Covers Come Off MINI Cabrio

The covers have come off the new MINI Cabrio. No pun intended.

The convertible version of the MINI was introduced in the UAE at a funky event in Dubai’s Marina area. The guide price is 120,000AED, but MINI says individual dealers will be offering different deals on the car to try and stimulate sale during the global economic downturn.

The MINI Cabrio features the familiar MINI looks but with evolutionary changes to the technology and design. The soft top folds back in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30kph, which should reduce instances of being stuck at green traffic lights waiting for the roof to perform its mechanical ballet.

MINI is known for its quirky brand image, and it’s installed a suitably quirky gizmo in the Carbio – an Openometer. This gauge records the time spent by the owner driving with the roof off.

As usual with MINI products, there are customisation options aplenty – 12 paint colours and various roof colours, alongside a variety of interior options and colour choices.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre engine available in two different states of tune. The Cooper version features a 120bhp version with a top speed of 191kph, while the Cooper S engine puts out a sportier 175bhp thank to the addition of twin turbochargers. It will reach 217kph.

MINI is keen on green technologies, so the Cabrio features a range of features under the umbrella term of MINIMALISM (its capitals, not ours). These features include Auto Start Stop, which cuts the engine when the car is idling and instantly restarts it when it’s time to move. Such features help improve fuel economy and reduce polluting emissions.

Due to its side the MINI is not the world’s most practical car, but nevertheless the boot of the new Cabrio will house 125 litres, five litres up on the outgoing model, or 170 litres with the roof up. With the rear seats folded and the roof up, the total luggage space is 660 litres, 55 more than the previous Cabrio.

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