Photo: MINI
Now that we finally know what the 2016 MINI Convertible looks like, it’s time to take a closer look at the technical details behind it. The British manufacturer decided to offer just three engine choices at first and that range goes down to only two gasoline versions if you live in the US.
The entry level gasoline model will be the MINI Cooper Convertible, using a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged mill making 136 PS and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. Due to the car’s added weight, it will be slower than the hatch up to 100 km/h (62 mph) by a full second, at 8.8 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.7 seconds with the automatic 6-speed Steptronic choice.
Going up to the MINI Cooper S Convertible, we find that the differences are smaller. The Hardtop accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds using the automatic gearbox, while the drop-top will do the same in 7.1 seconds. The same 0.1 seconds difference remains valid for the manual gearbox. And yes, the 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 192 HP and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) handles this performance.
Last but not least, we have the only diesel choice on the table, the one version that won’t be available in the US at first: the MINI Cooper D Convertible. It uses a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder diesel making 116 HP and 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. It will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 9.9 seconds no matter the transmission choice. That’s 0.7 seconds slower than the hardtop.
The fuel consumption figures are similarly higher due to the added weight of the car. On the Cooper S, for example, they have gone down from a claimed average of 45.2 mpg (5.2 l/100 km) to 39 mpg (6 l/100km). On the Cooper, the difference is roughly the same, going from 50 mpg (4.7 l/100 km) to 44 mpg (5.3 l/100 km).
MINI Driving Modes are included as standard and you’ll be glad to know that the suspension has a model-specific setup that should provide great driving thrills behind the wheel. Single-joint strut front axle and multilink rear axle with increased stiffness and reduced weight should contribute to that factor.
Moreover, you get speed-related Servotronic steering support and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) as standard. The MINI Cooper S Convertible additionally comes with Performance Control. Dynamic Damper Control is available as an optional feature and so are bigger wheels that can go up to 18 inches in diameter.
Regarding safety, you’ll be glad to learn that the car comes with an extremely rigid body structure, which explains the added 265 lbs (120 kg) compared to the hatch. There’s a complete set of standard features included that brings front and head-thorax airbags into the mix, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings for the rear seat, along with pressure display and active engine compartment lid for pedestrian protection.
Going up to the MINI Cooper S Convertible, we find that the differences are smaller. The Hardtop accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds using the automatic gearbox, while the drop-top will do the same in 7.1 seconds. The same 0.1 seconds difference remains valid for the manual gearbox. And yes, the 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 192 HP and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) handles this performance.
Last but not least, we have the only diesel choice on the table, the one version that won’t be available in the US at first: the MINI Cooper D Convertible. It uses a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder diesel making 116 HP and 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. It will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 9.9 seconds no matter the transmission choice. That’s 0.7 seconds slower than the hardtop.
The fuel consumption figures are similarly higher due to the added weight of the car. On the Cooper S, for example, they have gone down from a claimed average of 45.2 mpg (5.2 l/100 km) to 39 mpg (6 l/100km). On the Cooper, the difference is roughly the same, going from 50 mpg (4.7 l/100 km) to 44 mpg (5.3 l/100 km).
MINI Driving Modes are included as standard and you’ll be glad to know that the suspension has a model-specific setup that should provide great driving thrills behind the wheel. Single-joint strut front axle and multilink rear axle with increased stiffness and reduced weight should contribute to that factor.
Moreover, you get speed-related Servotronic steering support and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) as standard. The MINI Cooper S Convertible additionally comes with Performance Control. Dynamic Damper Control is available as an optional feature and so are bigger wheels that can go up to 18 inches in diameter.
Regarding safety, you’ll be glad to learn that the car comes with an extremely rigid body structure, which explains the added 265 lbs (120 kg) compared to the hatch. There’s a complete set of standard features included that brings front and head-thorax airbags into the mix, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings for the rear seat, along with pressure display and active engine compartment lid for pedestrian protection.
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