He does topless Mini undoubtedly the most joy. Now the current generation of the small car starts as a convertible. The price list for the open Mini, available from March 5, starts at 21.900 euros - making the basic convertible as expensive as the Clubman.
The sunshine falls in the well-known cockpit with the typical round instruments, toggle switches and recently a head-up display. Spontaneous fresh air travel is facilitated by a completely electrically operated convertible top, which opens and closes within 30 seconds at no more than 18 km / h. Alternatively, a sunroof function can be used at any speed.
Like its brothers with a fixed roof, the new topless model looks more adult. Compared to its direct predecessor, the convertible has gained another ten centimeters in length and has expanded by 4,4 centimeters. The passengers are now sitting a little more relaxed in the front row, while nobody in the rear voluntarily takes a seat. The luggage compartment has grown significantly, swallowing a quarter more with 215 liters when the roof is closed than before and thanks to an improved easy-load function it can be packed a little more easily.
Five turbo engines are also available in the convertible. The three petrol engines range from the 75 kW / 102 PS One, to the 100 kW / 136 PS Cooper to the only four-cylinder in the Cooper S with 141 kW / 192 PS. There are also three and four-cylinder diesels, with 85 / kW / 116 hp (Cooper D) and 125 kW / 170 horsepower (Cooper SD). The latter is the only one with six-speed automatic as standard, except for the One, all others can be optionally equipped with it.
As with the other series of the current generation, the fact that the open Mini was able to increase its driving dynamics once again is due to the enlarged wheelbase, wider track and revised axles. The Mini One is perfectly sufficient for relaxed cruising. But if you really want to have fun, the Cooper S is the first choice. Thanks to forced ventilation, the full 280 Newton meters already fall over the front wheels at 1.250 revolutions, which after a short scratch on the asphalt make the 1,3-ton convertible snap forward. After 7,2 seconds the hundred mark falls.
The fun begins in sports mode even before the maximum lateral acceleration, namely when starting up the hairpin bend: when downshifting, the electronics boldly accelerate and you accelerate the gas, the Mini teases with pleasure from the tailpipes. However, this does not exactly encourage to bring in the standard consumption of a good six liters. Anyone who wants to save fuel should use diesel, which should ideally be satisfied with 3,8 liters.
If you save on refueling, you may be able to check one or the other option when ordering. The rear-view camera should be on board in every convertible: the open top restricts the view to the rear quite severely, which bothers when driving and is a real hindrance when parking. The wind deflector, on the other hand, can be dispensed with, even when driving briskly there is only a gentle breeze around the nose.