Mini announces all-new convertible on sale in March

(February 23, 2016) The reinvention of the Mini brand continues apace with the launch of the all-new Mini Convertible, which is set to go on sale in March. 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.

It remains the only premium soft-top four-seater convertible in the small car segment. 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 151 inches long, with the Mini Cooper S Convertible and the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible slightly longer. All models have a wheelbase of 98 inches.


Those dimensions have increased compared with the outgoing model, with 3.8 inches extra length. The wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer andtrack width has also grown a further 1.6 inches at the front and 1.3 inches 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 t
he two individual seats.

The two engines at launch next March come from parent BMW: a 134-hp three-cylinder turbo in the Cooper, and a 189-hp turbo four in the Cooper S. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic optional. Mini says the three-cylinder can hit 60 mph in 8.2 seconds (manual: 8.3 seconds) and has a 128-mph top speed, while the four has a 6.7-second zero to 60 time and a 128-mph top speed.

Day-to-day practicality has also improved. Smart design and interior packaging means luggage volume has expanded by around 25 per cent to 7.5 cubic feet with the roof closed and 5.6 cubic feet 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 rearview 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 optimized for the very best heat and acoustic insulation. Quieter than ever before, when opened it folds neatly behind the rear seats.

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 customize 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.