Mini has launched the new Convertible in India at Rs 34.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Now in its third generation, the Convertible is larger and more spacious than its predecessor and is only available in the petrol Cooper S guise.
Based on the UKL platform that underpins the new-generation of Minis, the Convertible is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and also gets a longer wheelbase. The chassis has been strengthened to make up for the lack of a roof, while the fabric roof can be deployed in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30kph. However, the strengthening and roof-folding mechanism has added to the weight of the convertible which is about 115kg more than its hard-top sibling.
The Convertible is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine developing 189bhp and 28.55kgm of torque. The engine also comes with an overboost function that raises peak torque to 30.6kgm for a short period of time. This makes for a quick performance with Mini claiming a 0-100kph sprint time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 233kph. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The longer wheelbase and larger dimensions has resulted in a more spacious cabin with increased shoulder and rear knee room. The Convertible, as with other Mini models, comes with a large list of add-on options to customise the interiors. The boot too is larger than before at 215 litres with the roof up, and 160 litres with the roof down.
In terms of safety, the Convertible gets a deployable single-piece roll bar that rises from behind the rear seats when the sensors detect the possibility of a rollover situation. Additional safety systems include ABS, traction control and stability control to name a few.
The Mini Convertible is available as a CBU import only and is the only convertible amongst its rivals, namely the Mercedes A-class, Volkswagen Beetle and the Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione.
Mini is also set to launch the new Clubman in India later this year.