Finish summer off right with new 2016 MINI Convertible
What’s better in the summertime than feeling the kiss of the sun on your skin while driving on your favourite road in an open-top vehicle? Now, you can experience that in the 2016 MINI Convertible.
Launched in spring, this is the brand’s first roofless four-seater powered by the same BMW Group’s TwinPower Turbo engine technology found in other high performance models sold by the German marque.
Adam Shaver, director of MINI Canada, said in a news bulletin that this car, as are all MINIs, is about individualization.
“The new MINI Convertible has a great balance of performance, personalization and sophistication. It’s open-top driving without compromise,” said Shaver. “Bespoke levels of customization set it apart from other convertibles on the market, while the front-wheel drive BMW architecture and engines guarantee excitement and go-kart-like handling in all driving conditions.”
A total of 13 exterior colour choices are available, such as the throwback Caribbean Aqua reminiscent of the early coupes, and Melting Silver metallic just introduced on the Clubman.
Premium interior variants are offered as well like Malt Brown Chester Leather upholstery with the same diamond stitching you might find on a classic English Chesterfield sofa. Even the soft top can be changed to feature a herringbone pattern and embroidered Union Jack graphic.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2016 version has grown more than 100 millimetres in length, 44 mm in width and one mm in height. Cargo space has increased by 25 per cent, to 215 litres with the top up (160 L top down). The front seats now have more adjustment range, and rear passenger entry is easier.
The MINI Cooper Convertible uses a standard a three-cylinder engine that makes 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or buyers can spec up to a Cooper S producing 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed Steptronic sports transmission is optional and comes with steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles if purchased as part of the John Cooper Works package.
Also a first for the model is full LED lighting including headlamps, fog and rear lamps, daytime driving lights, turn signals and interior/ambient lighting.
The 2016 Mini Cooper Convertible and Mini Cooper S Convertible are available in stores now, starting at $27,990.
