MINI has unveiled its all-new Cooper Convertible.
With major refinements over its predecessor, the car features a new design and 'significant enhancements' and is officially on sale in the UK from March 2016. The three-car line-up from launch comprises of the MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper D Convertible, MINI Cooper S 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. The new exterior and interior design ensures showcases a 'blend of sporting flair and elegant dynamism'.
The all-new Cooper Convertible and Cooper D Convertible are 3,821 mm long, with the 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. These dimensions have increased compared with the outgoing model which has enhanced comfort levels and allowed for more room in all four seats. Luggage volume has expanded by around 25 per cent to 215 litres with the roof closed and 160 litres with it folded down.
The latest generation of EU6-compliant engines are installed under the bonnet. The petrol engines inside Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible - 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder respectively - feature turbocharging, direct fuel injection with centrally positioned injectors, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS) and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control technology. On the 1.5-litre diesel three-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper D Convertible, there is turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common rail direct injection. A six-speed manual transmission is standard while a six-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option.
MINI says it has gone to great lengths to further improve the quality of the fully electric roof. Suitable for year-round use and optimised for the very best heat and acoustic insulation, the new roof is also quieter than 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 (British) 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 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 graphics such as the Union Jack motif, 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.
MINI says a high level of standard equipment across the range includes the Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera.
On-the-road pricing starts at £18,475 for the Cooper Convertible, £20,225 for the Cooper D Convertible and £22,430 for the Cooper S Convertible to £24,055 for the S Convertible automatic.
