Get ready for the new Mini convertible coming to South Africa early 2016 which like all Minis is slightly bigger, imbued with the latest technology and will ask a lot of hard earned rands for the experience. Still, the Mini Cooper convertible will be one of the smallest premium convertibles in SA with many car brands exiting this particular niche segment because of dwindling demand.
The new car has grown by 98mm, is 44mm wider and 1mm higher. Space between the wheels is also larger with gains to shoulder and legroom. Seats have more adjustment with extended surfaces and increased lateral support and the boot volume has expanded 25 per cent to 215 litres with the roof closed, dropping to 160 litres with it open.
LED lights with every type of adjustment imaginable are fitted to the convertible for the first time but really roof up there’s not much else you won’t have already seen. Specification is dependent on how many options you can afford from Mini’s online services and music apps and adjustable damper control for the suspension. Yet perhaps this folding roof (operable under speeds of 30km/h) mitigates the Mini’s hunger for optional items because its folding roof is all the entertainment you could wish for.
The Mini Convertible will arrive with three engine variants in either six-speed manual or six-speed steptronic. The 100kW 3-cylinder engine sits as the favourite ranging up to the 141kW 2.0-litre fitted to the latest Mini Cooper S.
