March 16, 2016: BMW India has finally launched their first Mini product of the year, the Mini Cooper Convertible at Rs 34.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated version embraces quite a number of changes with the most important being the revised electrically operated roof-top. The soft-top is now smoother to operate at up to speed of 30kmph and the retraction time is shortened to 18 seconds, as compared to the previous version. Moreover, there is inclusion of roll-over protection system that is deployed as soon as it senses a possible roll-over. In terms of specs, 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible will get 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre petrol units that are capable of generating respective power outputs of 116bhp and 134bhp, mated to 6-speed manual or auto gearbox.
The roof has a very, very quiet mechanism, but the packaging leaves a little to be desired. Firstly, the header rail at the top of the windscreen has an extra chunk of metal that connects with the fabric roof further back than you’d expect, and also houses the old-school aerial; it looks gawky, like a teen with a receding hairline. Secondly, when the roof is folded back, it concertinas back on top of the boot like an accordion and has ugly gaps either side. It obscures your view rearwards too; the rear-view camera, with its fantastic resolution, is a godsend for reversing, but it can’t double for a rear-view mirror on the motorway.
Well, size for one thing. The new Convertible is a substantial 98mm longer than before, 1mm taller,and 44mm portlier to house a track some 42mm wider at the front and 34mm at the rear. Combinedwith a 28mm jump in wheelbase, rear passengers are claimed to get an extra 35mm knee room,while the boot is 25% larger – 215 litres with the roof closed, 160 litres with it open.The Cooper gets a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, good for 134bhp; the Cooper D a diesel 1.5-litre triple (114bhp); the S tucks an unusually-large-these-days 2.0-litre four under its vented bonnet to yield 189bhp. All are direct-injection turbo units, and are available with six-speed manual or optional automatic transmissions.
Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, air-con, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, keyless start, plus an infotainment screen – not touchscreen – that lives where the Giant Speedo used to on early BMW Minis. All models get an electric folding fabric roof. Hold the button on the header rail and the roof opens or closes in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 18mph. The front section of the roof can also be retracted by up to 40cm at any speed. It’s a neat touch: the cant rails stay in position and the portion of roof above the front occupants’ heads scrolls back to reveal fresh air; it kind of rubs the Fiat 500 Convertible’s nose in it, as that’s basically all the Italian can do.
The roof has a very, very quiet mechanism, but the packaging leaves a little to be desired. Firstly, the header rail at the top of the windscreen has an extra chunk of metal that connects with the fabric roof further back than you’d expect, and also houses the old-school aerial; it looks gawky, like a teen with a receding hairline. Secondly, when the roof is folded back, it concertinas back on top of the boot like an accordion and has ugly gaps either side. It obscures your view rearwards too; the rear-view camera, with its fantastic resolution, is a godsend for reversing, but it can’t double for a rear-view mirror on the motorway.
Specs
| Price when new: | £22,4309(For the person living abroad) |
| On sale in the UK: | Now |
| Engine: | 1998cc 4-cyl 16v turbo, 189bhp @ 5000-6000rpm, 207lb ft @1250-4600rpm |
| Transmission: | Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive |
| Performance: | 7.2sec 0-62mph, 144mph, 46.3mpg, 142g/km |
| Weight / material: | 1275kg/steel |
| Dimensions (length/width/height in mm): | 3850/1727/1415mm |
The Interior
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