MINI Asia and MINI Philippines just launched the new MINI Convertible – the only premium convertible in the small car segment that offers a refreshing open-top driving experience on all four seats. It is available in two variants: MINI Cooper Convertible S and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.
The new MINI Convertible is fitted with an automatic and electrically-powered soft top that is particularly quiet and comes with fully-integrated rollover protection. The soft top roof can be fully opened or closed in just 18 seconds, it can be automatically opened and closed completely during travel at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
The soft top also offers a sliding roof function, which allows the front section of the top to be retracted to continuously variable levels by up to 40cm.
This new MINI Convertible makes advancements in ride comfort, space and functionality as well as material and workmanship quality. There are also innovative driver assistance systems.
Theres an increase in wheelbase and track width over its predecessor, the combination of single-joint strut front axle and multilink rear axle – unique in the small car segment – and a set-up of wheel suspension, body mounting, vehicle suspension and damping that is geared in detail towards the vehicle characteristics of the open-top 4-seater guarantees not just agile handling but also optimized ride comfort.
In order to increase component rigidity and reduce weight, the front axle is fitted with aluminum swivel bearings. Components made of high-strength steel are used in the front and rear axle as well as tube-shaped stabilizers. A sports suspension is optionally available which has a set-up geared towards dynamic driving.
The electromechanical power steering includes speed-related Servotronic steering support for maximum precision when cornering at speed and for comfortable maneuvering at low speeds.
The Dynamic Damper Control now comes standard on the new MINI JCW Convertible for the first time. Two program maps are available to choose from for an electronically controlled damper set-up. In this way, the MINI Driving Modes can be used to activate either a comfort-oriented response or else a direct, sporty response to bumps in the road, according to requirements.
This new MINI Convertible is bigger than its predecessor, now 3,821mm long (+98mm), 1,727mm wide (+44mm) and 1,415mm tall (+1mm). Meanwhile, the new MINI Cooper S Convertible is 3,850mm longer (+121mm). The new dimensions preserve the model’s typical proportions while ensuring that occupants on all four seats benefit from a noticeable increase in freedom of movement.
The luggage compartment volume of the new MINI Convertible is also significantly larger than before. Also, the stowage of larger luggage items is facilitated by the Easy Load function, which allows the soft top frame to be raised when the roof is closed, and also a wide through-loading facility.
The extended adjustment range of the front seats ensures easier entry and exit for rear passengers. Expanded 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. Knee space has also been expanded by 40 mm.
The MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible are both powered by the latest generation three and four cylinders engines driven by MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, meeting the EU6 exhaust emission standard.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with a peak output of 192hp and maximum torque of 280Nm from 1,250 rpm. Torque can even briefly be increased to 300Nm with overboost. As a result, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 228 km/h. The average fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S Convertible is 5.8 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 135 g/100km (per average EU test cycle figures).
There are many innovative Driver Assistance Systems available for the new MINI Convertible, Park Distance Control with sensors at the rear of the car is standard. There’s the MINI Head-Up Display, the Driving Assistant system including camera-based collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant, road sign detection, as well as the Parking Assistant and Rear View Camera.
In addition, the program of special equipment includes LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and the MINI Excitement Package, which comprises LED interior and ambient lighting as well as a projection of the MINI logo onto the ground from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when the car is opened.
Specs:
MINI Cooper S Convertible
Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology (turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC).
Capacity: 1,998cc
Max output: 192 hp at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 280 Nm from 1,250 – 4,600 rpm (300Nm with overboost)
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds
Top speed: 228 km/h
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.8 litres/100km
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 135 g/km.
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology (turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC).
Capacity: 1,998cc
Max output: 231 hp at 5,200 rpm
Max torque: 320 Nm from 1,250 rpm (340Nm with overboost)
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.8 litres/100km
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 157 g/km.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible are both available at the MINI Global City and MINI Roadshow Greenhills showrooms for Php 3,150,000 and Php 3,950,000, respectively.
Photos by Neil Pagulayan