It's funny how the Mini brand can swing between such extremes of desirability; it was only on Monday we were praising
the JCW manual
as a fun, exciting and engaging hot hatch. And now to the convertible...
This is Caribbean Aqua darling
If there's one thing the Mini Mk3 has taught us about Mini clientele, it's that the cute looks of the first two generations weren't that influential in the buying decision. The latest car isn't cute, or pretty, or anything near attractive and yet people are still flocking to them. Has that improved for the Convertible? With that pram roof and the Union Jack optionally emblazoned on the top, it's a hard claim to support.
To the vitals. The fully electric roof raises or lowers in 18 seconds at up to 18mph, so you only have to worry about one number when anxiously waiting at the lights. Boot space is up by 25 per cent to a capacious 215 litres with the roof up and still ample 160 litres with it down. Comfortably big enough for a new pair of jeans.
Compared to the old model, this Mini cab is 98mm longer (3,821mm for the Cooper and Cooper D, 3,850mm for the Cooper S), 44mm longer and a single millimetre taller. A longer wheelbase and wider tracks should improve handling, if you care. Mini says the Convertible is 'highly rigid', with specific modifications including torsion struts front and rear, 'optimisation in the area of the side sills' plus a stiffening plate under the engine. If the handling capabilities are pushed too far, two hidden aluminium rollover bars will raise in 150 milliseconds.
Roof at least good for hiding your face
Inside the big news is the introduction of a new Chester leather, available for the first time in Malt Brown. Fabulous. All cars come as standard with 'Visual Boost Radio' and Mini Connected, but what you really want is Mini Connected XL. Why? The rain warner function. If you leave the car roof down and the forecast is bad, a message will be sent to your smartphone suggesting it's time to raise the roof back again.
Also new for the Convertible is a head up display, with a Harmon Kardon stereo, Comfort Access and an 'Always Open Timer' also on the options list. The latter registers how long the roof has been down for, which will give you something to brag about at the salon next month.
At launch next March, there will be a Cooper, Cooper D Cooper S Convertible. Prices start at £18,475 for the Cooper, with the Cooper D at £20,225 and the S at £22,430. May we politely remind you at this point how much MX-5 can be bought for that money. Coming to your high street and boutique stores soon!