2016 Mini Cooper S Cabrio spied with top down

We've already published a number of spy photos of the new Mini convertible undergoing testing on public roads, but all the prototypes so far have been running around with their tops up.

In these latest photos, we can see that the next-gen Cabrio's roof apparatus will still sit high and proud above the car's belt line when the driver decides to travel alfresco.

Ahead of the windscreen, the Mini Cabrio looks to be unchanged from its three- and five-door hatch siblings. At the rear, the new Cabrio will continue the tradition of mimicking the look of the three-door hatch as much as possible.

The new Mini Cabrio is expected to make its debut towards the end of the year, with a launch that will probably be timed to coincide with either the Frankfurt motor show in September or the Los Angeles motor show in November.

In terms of powertrains, the Cabrio will again pretty much mirror the offerings in the regular hatchback range, meaning a selection of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines drinking either petrol or diesel fuel.

If the next-gen Cabrio follows the precedent set by its forebears, only petrol-engined variants, such as the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW, will be sold Down Under.

A convertible version of the John Cooper Works was snapped by our photographers in March this year, and is expected to join the range a few months after the more humble versions debut.