a fully electric roof that is quieter and smoother than the previous model, a fully integrated rollover protection system and more rear space than ever before.
A striking new exterior and interior design ensures the new MINI Convertible is unmistakably MINI, whilst showcasing a blend of sporting flair and elegant dynamism.
The all-new MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper D Convertible are 3,821 mm long, with the MINI Cooper S Convertible 3,850 mm long. All models are 1,727 mm wide, 1,415 mm high and have a wheelbase of 2,495 mm.
Those dimensions have increased compared with the outgoing model, with 98 mm extra length, 44 mm extra width and 1 mm extra height. The wheelbase is 28 mm longer and track width has also grown a further 42 mm at the front and 34 mm at the rear.
The increase in dimensions has enhanced comfort levels and freedom of movement in all four seats. The two front seats have a wider range of adjustment, while rear passengers benefit from easier access, more headroom, a longer seat surface and improved lateral support. The design of the new rear more clearly defines the two individual seats.
Day-to-day practicality has also improved. Smart design and interior packaging means luggage volume has expanded by around 25 per cent to 215 litres with the roof closed and 160 litres with it folded down.
A high level of standard equipment across the range includes MINI Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera.
The most important element of any convertible is its roof, and MINI has gone to great lengths to further improve the quality of this key component. Fully electric, the roof of the new MINI Convertible is suitable for year-round use and has been optimised for the very best heat and acoustic insulation. Quieter than ever before, when opened it folds neatly behind the rear seats. The front roof section can also be retracted by up to 40 cm, and this can be carried out at any speed.
For a quick reaction to sudden changes in the weather, the soft-top can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 18 mph. The two operations are activated by means of a toggle switch on the front roof frame. When the vehicle is stationary, it can also be operated using a button on the remote key. Both operations take just 18 seconds. A button located in the driver’s door trim allows for simultaneous opening and closing of all four side windows.
As an alternative to the standard version of the soft-top in black, a MINI Yours version is available for the first time with an integrated woven graphic. It’s an innovative and unique way to customise the new MINI Convertible. Based on the popular roof graphic from the MINI Hatch, the Union Jack motif is finished in a black and grey herringbone pattern.
Safety is a critical consideration in open-topped cars and the new MINI Convertible includes new integrated rollover protection which extends automatically when required. Also improved is the optional wind deflector which can be locked into position behind the driver and front passenger seats so to provide protection from unwanted air turbulence during open-topped driving. After use it can be removed and stowed in the luggage compartment.
Reflecting the styling changes already seen on the latest versions of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch and MINI Clubman, the all-new MINI Convertible showcases a blend of sporting flair and elegant dynamism.
Emphasising the elongated silhouette, the chrome band that runs horizontally along the shoulder line, the short overhangs and the sculpted surfaces are all pure MINI. Family cues include the large circular headlamps with chrome rings, the hexagonal radiator grille, the ‘side scuttle’ indicator surrounds and black lower edging to the body panels.
In conjunction with the optional Chrome Line exterior, the lower air inlet also features a chrome surround. On the MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper D Convertible, the ribs of the radiator grille and the bumper trim where the number plate sits are finished in high-gloss black. The performance credentials of the new MINI Cooper S Convertible are highlighted with an additional bonnet vent, and brake ducts in the lower air inlet. In addition, the chrome rib of the radiator grille bears an ‘S’ logo in red that’s repeated on the side scuttles.
At the rear, the vertical light clusters feature chrome surrounds. Add in the tailgate handle strip, the distinctive bumper and the widening lower section of the body, and this car has all the MINI family signatures. The new MINI Cooper S Convertible can be identified by two centrally positioned exhaust pipes and a model-specific rear apron, complete with diffuser. The other engine variants have a rear fog light there instead.
Boot volume of the new MINI Convertible is 160 litres with the roof open and 215 litres when it’s closed. Both figures are approximately 25 per cent more than its the predecessor. The tailgate opens downwards and can support a weight of up to 80 kg, for ease of loading.
When the roof is closed, the luggage compartment opening can be expanded to stow larger items by means of the Easy Load function, which comes as standard. Two locking handles enable the roof frame to be swung higher up than in the previous MINI Convertible. For long loads, the car’s standard 50:50 split folding rear seat back rest makes life easier. The through-loading facility – widened by 8 mm to 734 mm – is ideal for items such as skis or snowboards.
The selection of paint finishes on the new MINI Convertible has been extended on this new model. For the first time, Caribbean Aqua metallic and Melting Silver metallic are now available, in addition to seven other metallic and four non-metallic finishes. All can be combined with exterior options including Chrome Line exterior, mirror caps and bonnet stripes.
MINI’s unique approach to cabin design showcases the best in contemporary styling, use of premium materials and high-quality workmanship. Nowhere is that better illustrated than in the new MINI Convertible, where a new Chester leather is available for the first time in Malt Brown colour.
At the heart of the car’s appeal is increased space and comfort compared with the model. The extended adjustment range of the front seats ensures convenient entry and exit for rear passengers. Longer seat surfaces, increased headroom, extra shoulder width, extra elbow space, and more knee room (by 36 mm) all contribute to the enhanced rear.
In the front, MINI’s characterful dashboard and instruments are as striking as ever. The horizontally structured cockpit matched with circular or elliptical contours for displays, air vents and door trim will all be familiar. Much-loved MINI elements such as the instrument panel on the steering column, large central display screen and red start/stop button at the centre of the dashboard are all present.
In both the front and rear there are cupholders and storage spaces for small items and drinks. Bottles of up to 1.5 litres in volume fit in the two door pockets. A storage package is available as an option, consisting of storage nets for the luggage compartment and passenger footwell. A 12-volt socket in the luggage compartment is also included.
For an interior design geared towards the customer’s own personal style, there is a broad selection of upholstery colours, interior surfaces, cockpit facia frames, lighting packages, and Colour Lines and Chrome Lines for the interior, including MINI Yours options.
On sale March 2016, priced from £18,475 OTR
