Drive
BMW has revealed pictures and details of its second-generation Mini Cabriolet, which gets a neater folding roof and more efficient engines.
The drop-top will complete the current-generation Mini family down-under in the second quarter of 2009, joining the hatch that launched in 2006.
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The four-seater Mini Cabrio also retains a folding fabric roof that opens or closes in 15 seconds, and incorporates a sliding roof function. The soft-top roof opens automatically at the touch of a button, and can be operated when driving at a speed of up to 30km/h.
The Cabrio again follows the hatch with engines, which for Australia will mean two 1.6-litre four-cylinders.
A naturally aspirated version for the Cooper Cabriolet serves up 88kW and 160Nm; a direct-injection turbocharged version delivers 128kW and 240Nm to the front wheels.
Neither model improves on their predecessors’ 0-100km/h of 9.8 seconds and 7.4 seconds respectively, though both are up to 19 per cent more fuel efficient.
The Cooper Cabrio now consumes 6.1L/100km (down from 7.3L/100km), the Cooper S Cabrio improves by 1.6 litres to 7.2L/100km.
The Cabrio’s interior again follows the hatch, meaning better-quality materials than the outgoing drop-top – as well as some additional new features.
The new Mini Cabriolet gains automatic air-conditioning designed to deliver a consistent set temperature even when the roof is stowed away.
