New MINI Convertible Overview

MINI has announced the release of the new MINI convertible, the new edition of its first-in-class convertible in the small car market. This brings the MINI convertible current with the latest generation of MINIs. The new MINI convertible is still steeped in British tradition: Sporty, efficient, open-top fun, quality of materials and workmanship combined with the latest in modern comfort, safety, and connectivity.

The proportions of the new MINI have changed ever so slightly but are still characteristic of the marque and stylistically appropriate. The classic MINI features such as round headlights and chrome taillight surrounds even further accentuate the MINI convertible’s ties to its ancestors.

The fully automatic soft top incorporates a sliding roof mechanism as well, and is even available with a woven Union Jack graphic. The top can open and close in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph and the also incorporates an automatically expending rollover protection bar.

So, how much bigger is it exactly? The new model is 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider, and less than an inch taller. The wheelbase is just over an inch longer and track width is 1.9 inches wider at the front and 1.6 at the rear.

Front seats have a larger adjustment range and the seat area overall is increased for both front and rear passengers. Rear cargo space increases by 25% and the split fold backrest provides for easy loading of larger items.

On the interior, the familiar circular and elliptical contours for gauges and displays, air vents and door trim elements remain. The interior materials continue to be high quality and are available in a variety of combinations.

The new MINI Convertible is being launched with two engine options; The new generation MINI TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine with 134 bhp in the MINI Cooper Convertible, or the 4-cylinder engine with 189 bhp in the MINI Cooper S Convertible. A 6 speed manual is standard, with the 6-speed Steptronic auto available as an option. For Cooper S models there is also an optional 6-speed Steptronic sport automatic with shift paddles at the steering wheel.

The vehicles also come loaded with a plethora of the features, now dubbed “MINIMALISM.” This includes MINI Driving Modes including GREEN mode for efficiency-optimized motoring.

For those less inclined to the green lifestyle, the traditional MINI go-kart handling is ensured by the model specific suspension design combined with the wide track and longer wheelbase. The vehicle even features Servotronic steering support, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) as standard. Cooper S models also feature Performance Control and optionally available: Dynamic Damper Control.

The rigid body also adds to the handling experience as well as occupant protection in the event of a collision.

The new MINIs, like so many vehicles, aren’t just dropping the tech into connectivity features and apps. They are really loading up some very high tech driving related features too. Some first time features for the MINI Convertible: LED headlamps with LED daytime driving light and LED rear lights; LED turning light; LED fog lamp; LED interior and ambient lighting; MINI Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant with camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant, road sign detection; and rear view camera.

Also available are heated seats, Comfort Access, a new wind deflector, heatable and folding exterior mirrors, interior and exterior mirrors with automatic dip, navigation, and Wired equipment package with navigation system Professional and MINI Touch Controller.

All MINIs leaving the factory this year also include the complete MINI Connected in-car infotainment program; constantly updated selection of apps for integration in the car via smartphone; MINI Streetwise, online search, rain warning function; real time traffic radar; online-based services for the use of entertainment apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Audible, TuneIn and GoPro.

Last but not least, some stats:

Engine variants:

MINI Cooper S Convertible: 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control),

capacity: 1 998 cc, output: 189 bhp @ 5000 rpm, max. torque: 207 ft lbs @ 1250 rpm,

acceleration (0–60 mph): 6.7 seconds (manual: 6.8 seconds),

top speed: 142 mph (manual: 143 mph).

MINI Cooper Convertible: 3-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control)

capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 134 bhp @ 4400 rpm,

max. torque: 162 ft lbs @ 1250 rpm,

acceleration (0–60 mph): 8.2 seconds (manual: 8.3 seconds),

top speed: 128 mph.

Exterior dimensions:
Length: 151.1 inches (MINI Cooper S Convertible: 151.9 inches)
Width: 68 inches
Height: 55.7 inches
Wheelbase: 98.2 inches