Mini reveals larger, more powerful Convertible

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The third-generation of the modern day Mini Convertible has been revealed in a series of official photographs issued ahead of a planned public premiere for the new open top at next week's Tokyo motor show.

Set to reach Australian showrooms next March, the new larger and more comprehensively equipped drop-top (now called Convertible rather than Cabrio as was its predecessor) is the latest in a quartet of models to join the current Mini line-up, following on from the three-door hardtop, five-door hardtop and recently introduced Clubman.

The new Mini Convertible will be available from the outset with the choice of three engines: a 100kW turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol in the Cooper, 141kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the Cooper S and 85kW turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel in the Cooper D.

Other powerplants, including a base 75kW turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol in the One, 125kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the Cooper SD and 170kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the Cooper S John Cooper Works, are planned to be added later in 2016.

Gearbox choices include a standard six-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic – the latter available with steering wheel mounted shift paddles. An electronic differential lock along with dynamic stability control and traction control are included on all models as standard.

In initial top-of-the-line Cooper S form with a manual gearbox, Mini claims its new Convertible hits 100km/h from standstill in 7.2sec and reaches a top speed of 230km/h, beating its predecessor by a scant 0.1sec and 5km/h. Combined cycle fuel consumption is put at 6.0L/100km, endowing the Cooper S Convertible with average CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

Mirroring the dimensions of its three-door hardtop sibling, the new open top is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm higher than its predecessor at 3821mm, 1727mm and 1415mm respectively.

The new sun seeking Mini also receives fresh new exterior styling, giving it a familiar but more mature appearance. Included is a more distinctive front end featuring a larger single frame grille and altered headlamps, added structure within the front wheel aches and lower section of the doors, a more heavily raked windscreen, larger tail lamps and wider boot.   

The new car receives a heavily revised automatic cloth hood that is claimed to open and close in 18sec at the press of button at speeds up to 30km/h. As before, the multi-layer structure folds and stows in an exposed position above the boot. Safety enhancements include a single piece roll bar that extends from behind the rear seats when sensors detect a possible roll over.

The adoption of parent company BMW's new high-strength steel UKL platform structure sees a 28mm increase in the wheelbase along with track widths that are up by 42mm at the front and 34mm at the rear.

Mini says the new structure provides added rigidity and stiffness than that used by the second-generation of the Convertible in a move claimed to reduce scuttle shake and improve handling. The use of reinforcing structural elements and other stiffening measures within the floorpan and bulkheads has led to a 115kg increase in weight over the three-door hardtop at 1275kg in the Cooper S.

The larger external dimensions are reflected within the interior with the front seats receiving added longitudinal adjustment, the width of the rear increased by 34mm at shoulder height and by 112mm in the elbow area, and an added 36mm of rear seat legroom.

Luggage capacity is put at 215 litres with the hood up, which is 35 litres more than before. With the hood stowed, boot space is reduced to 160 litres. The rear seats receive standard split fold back rests and an 8mm wider through loading facility for easier stowage of longer items. 

Among the standard equipment on models bound for Australia will be a 6.5 inch infotainment monitor, bluetooth connectivity, a USB audio connection, rear parking distance control and a reversing camera.