New Mini convertible arrives next March

Dec 1 2008 Peter Hayward

THE new MINI convertible, which was promised some months ago, goes on sale at the end of March next year priced from £16,000.

It will be available in Cooper and Cooper S trim and sticks with the previous car's canvas roof that retracts in 15 seconds.

A big improvement over the old model is a retractable anti-roll bar that extends in milliseconds in the event of an accident.

This should improve rearward visibility hugely - something that was always worrying in the old model.

MINI says the car is stronger and lighter, improving crash protection and the driving experience. Standard safety includes anti-lock, cornering brake control and stability control.

The Cooper has a 118bhp 1.6 engine while the S is powered by a turbocharged 173bhp version of the same unit. Both have a six speed manual gearbox.

All will get air-conditioning and a cooled glovebox as standard, unlike in the old model.

Interior

Stop-Start, brake energy-regeneration and a gearshift indicator are all fitted as standard to help fuel economy and emissions, which are improved by 21% or more.

Expect the seating and interior look to be much the same as the existing hatches - funky and great to live with.

FAST FACTS

MINI Cooper Convertible

Price : £16,000

Mechanical : 118bhp, 1,589cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 125mph

0-62mph : 9.8 secs

Combined mpg : 49

Insurance group : 10-12

CO2 emissions : 137g/km

BiK rating : 15%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 6yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Audi A3 Convertible