Mini last week introduced to the Malaysian market the new Mini Convertible as part of its celebrations of the 60th birthday of Mini in the country.
“The first Mini Convertible with an all-electric soft-top debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show with the brand’s hallmark proportions, characteristic agility and clever functionality.
“To this day, the Mini Convertible is coveted for its stylish open-top driving excitement, non-stop thrill behind the wheel and complete with its unique go-kart drive feeling.
“In 2019, the New Mini Convertible returns to Malaysia to celebrate the 60th birthday of Mini,” said Harald Hoelzl, managing director of BMW Group Malaysia.
The hallmark driving fun in the new Mini Convertible is attributed to elements such as the new engine-transmission combination, an extended range of standard features, newly-designed headlights and taillights, additional body finishes as well as cutting-edge connectivity technology for convenience and infotainment.
Taking pride in Mini’s heritage, the Union Jack from the “Mini Yours” design portfolio is woven into the fabric of the roof on the Mini Convertible. The soft top opens electrically within 18 seconds even with the car moving at up to 30km/h. When the top is closed, the multiple layers of fabric make for excellent sound insulation and provides comfort on long journeys.
The electrically-powered soft top is also uniquely different to other offerings in the automotive market in that it is a quiet, intelligent Z-folding mechanism which can operate in three stages of open, closed or sunroof to let the breeze in.
The taillights, on the other hand, feature the eye-catching Union Jack design to portray Mini’s rich heritage. A chrome frame surrounds the two-part LED Union Jack taillights to further convey modern driving.
A two-litre four-cylinder Mini TwinPower Turbo engine sits at the heart of the Mini Convertible, producing 192hp and 280Nm of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds while consuming 5.7 litres of fuel per 100km. The Convertible has a maximum speed of 230km/h.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic Sports automatic transmission. Additionally, the selector lever allows drivers to opt for manual-shift or automatic mode according to their driving preference. The Start/Stop function also makes driving more economical as it helps decide whether the car is in a better position with its engine switched off or running for better efficiency.
Three driving modes are available for the Convertible. To optimise fuel delivery and disengage the engine when the driver’s foot is off the throttle, switch over to the fuel-friendly “Green” mode. Alternatively, switch to “Sport” mode for more responsive steering and acceleration or stay in “Mid” mode for the best of both worlds.
The interior of the new Mini Convertible is embellished in Leather Chester, a brand new lush, diamond-stitched saddle leather in Malt Brown. The door armrest and knee roll will also complement the Malt Brown seats.
With “Mini Yours” illuminated interior surface in Piano Black, owners can choose from 12 different colour options illuminating from the Union Jack Design. “Mini Yours” also presents the highest-quality materials and stylish designs with precise craftmanship. The superior quality leather is carefully selected for the “Mini Yours” Nappa Leather steering wheel with hand-finished aluminium-coloured contrast stitching.
The Convertible now features a newly-designed electronic selector lever that returns to its original position after changing between driving mode ‘D’, neutral position ‘N’ and reverse mode ‘R’. The parking lock is activated by pressing the ‘P’ button. To support a particularly sporty driving style as well as allow manual intervention, owners can activate the ‘S’ mode from position ‘D’ by shifting the selector lever to the left.
Safety in the Convertible is further enhanced with the active rollover protection system, which ensures driver and passengers are given additional head protection should the vehicle ever overturn. The car also comes with front airbags and pelvis-thorax airbag for the driver and front passenger. Additional safety features include Rear Park Distance Control, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
The Convertible also features a new high-resolution 6.5-inch touch screen display in the centre instrument. It houses state-of-the-art technology and puts a wealth of navigation information at the driver’s fingertips.
Advanced digital services in the new Convertible include the new generation “Mini Connected” with built-in 4G SIM technology. Mini Connected maximises safety and convenience through its extensive connectivity capabilities and personalised services including Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, Mini Online, wireless Apple CarPlay and Remote Services.
The Convertible will feature the special exterior colour offering of Caribbean Aqua which is exclusive to the model. Additional exterior colour offerings include Chili Red, Solaris Orange, Melting Silver and Starlight Blue.
The new Mini Convertible goes for RM279,888 and only 20 units will be available following its launch on July 20. Will you be in time?