2015 Mini Cooper Convertible

Review

Specifications:

make:

Mini

Model:

Cooper

0-60 time:

8 sec. (Est.)

Top Speed:

135 mph (Est.)

The new-generation Mini Cooper is set to break cover on November 18th, 2013 the Tokyo Motor Show and the Los Angeles Motor Show . While waiting for the official details to hit the wire, have a look at the first images of the convertible version that our spy guys caught today while touring Munich on the back of a flatbed truck.

Just like the hatchback version, Mini will build the new Cooper Convertible on BMW ’s new front-wheel-drive platform, dubbed the UKL. This platform will also have the duty of holding up the upcoming 1 Series GT . This new platform will feature lightweight technologies from BMW’s i series, and it will offer electronically adjustable dampers, so drivers can dial in the suspension for their particular driving style.
As usual, the new Cooper Convertible will come in two version, with the base model featuring a 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine rated at 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The upscale Cooper S — the model shown in the spy shots — will feature a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder good for 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.
The new Mini Cooper Convertible is set to hit showrooms sometime in 2015 — likely a year after the hatchback model.

Spy Shots

From the spy shots, the most obvious change is on the nose of the new Mini Cooper Convertible. We can clearly see that the headlights are more raked back and the snout is lower to allow air to swoop over more easily. Along with this lower snout comes a smaller grille that should give the Mini a sportier look.

Competitors

Fiat 500 Cabrio

The new Fiat 500 is one of the best sold small cars in the U.S., despite being a relatively young model. Its sucess is unsurprising, as it boasts a unique look, is compact and fun to drive, and it’s relatively cheap.
Just like with its coupe brother, the 500 Cabrio is powered by a 1.4-liter engine that delivers a total of 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The Fiat 500C is priced from $19,600.

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Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Volkswagen Beetle is a fringe competitor at best, as it is slightly larger than both the 500C and the Cooper Convertible.
The Beetle is offered with a choice of three engines — two gasoline-powered units and one diesel — with power ranging from 140 horsepower in the diesel version to 200 horsepower in the top-of-the-line 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine.
The cabrio version of the Beetle is priced from $24,495