MINI Cabrio In Person… Again

Raymond Jun 30th, 2004 Link

I actually went to see that particular MINI convertible and I didn't notice half the things you have noticed. Good job and thanks for the info. I must say that it does look stunning and the operation of the top is amazingly quick and fun to watch.

Phil Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Nice color combo ! Great improvments . Great car . Cant wait to get a hardtop S '05

MINIDryvr.Textamerica.Com

Steven Diver Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Great write up Gabe! Is this Cabrio at Patrick MINI? A few of the pictures looked like the Patrick showroom…

Gabe Jun 30th, 2004 Link

No – Knauz. Last I heard the other two Chicago dealers hadn't set-up their events yet.

Ian Cull Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Very Nice Gabe. Did you sit in it with the roof closed? I would like to know if it feels any more closed in than the “normal” MINIs

Gabe Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Ian – I had previously sat in both front seats of a convertible and yesterday finally got into the rear seat. In fact that's where this photo comes from.

From the front it's just a little darker that a hardtop MINI. It is kinda nice to not have that b-pilar right behind your ear though. In fact the car is quite nice looking with all four windows down – the lines make the car look a little more sleek and sporty.

From the rear it's more narrow and the armrest in technically eliminated. However I actually found that the top of the plastic next to the seats was quite a comfortable spot for an arm. Also something I found nice was that you're sitting above the people in the front of the car. So you really have a commanding view of the car and the road ahead. That being said getting in and out of the convertible is a bit of a chore for someone 6'2″. And as you can imagine it's not the brightest place.

Nick Nichols Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Interior chrome–nice bling-bling! (-:

Anna Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Actually Gabe… I received a post card this morning from Bill Jacobs MINI. They are having a cabrio viewing event on July 7th between 4-8pm :)

This will be the FIRST viewing in chicago.

RB Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Gabe, I think MINI should hire you for PR, Spin, it's a match made in MINI Heaven.

It's gotta have major blind spots roof up and 4 people?..RB

Gabe Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Anna – the event at Knauz last night was the official Cabrio introduction in Chicago.

When I spoke to the person at MINIUSA who sets these things up last week he said he hadn't heard back from the other dealers. Apparently he did just after we talked :)

HJ Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Hi:

In your photo of the new seats, the color design looks a bit different. There was an oval shape design (sport seat) in the contrasting leather color near the knee bolster area of the seat botom, is the design changed?

Thanks!

Garrett Jun 30th, 2004 Link

I'm here at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference where several Mini Cabrios are on display. (They are here to promote the new iPod connector available on all Minis!) The Cabrios have definately been a hit at the conference as lines of people are surround the cars. The new orange color is beautiful, especially with the body color interior panels (much better than then faux aluminun or patina).

Kirk Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Any idea if the tray below the parking brake handle is retrofitable?

Any pics of the rear view from the driver position with top up?

Gabe Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Yes I would imagine that it is. However you'd have to replace the entire plastic console from the rear seats forward as it's all one unit.

ejkd Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Good info. Gabe. Thanks. BTW, you mentioned you are dissapointed on the the so called “black plate”—do you mean the rear fog light cover or the front license plate carrier? soor for my ignorance.

Gabe Jun 30th, 2004 Link

rear foglight cover…

B Jun 30th, 2004 Link

All of the convertibles that are traveling across the US for pre-views at MINI dealerships,are pre-production cars. As official production has just begun, they are not true to what US spec will be. Official US spec cars have not been released yet.

RB Jun 30th, 2004 Link

Garrett,

Can you believe the 30″ display… OMG…end of year I'm getting a new G5 with that display…talk about display envy! My poor 20″ Cinema display now feels small…RB

Joe Jun 30th, 2004 Link

good work!

is it me or does the leather (with the beige trim) look a bit green?

Philip Jul 1st, 2004 Link

I wonder if those new sport seats are coming for all the MY05 models. I have so say I really liked the design of the old sport seats – those oval shapes appealed to me more than standard straight lined standard seats.

Damon Jul 1st, 2004 Link

I have to say that I don't like the convertible at all. The roof line really detracts from the classic MINI shape. It doesn't look like a MINI any more. It looks like a MINI that went to a bad chop shop to be made into a convertible. That large piece on top of the windshield looks like an afterthought.

The new changes to the front and rear bumper are not as good as the current cars. The fat pieces of chrome are nice carry overs from the original MINIs. The MINI is going to suffer the same fate as the Miata, The first few years were pure classics and then they start messing with things and it becomes a hodge-podge of little redesigns not relating to the whole original picture. They shouldn't mess with such a good thing so early.

Jan Jul 8th, 2004 Link

Thanks Gabe for the updates. Can the switch for the rear foglight be put on a toggle with the other switches?

Dan Jul 19th, 2004 Link

Thanks for the updates- I just ordered the 05 cabrio due 3 week of Septemver and your pictures and the uk web site gave me the info I needed. I just wish Mini would let you take delivery at the factory like BMW. Do you think they ever will?

Stuart Jul 21st, 2004 Link

“Dan / July 19, 2004 10:45 PM” It would be a nice touch to offer customers, actually collecting the car from the place where its built seems to have a limited appeal though. Those that want to do so are very enthusiastic about such a feature, but the vast majority would rather take all the hassle away and leave it to the dealer. I'd also like to see a “bespoke” service offered, you name the colour, material, extras, gadgets , no limits if you are happy to pay the price. But it seems that aftermarket tuners and custom shops get all the business they need and MINI just do the simple things with the standard cars.

Ryephile Jul 22nd, 2004 Link

I want to know if that front strut-tower brace will be on the hatches too! In any case, you can expect I'll be looking into this little tidbit!

Dan Jul 23rd, 2004 Link

Stuart, The Cabrio I odered is silver with black top and the silver black fabric seats. The sport, cold packages, Harmon Kardon radio, on board computer and antharacite interior. I wanted the leather seats but the quality of the leather did not seem worth it. The xenon lights look good but seem very complicated. The S was very fast but the suspencion was just too stiff for an every day driver. I have to lock in the final options by 7-31 so any suggestions would be appreciated since we have not seen one in Seattle yet.

Thanks for the great site.

Dan Seattle

EDWIN YEE Aug 5th, 2004 Link

i am interesting to import the mini cooper cabrio in red 2005 to panama via Miami….to whom i have to contact to make me an offer…

please, do you know…because here in Panama, i dont see any dealer..

best regards Edwin Yee

Peter Crowl Aug 12th, 2004 Link

Pickup at the factory would be awesome…but..being able to order a MCSC with RHD for U.S. delivery would be better IMHO. Your review is terrific. I've been waiting since initial introduction for a convertible and have been on the list forever. Can't wait! Peter

Ticketgeorge Aug 18th, 2004 Link

Has anyone seen the other roof colours? ordered a hyper blue/ black roof would blue roof be better? thanks geo

Tom Edelman Aug 23rd, 2004 Link

I paid $595 over MSRP for my '05 Mini Convertible (Buffalo,NY). MSRP$29,670.At 56 I've Never payed sticker before :o( But I plan on enjoying this vehicle more than any before :o) vrooom!

Michael Roth Aug 26th, 2004 Link

From what I've been hearing, Tom did well by paying only $595 over MSRP. I've heard of some customers paying over $1000 or more over sticker. I did see a listing on eBay for 'the right to purchase a MINI convertible'. Starting bid was something like $895!! Yikes. I think I'll wait for the dust to settle. This summer's driving season is rapidly fading out. Maybe by next summer some of the hysteria will have died down. Anyway, Tom, enjoy your new MINI-hope it doesn't snow in Buffalo in September!