Photo: SB Medien
The last time he had a run-in with the upcoming MINI Convertible, we noticed it was wearing the JCW body kit. This time, we’re looking at the Cooper S alternative and we have to admit, it’s looking better actually.
There are a couple of differences noticeable however. This model seems to be more on the higher-end of things, fitted with xenon headlamps and flashing a good-looking hood scoop as well, one that tells us right away that this is the Cooper S version.
On the rear end, the two tailpipes grouped together in the middle of the bumper are telling the same story, while the front bumper seems to show the same air intakes as the car we tested not too long ago.
Compared to the Hardtop, the convertible will be featuring a textile roof that can be retracted into the boot for open air cruising. The thing is, unless you plan to use this car in the warm sunny days, it’s hard to justify buying it.
The boot will be considerably smaller than the already minuscule one on the hardtop and the comfort will also take a hit due to the lack of proper metal above your head when cruising on the highway.
All of those pale in comparison to the ultimate downside: using this car during winter. Sure, the materials used for the roof have evolved over the years but they’re still no match for metal.
Under the bonnet nothing much will change. The same 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and 2-liter 4-cylinder plants from the rest of the range will be used in both petrol and diesel guises. The US will not get any diesel and nobody will want to buy a convertible with an oil burner anyway.
The top of the range will be the Cooper S initially, with a 2-liter petrol engine making 192 HP. Along the way, we’re pretty sure MINI will also launch a JCW model that will have 231 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque coming out of the engine bay. This hardcore version will be launched at a later date, however.
On the rear end, the two tailpipes grouped together in the middle of the bumper are telling the same story, while the front bumper seems to show the same air intakes as the car we tested not too long ago.
Compared to the Hardtop, the convertible will be featuring a textile roof that can be retracted into the boot for open air cruising. The thing is, unless you plan to use this car in the warm sunny days, it’s hard to justify buying it.
The boot will be considerably smaller than the already minuscule one on the hardtop and the comfort will also take a hit due to the lack of proper metal above your head when cruising on the highway.
All of those pale in comparison to the ultimate downside: using this car during winter. Sure, the materials used for the roof have evolved over the years but they’re still no match for metal.
Under the bonnet nothing much will change. The same 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and 2-liter 4-cylinder plants from the rest of the range will be used in both petrol and diesel guises. The US will not get any diesel and nobody will want to buy a convertible with an oil burner anyway.
The top of the range will be the Cooper S initially, with a 2-liter petrol engine making 192 HP. Along the way, we’re pretty sure MINI will also launch a JCW model that will have 231 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque coming out of the engine bay. This hardcore version will be launched at a later date, however.
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