MINI

MINI cabrio

The car comes with a 6-speed manual transmission which was also strengthened. There is a sport button in front of the gear stick which sets in motion a modified powerplant control map generating boost earlier in the rev range and enhancing steering and accelerator reaction. Similar to its hardtop counterpart the JCW Cabrio comes with a front face that looks aggressive, steering wheel in leather with three spokes, roof colored in anthracite, and ebony black interior finish.




It comes with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels and a highly tuned suspension which further improve the already superb Mini handling. On the other hand, the computer has been optimized to become more performance-focused cornering brake control and stability control of more rapid laps and more pleasurable on the road. Stopping power comes from enormous disc brakes coupled with improved vivid red Brembo high-performance calipers. Price: €43.555!



Thus Mini was on a hiding to nothing by penciling in a place for yours truly on the local launch of the Cabrio, the first model variant of what to date has been a one-car brand. Especially, if the new car failed to match the dynamics and refinement of the coupe...


Well, the bad news for Mini is the open car does not match the vault-like characteristics of the hardtop -- least not the pre-production cars we sampled in wet and dreary conditions on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. The good news, however, is the gap is not too wide and, quite frankly, we're prepared to forgive a couple of shakes and rattles for the fun an open top Cooper is likely to generate. Somehow, methinks we won't be the only ones.

Available in both Cooper and Cooper S versions, the new Cabrios (they'll likely be called Convertibles in the UK and US markets) feature an innovative electric hood that offers a 'sunroof' style function as well as true open top motoring.


The two-stage opening sequence takes a spritely 15sec, is one-button (no manual latches) and can be easily be undertaken between green lights. One press of the windscreen top button opens up a 40cm or so 'sunroof' -- perfect for round town. Another press and you're topless before you know it. The remote key fob also operates the roof.

The rear window is glass and heated so demisting shouldn't be an issue. Unfortunately there's no wiper and the wet conditions we sampled meant before long rear vision was marginal at best. Mini's answer to reduced rear and rear three-quarter vision with the hood up is the standard fitment of electronic Park Distance Control on both versions.

The addition of PDC into the standard spec is indicative of the bespoke nature of the Cabrio's equipment list. Both Cooper and Cooper S models differ from their hardtop stablemates in spec, the open cars getting softer suspension settings (though still 'sporty' by our measure) and some equipment and trim changes, eg: the Cooper S Cabrio gets distinctive 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Of course, the ability for owners to further personalise their cars carries over from coupe to Cabrio -- the options and accessory shopping lists for the Cooper and Cooper S are getting longer with both Mini and aftermarket specialist John Cooper Works offering everything from beach towels to blowers. According to outgoing Mini Oz boss, Shawn Ticehurst, there's one (afflicted) owner waiting to take delivery of a circa $86,000 Cooper S Cabrio!

Those with a little more restraint will be able to purchase a standard 85kW five-speed Cooper Cabrio from $35,900, a price premium of $6400 over the equivalent hardtop model. The 125kW six-speed Cooper S Cabrio will set you back $44,900. Automatic transmissions will be available on both models (the Cooper S from March) at a price premium of $2200. The Cooper gets a CVT unit, while the S receives an all-new Aisin-sourced conventional Steptronic six-speeder.

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