MINI Convertible open for business in Oz

The new generation of MINI Convertible will reach local shores during the second quarter of this year, priced from as low as $37,900, the importer has revealed today.

That price applies to the entry-level MINI Cooper Convertible, with the more powerful MINI Cooper S Convertible priced from $45,400. For the extra money, Cooper S buyers will get standard inclusions like 17-inch alloys, six-speed automatic with shift paddles, cloth/leather combination upholstery, John Cooper Works leather-bound steering wheel, LED headlights, MINI Navigation and MINI driving modes. These features are in the addition to the base model's standard equipment, comprising 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth trim, reversing camera with guidelines, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

In contrast with the R57 model it replaces, the new F56 Convertible has grown 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm higher. It rides on a longer wheelbase (up 28mm) and wider track (42mm more at the front and 34mm more at the rear). The luggage capacity has risen 25 per cent to 215 litres with the folding roof raised. With the roof lowered, the boot space is reduced to 160 litres.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the base model MINI Cooper develops 100kW/220Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds. Fuel consumption, on the official combined-cycle test is 5.3L/100km.

The four-cylinder engine in the Cooper S variant produces 141kW and 280Nm, to complete 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.1 seconds. Officially, the combined-cycle fuel consumption for the Cooper S is 5.8L/100km.

"The new MINI Convertible continues the ongoing renewal of the MINI range," said Tony Sesto, General Manager of MINI Australia.

"Combining trademark MINI handling and responsiveness with the thrill of open-top driving, the new Convertible represents an advance over its predecessor in terms of performance and specification."