The new MINI Convertible. Available in South Africa from mid-March 2016.

The latest MINI generation will now also delight fresh air enthusiasts among fans of the tradition-steeped British brand. It takes just 18 seconds to combine the further enhanced driving fun of a MINI with an intensive open-air feeling. For this purpose, the new MINI   Convertible is fitted for the first time with a fully automatic, fully electrically powered and therefore particularly quiet soft top operation system as well as a rollover protection that is now fully integrated. Meanwhile the new generation of engines, suspension technology that is matched specifically to the model and a highly torsionally stiff body structure ensure a significant increase in both sporty flair and characteristic brand agility. In addition, the new MINI Convertible reflects noticeable progress in the areas of ride comfort, space and functionality as well as material and workmanship quality, not to mention a large selection of innovative driver assistance systems. The car's evolutionary design advancements strike a harmonious balance between elegance and sporty flair, expressing a distinctive character in both the exterior and interior that has matured markedly as compared to the predecessor model.

Alongside the latest generation of the MINI Convertible is available in two engine variants.

The new edition of the first and still the only convertible in the premium small car segment embodies the most exclusive and emotionally intensive way of savouring authentic MINI driving fun. The upright windscreen of the new MINI   Convertible guarantees a refreshing open-top driving experience on all four seats. The fully automatic soft top can be activated spontaneously at the press of a button. It can even be opened and closed during travel at speeds of up to 30   km/h, while the sliding roof function is available at any speed. There is the option of a MINI Yours soft top featuring an innovative woven Union Jack graphic, available for a convertible for the first time. Other optional extras include the Always Open Timer with additional new display content, the option MINI Connected XL including rain warning function.

Two petrol engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology are available at the market launch of the new MINI Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 6.0 – 3.8 l/100 km; combined CO2emissions: 139 - 100 g/km). The 3-cylinder petrol engine of the MINI Cooper Convertible delivers an output of 100 kW, while the 4-cylinder petrol engine of the MINI Cooper S Convertible deliver an output of 141kW. Both the standard 6-speed manual transmissions and the optionally available 6-speed Steptronic transmissions have been newly developed for the latest MINI generation.

The MINI Driving Modes - optional on the MINI Cooper models - enable an individualised vehicle set-up focusing on either, ride comfort, sportiness or efficiency in the new MINI Convertible, according to preference. Another optional feature is Dynamic Damper Control.

The exterior dimensions of the new MINI Convertible have increased as compared to the predecessor model as follows: 98 millimetres in length to 3 821   millimetres (MINI   Cooper   S   Convertible: 3   850   millimetres), 44 millimetres in width to 1   727   millimetres and 1 millimetre in height to 1   415   millimetres. The wheelbase has been extended by 28 millimetres to 2 495 millimetres, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 42 millimetres and at the rear by 34 millimetres to a total of 1 501 millimetres in each case (MINI Cooper S Convertible: 1   485   millimetres). The new dimensions preserve the model's typical proportions while ensuring that occupants on all four seats benefit from a noticeable increase in freedom of movement. The luggage compartment volume of the new MINI Convertible is also significantly larger than in the previous model. What is more, stowage of larger luggage items is facilitated by the Easy Load function, which allows the soft top frame to be raised when the roof is closed, and also a wide through-loading facility.

There are numerous innovative driver assistance systems available for the new MINI Convertible. Park Distance Control with sensors at the rear of the car comes as standard. The range of options developed for the new MINI generation includes the MINI Head-Up Display, the Driving Assistant system including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function (standard on the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible), high beam assistant, road sign detection, Parking Assistant and rear view camera. In addition, the program of special equipment includes LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and the MINI Excitement Package, which comprises LED interior and ambient lighting as well as a projection of the MINI logo onto the ground from the exterior mirror on the driver's side when the car is opened. The range is rounded off with exclusive MINI Yours and optional John Cooper Works equipment packages.

The MINI Connected in-car infotainment program is more varied than ever. The MINI   Connected XL Journey Mate provides an innovative form of travel planning and support. Other functions from the areas of infotainment and social media can be integrated in the car via smartphone by means of apps and then used intuitively, conveniently and safely with the MINI operating system. For example, the current version of the MINI Connected App offers enhanced driving fun and optimised comfort with the functions Streetwise, online search, Sports Instruments and Force Meter.

Please see attached press kit for more information.

Members of the media can contact the MINI Product Communications Division for queries as follows:

Mr Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Product Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227 

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za

Ms Thando Pato

Manager: MINI Product Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2070

Email: thando.pato@bmw.co.za