The MINI Convertible In Depth

From MINI Press:

The New MINI Convertible.

Introducing the new MINI Convertible, MINI is enlarging its successful range through the addition of another highly attractive model. Now all enthusiasts looking forward to the great pleasure of driving an open-air MINI will only have to wait until summer to make their dream come true. For then that proverbial MINI driving pleasure will be available at long last also to the aficionado of open-air motoring.

A genuine MINI in its own right.

Despite its compact dimensions, the MINI Convertible is a fully-fledged four-seater with a high standard of practical qualities. And it is clearly recognisable from the start as a genuine MINI with the roof either down or up. Indeed, this open-air fun car from Oxford, England makes it quite clear from the start that “fun” is the big word here on all four seats. With its well-balanced proportions and large wheels, the MINI Convertible is robust and muscular, but at the same time highly attractive and likeable to behold.

A clever concept.

Chic and appealing at first sight, the MINI Convertible comes with a carefully thought-out and devised
concept. Despite the compact dimensions of the car, function and practical value clearly come first,
making optimum use of space available. And thanks to the high standard of body strength and
stiffness combined with the superior chassis and suspension, the new open-air MINI entering the
market initially in the guise of the MINI One Convertible and MINI Cooper Convertible naturally retains
all its superior handling and agility. Optimum utilisation of space available with four full-size seats and
good access to the variable luggage compartment also give the MINI Convertible all the qualities
required for everyday motoring, making this a most attractive car also as the first vehicle in the
family. Features such as the fully automatic roof with its integrated folding roof function, the
multi-arm rear axle, as well as tyres with failsafe running qualities and the Tyre Defect Indicator, plus
the unique range of special equipment and the unique go-kart feeling only the MINI has to offer, all
underline the premium standard provided only by the MINI in its market segment. The main sales
markets for the new, open-air MINI will be the USA, Great Britain and Germany, as well as further
markets in Western Europe.

Fun and Function.

The engineers and designers responsible for the MINI have succeeded, in creating the Convertible, to
carry over the core values of MINI design straight to the new body version. Clearly, therefore, this
once again makes the new model a genuine MINI at very first sight: Indeed, this open-air four-seater
is both robust and self-confident in its style and appearance, and at the same time emotional and
multi-functional in many respects.

Emotion and function.

MINI has succeeded in creating a fully-fledged car with a high standard of all-round functions in a very
compact body. Particularly the versatile and highly flexible luggage compartment proves that even
small spaces can be put to sensible use. And it almost goes without saying that the MINI Convertible
offers a supreme standard of safety, driving dynamics and customisation without foregoing the car?ÿs
ingenious technical concept.

The soft roof – functional and good-looking all in one.

Creating the fully-automatic Z-mechanism soft roof featured as standard, the designers and engineers
in the MINI team have found a particularly elegant solution combining superior function and looks
under one roof in the literal sense of the word. Without requiring the driver to release any catches or
clamps in advance, the soft roof opens smoothly at the touch of a button, converting the MINI into a
wonderful experience in open-air motoring within just 15 seconds. While the folding roof collapses to
the rear, the roof pillars automatically retract into the car and the two rear side windows move down
completely. The roof is finally folded into three layers on top of one another, resting in compact,
space-saving arrangement behind the rear seats. With the Z-mechanism keeping the dimensions of the
roof when folded to a minimum, luggage compartment capacity is hardly restricted in the slightest
even with the roof down. And there is not even any need for a tonneau cover, since the front end of
the roof at the outside reliably protects the high-quality soft roof lining. Available in a choice of three
colours, the roof comprises a heated glass rear window ensuring unrestricted visibility to the rear even
in bad weather. And as a further feature the MINI Convertible comes as standard with PDC Park
Distance Control for electronic parking assistance at the rear.

Unique: a convertible with a sliding roof.

A further very special feature of the MINI?ÿs roof is the additional sliding roof function: Pressing the
roof opening button, the driver first opens the integral sliding roof, then the complete soft roof as
such. When opening, the sliding roof moves back horizontally on the first 40 cm or 15Æô¢Ä¢Ä and may
also be set infinitely to any desired position. In this case the side pillars remain unchanged in their
usual positioning on the A-pillars. Since the sliding roof opens completely from one side of the car to
the other, the new open-air model provides a taste of convertible motoring right from the start in this
initial position. A particularly advantage is that you can operate this function not only with the car at a
standstill, but also while driving at a speed of up to 120 km/h or 75 mph. Central locking with remote
control in the key opens or locks not only the doors, windows, rear lid and fuel tank cover, but also the
roof as a whole as well as the sliding roof.

Form follows function.

The Z-folding roof mechanism saving space most efficiently but nevertheless quite unusual in this
segment is one of the fundamental prerequisites for the high standard of function and versatility in
opening and closing the roof. Even with the roof down, the MINI Convertible still provides luggage
compartment capacity of 120 litres – and with the roof closed, the luggage compartment offers total
capacity of 165 litres for even greater practical value. Folding down the rear seat backrests split into
two sections and locking in position, the driver can even enlarge his luggage capacity to a remarkable
605 litres, with the only requirement being to release the locks on the two seat elements. Maximum
load capacity is 400 kilos or 882 lb. The Easy Load system ensures highly practical and very generous
through-loading connecting the luggage compartment with the passenger area: With the rear roof
section folding up ca. 35?ê while closed and the rear lid folding down, the driver and his passengers
have the advantage of a loading space large enough to access the luggage compartment with utmost
convenience. This superior function quite unique in a vehicle of this kind provides more than ample
space inside the MINI Convertible, taking up even bulky objects with ease. The luggage compartment
lid, in turn, may be used conveniently as a practical loading panel when open, carrying a weight of up
to 80 kg or 176 lb. The MINI Convertible requires neither a spare nor an emergency wheel, since it
comes as standard with the MINI mobility system. And whenever the MINI Convertible is fitted with
16- or 17-inch wheels, it always comes on runflat tyres with failsafe running qualities.

Striking Profile.

The MINI Convertible is naturally a particularly emotional MINI – a car with unique flair and numerous
features reflecting the agility, joy of life and elegance so crucial to the character of this charming
four-seater.

Everything under one roof.

When closed, the roof of the MINI Convertible is a little bit lower than the roof on the fixed-head
models. This makes the Convertible even more dynamic and muscular in its appearance, adding a
very appealing sporting touch. Rising slightly to the rear, the waistline gives the car a powerful,
performance-oriented profile accentuated by the chrome strip running round the entire window line.

Thanks to the design and structure of its body, this open four-seater does not require a B-pillar. As
a result, the car looks even more generous and outgoing and conveys an even greater feeling of
spaciousness with the roof both closed and open. There can be no doubt, of course, that the MINI
Convertible comes out best with the roof down. The steeply raked windscreen, the aerial integrated in
the front window frame, the slightly rising side-line, the rollbars, and the carefully folding roof all act
together to give this attractive four-seater the looks of a classic convertible. And thanks to the
elaborate Z-design folding mechanism, there is no need for a tonneau cover protecting the roof when
open. At the rear twin rollbars made of high-strength aluminium pipes and integrating the headrests
give the passengers optimum protection. Like in a roadster, these intentionally visible rollbars clearly
bear out the high safety potential the MINI Convertible is able to offer.

Friendly face.

Like every MINI, the new Convertible stands out in particular through its characteristic look from the
front. Indeed, the curved engine compartment lid together with the round headlights make the car
particularly pleasant and likeable to behold. The entire front section of the MINI Convertible is
characterised by the newly designed bumper, the new look of the headlights, and the front grille with
even smoother surfaces. Refined chrome elements within the bumper and the integrated foglamps
serve to further accentuate the elegant looks and appearance of the car. The new headlights in clear
glass serve not only to provide even better vision and clearer light, but also underline the striking
character of the car. The optional xenon headlight units with automatic headlight range control are
encompassed by an additional ring of light spots again giving this exceptional car another sign of
distinction.

Attractive rear end design.

With the roof closed, the rear end of the MINI Convertible creates an impression of power, muscle,
and agility. This strong look is further enhanced by the short rear overhang, the steeply rising side
sections, and the black wheel arches. The white back-up light is integrated into the newly designed
LED rear lights with clear glass covers, the rear fog warning light comes in a new position within the
bumper between the two chrome trim strips. With the roof down, the compact Convertible looks
playful and young-at-heart also from the rear, clearly proving from the start that this is a particularly
nimble and agile car. And standing out as an especially striking design feature on this open-air model,
the high-rise third LED brake light is integrated in the chrome trim strip running along the window line.

Special windows.

Like all MINIs, the new Convertible comes with wide-opening doors featuring frameless windows and
electric window lifts ensuring particularly convenient access to and exit from the car both front and
rear. Contrary to the fixed roof versions of the MINI One and MINI Cooper, the MINI Convertible also
comes with retracting side windows at the rear moving down electrically into the side panels at the
touch of a button.

MINI colour worlds.

The new Convertible from Oxford in Britain proves its versatility also in terms of colours: The new
model is available with a choice of no less than 10 exterior colours, two of which are exclusive to the
Convertible – Hot Orange and Cool Blue with a special paintwork effect. Made of top-quality fabric,
the roof is available in three different colours providing particular margin for your personal taste. And
while the MINI One Convertible comes only with a Black roof, the roof of the MINI Cooper offers the
customer a choice of Black, Blue, and Green. The rear-view mirror housings come in Black on the
“basic” model and are finished in body colour on the MINI Cooper Convertible. This allows a
particularly wide range of choice and combinations proving once again that this new version is not a
regular production model, but rather a special car built for the special customer with his – or her –
own individual taste. The Chrome Line exterior package featuring chrome plating not only on the
bumper inserts, grilles and rear lid handle, but also on the rollbars, ensures an extra touch of genuine
British style. A further option is to choose the rear-view mirror housings as well as the rear hinges in
chrome as an additional highlight.

Attractive wheels.

The MINI One Convertible comes as standard on 15-inch steel rims, the MINI Cooper Convertible
features 15-inch light-alloy rims in 7-hole design and runs on 175/65 R15 tyres. But MINI would not be
MINI if there were not also a choice of further attractive light-alloy wheels measuring up to 17 inches
in diameter. The 17-inch five-star Bullet light-alloy wheels, in turn, developed exclusively for this new
model variant, accentuate particularly the sporting character and robust quality of this open-air
road-going athlete.

An Interior with Genuine Charm.

The interior of the MINI Convertible is just as unique and outstanding as the exterior, ensuring a truly
harmonious all-round impression through its design and colour. Skilful integration of the sweeping
rollbars, in turn, gives this compact four-seater virtually the same flair and character as a roadster.
Although the closed roof of the MINI Convertible may appear somewhat lower and squatter, headroom
and the generous feeling of space within the interior remain unchanged.

Sophisticated and timeless in style and character.

Finished with top-quality materials and the most refined surfaces, the interior comes in three different
colour worlds: Blue, Beige, and Black. The dashboard and parts of the door linings are available in
Silver, Anthracite, and with wood and aluminium-style trim.

Moving on to the seat upholstery, a choice of 3 different cloth covers, 3 combinations of cloth and
leather, as well as three leather options in various colour combinations offer a broad margin for
individual wishes and preferences.

Like the exterior, the interior is also available as an option with an attractive Chrome Package, trim in
high-gloss chrome comprising features such as the rev counter surrounds, the surrounds on the central
instruments and the cupholders accentuating the classic character of the car. The Cockpit Chrono
Package also available as an option emphasizes the sporting and elegant ambience within the MINI
Convertible: In this case the central instrument features two circular dials presenting the level of fuel
in the tank, oil and coolant temperature, as well as oil pressure. The speedometer is moved next to
the rev counter on the steering column, the particular feeling of sports motoring being further
accentuated in this case by the optional three-spoke leather sports steering wheel.

Striking looks.

The special design of the doors already widely acknowledged as a typical feature of the brand is part
of the MINI?ÿs exclusive style and appearance. Door linings colour-matched to the design of the
surfaces and upholstery, together with the surrounds highlighting the door openers and loudspeakers,
help to further accentuate the typical look of the car.

Depending on the level of finish and equipment, the design and style of the seats is highlighted by the
use of two different materials on the seat squab, on the one hand, and the seat side panels and
headrests, on the other. And to match the interior surfaces, the customer has the choice of no less
than 9 upholstery covers.

Featuring integrated head/thorax airbags, the seats offer good side support even in fast bends. With
height adjustment of the driver?ÿs seat and steering column being a standard feature, and with the
front seats adjusting over a wide range, drivers of all sizes enjoy an optimum seating position. And
last but certainly not least, the front seats available either in a combination of cloth and leather or in
full leather are equipped additionally with a lumbar support.

Sitting at the back.

Clearly, nobody expects miracles in space of a convertible measuring just 3.60 metres or 143 inches in
length. But the designers and engineers responsible for MINI have succeeded nevertheless in creating
an open four-seater with ample space for four adults. Access to the rear is facilitated not only by the
wide opening doors, but also by front seats folding far to the front and with their own memory
function. The two ergonomically designed seats at the rear come with three-point seat belts and
headrests are integrated in the double rollbars. Made of ultra-strong aluminium pipes, these sturdy
rollbars protect both the front and rear occupants in the event of a rollover and serve in addition to
hold the seat belts at the top. At the back the front seats are specially contoured for maximum
legroom benefiting the rear seat passengers. Despite the elaborate roof closing mechanism hidden
behind the side panels at the rear, space is still quite sufficient for two passengers in the second row.
Indeed, the MINI?ÿs designers and engineers have even found enough space in the inner side panels
for a high-quality loudspeaker on each side.

Safety First.

Safety was clearly given top priority in developing the MINI Convertible (as is the case with all BMW
Group cars). Apart from the high level of body stiffness, perfect interaction of the “intelligent” frontal
airbags, the pyrotechnical belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters, head/thorax side airbags,
reinforced A-pillars, and the extra-strong rollbars guarantee optimum occupant protection. Indeed, this
comprehensive Safety Package allows the MINI Convertible to in some cases significantly outperform
the toughest test criteria in the world through its superior crash behaviour.

Extra-stiff and sturdy bodyshell.

The body structure of the new Convertible serves to absorb maximum energy in a collision, thus
keeping forces acting on the occupants to a minimum. And at the same time the entire structure of
the car is so stiff that the Convertible retains all the driving and handling characteristics so typical of a
MINI.

With a convertible not having a roof to take up forces or loads, the floor assembly and side-sills of the
MINI Convertible come in even larger and sturdier dimensions, and with all the reinforcements
required when necessary. The result is an even higher standard of all-round stiffness serving, inter
alia, to prevent the door-sills from bending in a head-on collision. The front end of the MINI
Convertible is virtually identical to that of the existing fixed roof model, ensuring equally good results
in a collision from the front.

Rolling sideways.

The MINI Convertible is also well prepared for the risk of rolling over on to its side, a tube of
high-strength steel integrated in the A-pillars being able to absorb 1.5 times the mass of the car. The
dual rollbar made of high-strength aluminium pipes and comprising integral headrests also serves to
protect the occupants in such an event. In conjunction with the various restraint systems, this
guarantees effective occupant protection even in a rollover.

The Tailor-Made MINI.

Through its wide range of standard features, the new MINI Convertible leaves nothing to be desired
from the start in terms of comfort, safety, and elegance. But each customer is nevertheless able to
configure his or her very own MINI Convertible according to individual preferences and requirements,
choosing from a wide range of options and special equipment. In the guise of both the MINI One and
MINI Cooper, the MINI Convertible comes with a choice of no less than 10 exterior colours, two of
which are reserved exclusively to this new model variant. Three colour worlds for the interior, three
roof colours and a wide range of attractive light-alloy wheels may all be combined with one another to
create a truly unique, one-off MINI Convertible tailored to each customer. And choosing from 9
different types of upholstery and numerous interior features such as the Cockpit Chrono Package, the
customer will certainly find exactly what he or she wants.