By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / BMW Group
For 2016, the latest MINI generation will now also delight fresh air enthusiasts among fans of the tradition-steeped British brand. It takes just 18 seconds to combine the further enhanced driving fun of a MINI with an intensive open-air feeling. For this purpose, the new MINI Convertible is fitted for the first time with a fully automatic, fully electrically powered and fully-integrated active rollover protection.
Exterior
The exterior design authentically expresses the additional driving fun, technological advancement and refined premium characteristics associated with the change of generation in the MINI Convertible.
The hexagonal contour of the radiator grille is emphasized by the chrome frame typical of the brand and also takes in the bumper trim below. In conjunction with the optional Chrome Line exterior, the lower air inlet also features a chrome surround. The sporty appearance of the new MINI Cooper S Convertible is highlighted by means of an additional opening in the engine compartment lid and brake air ducts in the lower air inlet. In addition, the chrome rib of the radiator grille bears an S logo in red that is echoed in the side scuttle elements.
Sporty elegance is also conveyed by the rear. The large, vertically oriented rear lights are positioned far to the outside and feature chrome surrounds. These together with the robust tailgate handle strip above the number plate carrier, the strikingly shaped bumper and the widening of the body towards the bottom define the typical brand-style appearance of the rear view. From this perspective, the new MINI Cooper S Convertible can be identified by two centrally positioned exhaust tailpipes and a model-specific rear apron complete with diffuser. An opening surrounded by painted surfaces echoes the structure of the front apron with its black honeycomb grille and the externally arranged units for the rear fog light and reflectors. The other engine variants have a closed rear apron and a centrally positioned rear fog light.
Fully automatic textile soft top with quiet electric drive.
The soft top developed for the new edition of the open-top 4-seater features optimized trim for the convertible top linkage, a particularly high-quality liner and a heat able glass rear window. It offers unlimited suitability for all-year-round use as well as further optimized acoustic insulation. For the first time, soft top operation in the new MINI Convertible is by means of electric power only.
For spontaneous open-air pleasure and a quick reaction to sudden changes in the weather, the soft top can even be fully automatically opened and closed during travel 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, the soft top can also be operated by means of a button on the remote key. Within the space of 18 seconds, first the window bars and side windows are lowered and then the soft top is retracted. Closing of the soft top is carried out in the reverse order and takes the same amount of time.
The soft top of the new MINI Convertible also offers a sliding roof function which allows the front section of the top to be retracted to continuously variable levels by up to 15 inches. Controlled fresh air supply is also activated by means of a toggle switch on the roof frame and can be used at all speeds.
Interior
While driving with the top down, all occupants can prepare themselves for an enjoyable experience. Intense open-air pleasure is ensured by the upright windscreen and the elongated shoulder line. In addition, the interior features a design that is both high-end and harmonious, as well as offering premium material and workmanship quality along with significantly increased space comfort as compared to the predecessor model.
The extended adjustment range of the front seats ensures convenient entry and exit for rear passengers. The extended seat surfaces and increased headroom also contribute to optimized space comfort in the second row. The single-seat character of the two rear seats results in optimized lateral support. The interior width at the rear has been increased by 0.5 inch at shoulder height. Rear-seat legroom has also been expanded by 1.6 inches.
In addition to fully automatic soft top operation, the new MINI Convertible is fitted as standard with such features as dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless engine start, and a 6.5 inch display with the MINI Connected and AUX-IN socket and USB interface.
Seats are also available in the new Chesterfield leather upholstery first seen on the MINI Clubman which comes in an exclusive new Malt Brown color for the Convertible. For an interior design geared precisely towards personal style, there is also a broad selection of upholstery colors, interior surfaces, cockpit fascia frames, Color Lines and other features including Chrome Line for the interior, and three variants of the MINI Yours interior style.
Engine and Transmission
The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Technology ensures increased driving fun and optimized efficiency. The engine of the MINI Cooper S Convertible feature turbocharging, direct fuel injection with centrally positioned injectors, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side and fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The 2.0-litre power unit mobilizes a peak output of 189 bhp and a maximum torque of 207 ft lbs that goes on stream at just 1,250 rpm.
The new version of the optionally available 6-speed Steptronic transmission is more efficient, comfortable and athletic than ever. It offers both automatic and manual changes in drive position using the gear selector switch. For the new MINI Cooper S Convertible, a 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission is also available that offers very short shift times, can be operated using shift paddles at the steering wheel in manual mode. Both automatic variants have a transmission control system that is able to draw on navigation data for the purpose of gear and shift point selection.
Summary
The new edition of the MINI Cooper S Convertible, the first in the premium small car segment, embodies the most exclusive and emotionally intensive way of savoring authentic MINI driving fun. The upright windscreen guarantees a refreshing open-top driving experience on all four seats.
Estimated fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the Sport Automatic Transmission and the 2.0-liter MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $29,600.00, the one I drove included: Melting Silver Metallic Paint, Chesterfield Leather Malt Brown Seats, Sport Automatic Transmission, MINI yours Steering Wheel, Interior Style Fiber Alloy and the Storage, Premium, Sport, Technology and Wired Packages, and it came in at $39,800.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
