The convertible shares its engine with the MINI Cooper; a 115 horsepower 4-cylinder. It also espouses the same virtues of superior handling and agility, due to its stiff bodyshell, low centre of gravity, multi-arm rear axle, direct electrohydraulic power steering, and superb chassis design.
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| The convertible shares the MINI Cooper's 115-hp engine and exceptional safety features, plus adds high-strength aluminum roll bars. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The convertible also shares the same exceptional safety features as its hard-top siblings, including dual "intelligent" frontal airbags and two seat-integrated head/thorax side airbags, a reinforced body structure for added stiffness, double roll bars made of high-strength aluminum tubes, and integrated headrests.
Unlike its New Beetle Convertible competitor, the MINI Convertible does not require the releasing or clamping of finicky latches. A touch of a button, and a mere fifteen (15) seconds is all it takes for the fully-automatic Z-mechanism soft roof to open quietly and smoothly.
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| With the touch of a button, a mere fifteen seconds is all it takes for the fully-automatic Z-mechanism soft roof to retract. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Furthermore, a unique feature offered on the topless beauty is a sunroof option; opening only a small portion of the drop-top with the push of another button.
BMW Group Canada, MINI's parent company, has yet to announce pricing for the stylish convertible, but reportedly will tell all closer to its release date in late summer of 2004.
You can catch the 2005 MINI Convertible at the Pacific International Auto Show running March 26 through April 4, followed by the New York International Auto Show later in April.