MINI Cabrio. The one to make you smile
At the beginning of 2021, the third generation car underwent its second restyling
MINI Cabrio is a four-seater B-class convertible, which has been produced since 2004 by the MINI trademark, owned by the German BMW group. The third-generation convertible, restyled in 2018, is available in the market of Israel as of 2021.
The Mini trademark, first registered in the UK in 1958, has been owned by the German BMW group since 1994. To tell it from the ‘classic’ Mini, which was a small car brand developed by the British Motor Corporation, BMW’s current MINI brand name is written in capital letters. The design of modern MINI cars is stylistically based on the cult-favorite car of the second half of the 20th century. At the same time, the chief designer of the company, Frank Stevenson, considers his work not a retro design, but the evolution of the original.
The modern MINI Cabrio is a striking and dynamic convertible with a roof that can be opened entirely (then it folds neatly behind the passengers' backs) or partially (above the driver and front passenger like a sunroof). The complete process takes only 20 seconds, you can remove or close the roof at speeds up to 30 km/h. The roof of the MINI Cabrio is a special feature, designers of MINI have painted the British flag on it. Convertibles rarely look pretty with the roof up, but the British managed to hide it with just one elegant touch.
The convertible has a memorable design that emphasizes the character and personality of its owner. This car will not lose itself in the urban traffic and or at the large parking lot of a mall. There are high-quality assembly, expensive finishing materials, ergonomics, and comfort in the interior of this car. Even a long travel is convenient. The convertible delivers real driving pleasure. It is equipped with an excellent range of powertrains that are a fusion of innovative technology and many years of experience in the field of engine building. MINI Cabrio will operate well for many kilometers and will give unforgettable emotions from every trip.
Owning a MINI is not just a special pleasure, but also belonging to a ‘special’ class of fans of MINI or ‘Mini People’ as they call themselves. Whether you belong to a special fan club or not, every time you meet another MINI on the way, its owner will blink, honk, and wave at you as if he met an old friend.
First generation
It was produced from 2004 to 2008. The first generation of a conventional serial MINI convertible is considered a model designed in 2004 based on the 2000 Mini Hatch 3-door hatchback. Technically, the first Cabrio Mini repeated the hatchback and was equipped with similar 1.4 or 1.6-L engine. Most of the produced 164 thousand cars were purchased in the US.
Second generation
The second generation was produced from 2009 to 2015. It was restyled in 2010. The convertible received a folding soft top with an electrohydraulic drive, which was able to open and close the roof while driving at speeds up to 30 km/h. Due to its body structure, the car has the smallest trunk in the MINI range. The convertible had front-wheel drive, the chassis was an independent suspension of all wheels, it was equipped with electromechanical steering and disc brakes.
Four passengers can sit in the cabin. The second generation was equipped with a variety of safety and driver assistance systems, including an anti-lock braking system, cornering brake control with emergency brake assist, and dynamic stability control.
The second generation MINI Cabrio was offered in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW) versions. Regardless of the version, the convertible was equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Versions:
- The basic version Cooper Cabrio had 122 hp, accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, the top speed was 198 km/h. The average fuel consumption was 5.7 liters per 100 km.
- The more powerful version, the Cooper S Cabrio, was powered by a 1.6-L turbocharged direct injection engine with 178 hp. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h was 7.4 seconds. The top speed was 222 km/h. The declared average fuel consumption was 6.4 liters per 100 km.
- The ‘turbocharged’ version MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio (JCW) was equipped with an uprated 1.6-L turbocharged engine of 211 hp. Average fuel consumption was 6.8 liters with mechanic transmission and 7.3 liters with an automatic transmission. The time to speed up from 0 to 100 km/h was 6.9 seconds, the top speed was 238 km/h.
The advantages of the second MINI Cabrio were a balanced chassis and informative steering. The disadvantages of MINI Cabrio were a sporty tuned suspension which was harsh in daily use, also there was little space in the cabin, the trunk was frankly small, and service was expensive.
Third generation
The third generation has been produced from 2015 until now. It was restyled in 2018. The car has become 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider, and 1 mm higher than its predecessor. The third-generation Cabrio received a new technical filling, an expanded list of options, and a modern exterior. The new convertible has a stylish design, has not lost its charm and cheerful character, and is still perfectly recognizable on the road.
The open 2-door convertible is built on the basis of a hatchback and equipped with a fabric convertible top. MINI Cabrio 2015/2016 is equipped with an electric drive that raises or lowers the roof in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h. In comparison with its predecessor, the car received a new exterior and interior design, gasoline and diesel turbocharged TwinPower Turbo engines, as well as modern technologies.
Exterior
The road clearance of the new MINI Cabrio is only 115 millimeters. Due to its low road clearance, the car has a low center of gravity, agility, and excellent stability. The trunk still cannot provide a lot of space because of a small wheelbase and bulky folding top mechanism. With the roof folded down, only 160 liters remain at the rear, however, if it is raised, up to 215 liters of space are available.
The exterior features stylish rounded headlights with a chrome surround and LED daytime running lights along the contour. The grille is hexagonal, consisting of many thin horizontally-oriented fins. Directly underneath, on the front bumper, there is a narrow air intake slot, on the sides of which, in special recesses, you can see round blocks of fog lights.
Interior and equipment
The multimedia system is as fun as the rest of the car. It tracks how much you’ve driven with the roof open, how much fuel you’ve saved, you can connect GoPro cameras to it, and more. And, of course, the sound! In sport mode, shots are heard when shifting gears and popping when the gas is released, the whistle of the turbine valve playfully asks to press the gas more often, and with an open roof, the sound will be much better.
Motors and modifications
The third generation MINI Cabrio is exclusively equipped with front-wheel drive and various engines. There are 3- and 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline and diesel engines equipped with a start-stop system and braking energy recovery. The car are equipped with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Modifications:
- MINI One Cabrio (102 hp, 180 Nm)
- MINI Cooper Cabrio (136 hp, 220 Nm): 1.5-liter engine with 136 hp. Depending on the type of transmission, the car accelerates from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 8.8 (8.7) seconds, and its top speed is 208 (206) km/h. Average fuel consumption is 4.9-5.1 (5.1-5.3) liters per 100 km.
- MINI Cooper S Cabrio (192 hp, 280 Nm): 2.0-liter engine with 192 hp. Acceleration time from 0 km/h to 100 km/h is 7.2 (7.1) seconds. The top speed is 230 (228) km/h. Average fuel consumption is 6.0-6.1 (5.6-5.8) liters.
- MINI Cooper D Cabrio (116 hp, 270 Nm): 1.5-liter diesel capable of producing 116 hp. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 195 km/h. Average fuel consumption per 100 km is 3.8-4.0 liters for versions with manual transmission and 3.9-4.1 liters for an automatic transmission.
- MINI Cooper SD Cabrio (170 HP, 360 Nm)
- MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Cabrio (231 hp, 320 Nm) equipped with an upgraded 2-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine with 231 hp and 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.5 seconds, top speed is 246 km/h. Fuel consumption is 5.7 liters per 100 km.
One of the advantages of the new Cabrio is a bright, distinctive design. The car is built on a new platform, has good driving characteristics, responsive engines, instructive steering, and a sporty tuned suspension. The disadvantages are the same. The rigid suspension, low road clearance, and a small trunk.
Restyling 2018
The updated MINI Cabrio 2018/2019 sports the British flag not only on the roof, but also at the stern, its halves are blend seamlessly into the rear LED lights, the horizontal sections of which are responsible for the turn signals, the vertical sections for the brake lights, and the diagonal stripes act as side lights. The headlights are trimmed in black. LED bezels are responsible for the running lights and turn signals, and the most expensive version has a matrix high-beam section that changes the luminous flux to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. There are new body colors. The ‘refreshed’ logo of the brand now has stricter ‘wings’. An optional cover in the driver’s rearview mirror is available, which projects the new logo onto the road when the vehicle is unlocked.
There are a lot of new opportunities for ‘individualization’ in the interior. Front panel inserts and new material combinations are available to order. A 6.5-inch multimedia system and steering wheel buttons are now standard features. The list of options includes Internet access and wireless charging of the smartphone.
The basic 1.2-liter engine is no longer fitted. The Mini One First and Mini One versions have a derated 1.5-liter turbo engine with 75 and 102 hp. The family of 1.5- and 2-liter petrol and diesel engines have been redesigned with new control and cooling systems, oil pump, intake, exhaust, and increased injection pressure. The engine output has not changed (from 95 to 192 hp.), but the rated fuel consumption has been reduced by 5%. But there is a new 7-speed automated manual transmission with two clutches, which began to be installed on the BMW of the same platform since last year. Preselective transmissions are available on the One, Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper D versions. And the most powerful diesel Mini Cooper SD now has 8-speed automatic transmission. Probably, the ‘charged’ MINI JCW will have the same transmission. But there is also manual transmission for fans.
