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The new 3rd generation MINI Convertible has arrived in Australia in both Cooper and Cooper S variants, promising more interior space, greater performance and efficiency.
Priced from $37,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Cooper model with the Cooper S starting at $45,400, both models are highly specified to reflect their premium status in the compact market.
Standard features include six-speed automatic transmissions, 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels respectively, dual zone climate control, dynamic cruise control, three-spoke sports leather multifunction steering wheel, MINI Visual Boost multimedia system with 6.5-inch screen and full Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
A full complement of safety equipment adds Rear View Camera with guidance lines, rear Park Distance Control, DSC, fully integrated rollover protection system, four airbags and automatic Rain Sensor windscreen wipers and lights.
On top of this, the MINI Cooper S Convertible gains sports front seats, a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel, cloth/leather upholstery, MINI Navigation System, MINI Driving Modes and LED headlights.
The sharp pricing and increased equipment levels are said to represent a significant improvement in value with prices reduced by 11 per cent compared with the previous generation MINI Cabrio models.
The new MINI Convertible is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 1mm taller than the outgoing model. Its fully electric soft top with its integrated sunroof function is claimed to offer a quieter, more refined operation and can be opened and closed using the remote. It is also operational at speeds of up to 30km/h via the toggle switch on the roof frame, while luggage capacity has increased by 45 litres to 215 litres with the roof closed.
Powering the MINI Cooper Convertible is a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that drives through a six-speed automatic transmission enabling the car to cover 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds. At the same time, combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.3L/100km with CO2 emissions at 124g/km.
As the sportier model, the Cooper S uses a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine that generates a maximum power of 141kW and peak torque of 280Nm driving through a six-speed sports automatic with gearshift paddles giving the car a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 5.8L/100km with CO2 emissions at 135g/km.
The Cooper S features MINI Driving Mode with SPORT, MID and GREEN modes that automatically adjust throttle, steering and gearshift responses.
MINI service and selected maintenance costs can now be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with MINI Service Inclusive. MINI Service Inclusive offers two packages; MINI Service Inclusive Basic provides scheduled servicing cover, while MINI Service Inclusive Plus combines scheduled servicing and selected maintenance items.
MINI Convertible Australian pricing (Excl. on-roads):
MINI Cooper Convertible: $37,900
MINI Cooper S Convertible: $45,400
