Based on the latest Cooper hatch, the 2016 Convertible rides on BMW’s UKL platform which underpins the 2 Series Active Tourer, the new BMW X1, and the regular 2014-onwards MINI Cooper hatch.
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One of the most important things that people using this auto are interested in is the room in the trunk that is already limited on the hardtop and is even more cramped on the Convertible, as the roof cuts into it. Well, MINI claims that the luggage volume expands by more than 25 percent to 7.5 cubic feet (212 liters) when the roof is up and 5.7 cubic feet (161 liters) with it folded. The former is equipped with Mini’s 134-hp, 1.5-liter turbo-three engine, and accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 8.2 seconds with the car’s six-speed automatic transmission or 8.3 seconds with the six-speed manual.
The new MINI Convertible is slightly bigger than its predecessor – 98 millimetres in length, 44 millimetres in width and 1 millimetre in height.
When spring has sprung, motorists can drop the top on the 2016 Convertible while traveling at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
Mini is also promising high levels of specification, and a wealth of personalisation options. The increase in space means there’s also more head and kneeroom for passengers sitting in the two rear seats.
The MINI Convertible will be available with variable damper control for the first time, allowing the driver to choose between comfortable and sporty setups.
The BMW Group announced the next MINI Convertible.
Visually, the 2016 Mini Convertible evolves its looks in keeping with today’s Mini designs. Large oval-shaped headlights dominate the front corners, with a large black mesh grille adorning the nose.
Well, okay, there isn’t a JCW convertible Cooper just yet, but it’s coming soon. The Cooper and Cooper D will have 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Cooper S gets 16-inch versions. The Convertible will also be offered with two new colours – Caribbean Aqua and Melting Silver – in addition to the standard colour range, and the option of a Malt Brown leather interior, on which we’ll reserve judgement until we see it in the flesh. Buyers opting for the MINI Connected XL pack will benefit from a new rain warning function, which can send a message to your smartphone if the vehicle is parked with the roof open and bad weather is forecast. Prices are set to start from £18,475 for the basic 134bhp version, rising to £22,430 for the 189bhp Cooper S. It’ll go on sale in March next year. All engines will be mated to 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatics sending power to front wheels.
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In addition to a stiffer structure, the new Mini Convertible features a reinforced A-pillar as well as a pair of pop-up hoops behind the rear seats that can deploy within 150 milliseconds when sensors indicate a rollover.
