got info of msn cars - http://cars.uk.msn.c...mentid=11476232
Mini has today unveiled its all-new Convertible. The new open-top Mini hits dealer showrooms on 28 March 2009.
It is a clear evolution of the current model. As with the Hatch, Mini has not reinvented anything here.
Rather, the maker has honed what went before - meaning it's a 'blink and you'll miss it' new model. How can you spot the new Convertible, then? From its higher window shoulder line, raised front bonnet and longer overhang.
The roof arrangement is almost identical, though. This means the same huge rear blindspots, and 'enclosed' feel for rear passengers remains. Mini says it has improved rear visibility, though, by fitting chrome pop-up roll-over bars. They trigger in the event of rollover risk, and replace the fixed bars of the old car.
Mini also claims more space within the classic drop-down bootlid. They're not lying... roof down, it now has 125 litres. Before, it was 120 litres. Roof up? 170 litres, instead of 165 litres. Still tiny, in other words! Fold the seats and there is 660 litres, which is a 55 litre boost. The rear is also (a bit) roomier, too.
Up front, the car inherits the same dash as the Mini Hatch. This has a large central speedo and, for the first time, standard air con. There is also a lockable glovebox, which is cooled. A toggle on the roof console lowers the hood in 15 seconds. It operates at speeds up to 20mph.
Mini Convertible (Image © BMW)
Bizarrely, this is monitored on an 'Openometer'. A what? A dial that, we quote, 'records the time spent by the owner driving with the top down, meaning passengers can measure their visual coolness inside, even if it's cold outside.' Quite. Chicken out, and the roof rolls back 40cm instead, like a sunroof. You can do this up to 75mph.
The Mini is offered in 120hp Cooper form for £15,995, or as a 175hp turbo Cooper S for £18,995. The differences? Cooper S gets a 20mm bonnet scoop, twin tailpipes and a rear bumper diffuser. It also hits 62mph in 7.4 seconds, compared to 9.8 seconds, and does 44.1mpg instead of 49.6mpg.
Mini Convertible (Image © BMW)
All of these figures are well up on the original car, thanks to efficient new 1.6-litre petrol engines. It has stop-start and a gearshift indicator, too. Other noteworthy features include bike rack preparation hidden in the rear bumper, and a big reduction in scuttle shake, despite reduced kerbweight.
Well over 160,000 examples of the old Mini Convertible were built. Mini is hoping for similar success with the new car, despite its derivative looks. You'll spy it in one way, though - two distinctive, bespoke colours. We've yet to see 'Horizon Blue', but can confirm 'Interchange Yellow' is pretty striking. Particularly matched to a black, blue or chocolate brown roof...
Danny
Edited by minili, 01 December 2008 - 07:45 PM.
Laid out the photos a little better
