MINI is preserving busy this month by introducing no fewer than three new fashions. Earlier than we see the John Cooper Works sizzling hatches with gasoline and electrical energy on the 2024 Paris Motor Present, right here comes the Cooper Convertible. In contrast to its predecessor made by the VDL Nedcar firm in Born, Netherlands, the “F67” carries the “Made in Oxford” label. That’s proper – the droptop MINI is as soon as once more made at dwelling within the UK.
Having seen the 3-Door hatchback (F66), its “roofless” counterpart seems to be solely predictable. Don’t get us flawed – it’s not a foul factor since we predict it is a trendy little automobile. It takes 18 seconds to electrically fold down the roof and 15 seconds to carry it again up. You don’t need to be stationary to open the roof for the reason that process could be achieved at speeds of as much as 19 mph (30 km/h). No matter how briskly you’re going, you possibly can open the sunroof by sliding the highest backward by 40 centimeters (15.7 inches).
Cargo Area
With the MINI Convertible being such a tiny automobile, it’s removed from being the most effective when it comes to carrying cargo. Depart the roof up and the trunk can accommodate 215 liters (7.59 cubic toes). Drop the highest and the capability decreases to only 160 liters (5.65 cubic toes). Similar to on a pickup truck, the tailgate opens downwards. It’s straightforward to see the opening is kind of small, however practicality isn’t the robust level of a convertible.
Dimensions
However how small is it anyway? It’s 3879 millimeters (152.7 inches) lengthy, 1744 millimeters (68.6 inches) broad, and 1431 millimeters (56.3 inches) tall. You’ll be able to have it with 16-inch wheels or splurge on greater units as much as 18 inches in measurement. The brand new MINI Convertible will get a wind deflector behind the motive force and passenger seats to cut back air turbulence. It’s additionally good at lowering wind noise when the roof is totally folded.
Positioned behind the rear headrests, the built-in rollover safety system is triggered immediately when the automobile’s sensors detect a possible rollover. MINI intends to promote its stylish cabrio in a dozen colours corresponding to this unique Copper Gray. You’ll be able to mix the principle physique paint with Glazed White or Jet Black aspect mirror caps for a contrasting impact. As with different fashions, there are Basic, Favoured, and JCW trim ranges. For the US market two particular person trims or what are in any other case known as “types” together with Basic Model and Favoured Model can be found, together with a complete of 11 paint colours.
A Acquainted Inside
If you happen to’ve seen the newest MINIs, the inside ought to look immediately acquainted. The minimalist dashboard is dominated by the identical OLED spherical show with a 9.4-inch diagonal. The digital instrument cluster is gone however a minimum of there’s an elective head-up show. A couple of bodily controls have survived, positioned beneath the show.
Beneath the hood, you’ll discover the same old suspects. The bottom Cooper C Convertible makes do with a three-cylinder engine. It’s a turbocharged 1.5-liter mill with 161 hp and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). It’s sufficient punch for a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 8.2 seconds and a high velocity of 137 mph (220 km/h). Step as much as the Cooper S Convertible and MINI rewards you with a bigger turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. It’s good for 201 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft), enabling a dash in 6.9 seconds earlier than maxing out at 147 mph (237 km/h).
On the prime quality would be the Cooper JCW Convertible however technical specs stay shrouded in thriller. Sadly, none of those variations can have a handbook gearbox as MINI has pledged to go automatic-only throughout its complete lineup.
Though the BMW-owned model says the brand new Convertible completes the lineup, which may not be essentially true. We’ve been listening to rumors of a totally electrical Convertible (“J03”) believed to enter manufacturing in Oxford in 2027. Nevertheless, MINI hasn’t confirmed the experiences.
We do know the mechanically associated 3-Door electrical hatchback (“J01”) and the Aceman (“J05”) might be made in Oxford beginning in 2026, so the rumor has some substance. It wouldn’t be the primary electrical MINI with a folding roof contemplating there was a Cooper SE Convertible particular version in Europe final yr capped at 999 models.
US Pricing
For the U.S. market, the MINI Cooper Convertible begins at a base MSRP of $33,950, plus a $995 vacation spot and dealing with price. The sportier MINI Cooper S Convertible is priced from $37,200, additionally with a $995 vacation spot cost. Each fashions are set to reach at U.S. dealerships in early January 2025. Particulars on the MINI JCW Convertible, together with pricing and availability, might be introduced at a later date.
Supply: MINI
