Here is the new MINI Convertible (codenamed the F57), revealed ahead of its public debut at the coming Tokyo Motor Show. Based on the third-generation hatch, the new Convertible carries forward all the spoils of the latest F56 MINI, with the obvious and only change being its chopped-off solid roof, in favour of a fabric one that folds neatly behind the rear passenger seats.
Apart from the lacking hardtop, there isn’t much different here from here regular three-door F56 MINI Hatch – as mentioned, all the spoils are accounted for, including the new front grille design, new headlamps and taillights, larger overall dimensions, and improved tech and features. There is a new “Caribbean Aqua” paint option (pictured above), though.
Likewise, the third-gen MINI Hatch did grow in size when it first appeared back in 2014, which means that the new Convertible is equally larger than its R57 predecessor.
Riding on the new UKL1 architecture, the new MINI Convertible is 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider, and just 1 mm taller than the previous Convertible – that’s 3,821 mm long, 1,727 mm wide, and 1,415 mm tall. Its wheelbase has grown by 28 mm, while the front track width has been widened by 42 mm, with the rear track widened by a further 34 mm.
The increase in size also means that on top of a slightly larger cabin to boast, the new MINI Convertible also has more luggage space than the previous one – 25% more, to be precise. With the top opened and sun shining in, there’s still 160 litres of space in the boot, while with the fabric roof back in its natural closed position, there’s 215 litres of usable space.
The standard MINI Cooper Convertible trim includes a rear backrest with split folding, enlarged through-loading capacity, and an Easy Load function.
MINI also tells us that it has included a new, quieter roof opening and closing mechanism, which you’ll be able to sample at speeds up to 30 km/h, taking just 18 seconds to either open or close.
Powertrain options for the MINI Convertible are just as you’d have it from the regular hatch. At launch, there will be two petrol versions, while Europe gets a further diesel option. The base Cooper Convertible will get the 136 hp 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo, while the hotter Cooper S gets the 192 hp 2.0 litre four-pot turbo. The sole diesel option at the moment brought up by the Cooper D gets a 116 hp, three-cylinder turbodiesel.
No surprises for transmission options either, with the a six-speed manual offered as standard in the US and Europe, while a six-speed Aisin-sourced Steptronic torque converter automatic with paddle shifters is optional.
Likewise, all the gadgetry available to the hardtop hatch F56 is also present and accounted for in the Convertible model, including options for having the Dynamic Damper Control (adaptive suspension), MINI Connected in-car infotainment program, a Parking Assistant, a Driving Assistant with camera-based active cruise control, an 8.8-inch display screen with navigation system Professional with MINI Touch Controller, MINI Head-Up Display, and more.
Unique to the Convertible here is the return of the “Always Open Timer” that’s been updated with new display content to help you calculate how long the car has been driven with its roof opened.
The MINI Cooper Convertible will make its market debut come March 2016, but will first appear publicly at the coming 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
Evolution of the MINI Convertible
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