The summer may be over in some parts of the world but in other places, good weather will allow people to drive a convertible for a bit longer. For those people and others interested in buying a convertible, MINI is announcing an update for its entry-level model within its range. The slightly improved MINI One Convertible will be available starting this October and it will bring an even more affordable choice to those interested in open-top cruising.
The MINI One Convertible comes with the same powertrain as the other MINI One models. Powered by a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, it will be the slowest model out there and the cheapest one at the same time. With 102 PS and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque it will definitely not be a rocket on wheels. The 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint takes 10.6 seconds while the top speed is only 190 km/h (118 mph) but who wants to go over 50 mph in a convertible anyway, right?
There’s only one transmission available, a good old 6-speed manual, just as any MINI should be. However, it has been improved, offering optimized efficiency, reduced weight and a high level of shift comfort. Furthermore, an integrated gear sensor enables particularly harmonious and dynamic shifting. The weight of the car will suffer a bit due to the retractable roof and all the mechanisms that go with it, the MINI One Convertible tipping the scale at 1,280 kg (2,821 kg) which is still rather low by today’s standards. Fuel consumption is claimed to be a modest 6 l/100km or 39 mpg around town, with 4.5 l/100 (52.2 mpg) outside city limits and a combined figure of 5.2 l/100km (45.2 mpg).
Of course, all those figures have been claimed in the NEDC test cycle so we should take them with a grain of salt. EPA readings should offer a more precise take on how much fuel the One will sip with its 1.2-liter engine. Unfortunately, we don’t have a price tag at the moment but it should be noticeably cheaper than the MINI Cooper Convertible which starts at $26,700.
