MINI Cooper Convertible unveiled; larger with UKL platform

“With the three-cylinder Cooper version and four-cylinder Cooper S, the new MINI Convertible presents customers a choice of two powerful, highly efficient TwinPower Turbo engines developed by the BMW Group and built in Europe”, says the BMW Group. The luggage volume is up roughly 25 percent, to 7.6 cubic feet with the Convertible top up – 5.7 when it’s down. At launch, the 2016 Mini Convertible will be available in Cooper and Cooper S models.

This is the 2016 MINI Cooper Convertible, showcasing larger dimensions, a fresh design in tune with the regular Cooper hatch, and a new soft-top electric-folding roof. It will sprint to 60 miles per hour from rest in 6.7 seconds when equipped with the automatic (6.8 seconds with the manual) and reach a top speed just over 140 miles per hour.

Designer sunglasses at the ready: this is the brand new Mini Convertible, revealed in official pictures ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Tokyo motor show.

Whatever your reservations about the Clubman and Countryman derivatives, the Mini Convertible really does embody the cheeky, slightly subversive persona of Alec Issigonis’ original shoebox on wheels. The increase in space means there’s also more head and kneeroom for passengers sitting in the two rear seats.

The 116bhp MINI Cooper D is the slowest of the three, completing 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, but it’s also the most efficient, with fuel-economy figures of 70.6mpg and Carbon dioxide emissions of 100g/km. The entire process takes 18 seconds and can be done with the auto in motion at speeds up to 29 km/h. The Cooper S is the quickest right now. Economy falls to 46.3mpg and Carbon dioxide emissions rise to 139g/km as a result.

It’s the first Mini convertible with LED headlights, adaptive distribution and cornering lights, as well as LED daytime running lights, fog-lights and tail-lights.

The pint-sized drop-top is confirmed to go on sale in the United States next March, meaning it will most likely arrive as a 2016 model.

Mini Cooper Convertible: from £18,475.

As with the Hardtop, the new Convertible is much larger than its predecessor.

As ever with MINIs, a mind-boggling array of options will be available, including heated front seats, an upgraded stereo, sports seats, cruise control, climate control and sat nav, plus lighting and styling packs. The models are all FWD and they are coming with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The exteriors of the new MINI are a balance between top-class elegance and sporty flair and features the modern interpretation of classic MINI design features including circular headlamps and rear lights with chrome surrounds, hexagonal radiator grille, black peripheral body surround, and side turn indicator elements.