Mini Convertible (2009-)

Mini Convertible (2009-)

Production	2009-present
Class	Compact
Body style	2-door convertible
Engine	1.4L Prince I4 (One) 1.6L Prince I4 (Cooper) 1.6L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (Cooper D and One D) 1.6L Prince turbocharged I4 (Cooper S)
Transmission	6-speed automatic and manual
Wheelbase	97.1 in (2,466 mm)
Length	Convertible: 143.1 in (3,635 mm) Convertible S: 143.9 in (3,655 mm)
Width	66.5 in (1,689 mm)
Height	55.5 in (1,410 mm)

The Mk II Mini Convertible was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show^[1] and the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show^[2] as a 2009 model-year vehicle (first available for sale on 28 March 2009^[3]).

The model features a device, marketed as the "Openometer", which records the number of minutes the vehicle has operated with its roof retracted. Available variants and corresponding powertrain selections are the same as in the other Mk II Mini models, including the diesel engine in some markets.

Design

New safety requirements resulted in the overall length increasing by 60 mm (2.4 in), the front end raised and the indicators being repositioned inside the headlight housings. The headlights themselves are now fixed to the front quarter panels rather than being integrated with the bonnet, so that they are not raised up with it when the bonnet opens. The car features a restyled grille and larger rear light clusters. The Cooper S retains the bonnet scoop in order to keep an association with the outgoing model — although the relocation of the intercooler to the front of the engine means that the scoop is now purely decorative. In addition, the Cooper S no longer has the battery located under the boot floor, instead being found in the more conventional location under the bonnet.

Technical specifications

Since 2008 all non-U.S. Mini models (except the standard Mini One) have been equipped with BMW's Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving technology (called "Minimalism Technologies" in Mini literature). This includes a start-stop feature that shuts off the engine when the car is stationary; when the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is restarted with electricity generated from Brake Energy Regeneration. The Cooper D model attains 74.0 miles per imperial gallon (3.82 L/100 km; 61.6 mpg_-US) and emits 104 g of carbon dioxide per 100 kilometres. A Mini One D has been available in Europe since 2009, attaining the same fuel efficiency and emissions of greenhouse gases as the Cooper D, which is itself quite comparable to the Toyota Prius for fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions (potentially better than the Prius at higher rpm). With the widespread use of its Efficient Dynamics feature, Mini is the first automotive brand to have all models in its range classified as mild hybrids (Mini's parent, BMW, is still in the process of implementing Efficient Dynamics across its older models).^{[citation needed]}

All models of the Mk II with optional dynamic stability control (DSC) also include "Hill Assist", a feature which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an incline by holding the brakes for 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver time to engage the accelerator pedal without the vehicle drifting. Also included with DSC is hydraulic EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as opposed to the mechanical system on Minis without DSC. DSC is standard on all Minis since September 2008.

See also

• Automotive industry in the United Kingdom

References

1. ^ Nunez, Alex (2009-01-11). "Detroit 2009: Mini Cooper Convertible chills out". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-mini-cooper-convertible-chills-out/. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
2. ^ Joseph, Noah (2009-02-10). "Geneva Preview: Mini drops the top on the JCW cabrio". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/geneva-preview-mini-drops-the-top-on-the-jcw-cabrio/. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
3. ^ "2009 Mini Convertible Photos and Specs Released". Wot.motortrend.com. http://wot.motortrend.com/6369523/auto-news/2009-mini-convertible-photos-and-specs-released/index.html. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 

External links

• Mini