The second incarnation of the MINI Convertible

The second iteration of the MINI Convertible broke cover last week and did so with a spectacular set of numbers behind it. Three convertible versions of the iconic vehicle will be available: a 90 bhp 109 mph MINI One, a 115 bhp 120 mph MINI Cooper and a 170 bhp 134 mph Cooper S derivative, each featuring innovative engine technologies designed to deliver performance and frugality at the bowser. With emissions and running costs now a key buying criteria, the premium small car will no doubt be on many shopping lists in 2009, and the three versions all deliver remarkable fuel consumption given their perfromance – 40.4, 38.7 and 34.0 mpg respectively.

All MINI Convertibles have fully automatic fabric roofs as standard. However, this is no ordinary soft top. The roof operates in two stages. Press the button once and the roof slides horizontally back 40 cm to create a unique ‘open sunroof’ effect. This function can be operated while driving up to speeds of 75 mph. Press the button again and the roof retracts fully, neatly folding down into a compact arrangement behind the rear seats. No messy catches, tricky levers or fiddly tonneau covers are involved – only 15 seconds and the touch of a button stand between the driver and the pleasure of open-air motoring. In order for the roof to open to its fully convertible position the car must be stationary.

The roof is made from high quality fabric and operates in a ‘Z’ formation. As the roof retracts to the fully open position, the roof supports automatically lower into the car and the two side windows move down completely. The roof is finally folded into three layers on top of one another. With the ‘Z’ mechanism keeping the dimensions of the folded roof to a bare minimum, the capacity of the luggage compartment is a respectable 120 litres. With the roof up, the boot capacity increases to 165 litres.

The roof incorporates a heated glass rear window ensuring unrestricted visibility to the rear - even in bad weather. All MINI Convertible models are fitted with Park Distance Control (PDC) at the rear as standard.

The first-generation MINI Convertible experienced remarkable sales success around the world during its 2004-2008 lifecycle, with 164,000 MINI Convertibles delivered to owners. Demand for its successor, complete with an array of technological and design advances, is sure to be strong in a climate where frugality of ownership costs is fast becoming fashionable.

The aesthetics of MINI are clearly present in the new Convertible. With a raised shoulder line, highlighted by a chrome strip which extends around the body of the car, the new MINI Convertible has a more purposeful and dynamic stance than its predecessor. The low roofline, wheels in each corner and short overhangs at both the front and rear of the car denote the MINI Convertible’s sporting intent.

Specific design cues differentiate the Cooper and Cooper S models. Both derivatives feature MINI’s trademark hexagon radiator grille and large round headlamps with integrated indicators. The high-performance MINI Cooper S Convertible sets itself apart visually through the presence of an enhanced ‘powerdome’, which sits 20 millimetres higher than the MINI Cooper’s bonnet and houses a large air scoop. At the rear end, large twin tailpipes, a large diffuser in the rear bumper and a two-piece rear fog lamp mark it out.

An hexagonal grid pattern on the radiator grille of the Cooper S is its finishing touch. In contrast, the new MINI Cooper Convertible’s grille boasts a chrome frame and three horizontal, chrome-plated bars.

Exclusive to the new drop-top will be two all-new colours to feature on a MINI. Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue will make their debuts on the second-generation new MINI Convertible. Contrasting roof options add visual appeal to the newcomer, and British customers will be able to pick from Black, Denim Blue and Hot Chocolate when specifying their perfect MINI.

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