MINI has just revealed an all-new, third-generation Cooper but so far all we’ve seen is the three-door ‘Hardtop’. That means we still need to see redesigned versions of MINI’s other models, such as the Clubman, Countryman and Cooper Convertible. We recently saw a prototype for the new Clubman, as well as shots for a new five-door model, and now it’s the new Cooper Convertible that’s the focus of our spy shots.
The new Cooper Convertible won’t be available when the new Cooper goes on sale in March 2014, with the most likely release date set for next fall. The delay means the new Cooper Convertible will likely arrive as a 2015 model.
It doesn’t appear MINI will be pulling any surprises with the car; an automatic folding soft top will remain and the interior will be identical to the one fitted to the regular Cooper, which means MINI’s signature round clusters including the central display (pictured below). With the new generation, road speed and revs along with other key driving-related information is now shown in an instrument cluster mounted behind the steering wheel.
The car will also get a MINI Controller dial located next to the gear stick, which will allow the driver many of the infotainment options. More space will be available too, as the UKL platform underpinning the car is longer and wider than the one found in the outgoing model.
Buyers can also expect some new safety features thanks to the adoption of the UKL platform. These will include an available head-up display as well as a backup camera, collision and pedestrian warning systems, a parking assistant and even a speed limit on car information system.
As for the powertrain lineup, the base Cooper Convertible will feature a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine good for 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque (169 pound-feet with overboost function). The Cooper S Convertible will benefit from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque (221 pound-feet with overboost) on tap. A six-speed manual will be standard while a six-speed automatic will be available.
