With its design improved in an evolutionary process and with an even wider range of practical functions, the new Mini Cabrio is unmistakably Mini. Equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated suspension technology, more powerful and efficient engines, and with optimised safety technology, the new version of the open-air four-seater Mini raises its strengths and qualities to a higher level. And all of this whilst maintaining agility and the so-called go-kart handling typical of Mini.

There are 12 highly attractive colour variants as well as new equipment features that add an additional touch of style and class. Automatic air conditioning with Cabrio mode is available for the first time that serves to provide a consistent set temperature under the influence of wind when the roof is opened. Also available is the seamless integration of external music players, a USB port and Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, suitably compatible with the Apple iPhone. And last but certainly not least the Mini Cabrio combines a blend of materials and finishes to enhance the unique position of the Mini Cabrio.

The occupants are protected from wind and weather in the new Mini Cabrio by the soft top with its integrated sliding roof function. Even while driving at a speed of up to 30 km/h, the soft top folds back fully automatically in a complete process within just 15 seconds, giving the new Mini Cabrio its true purpose and quality: This is a car begging for driving in the open air at any time of the year, symbolising this challenge to the driver through the optionally available, absolutely unique Always-Open Timer next to the rev counter.

This unprecedented instrument shows the driver and passengers the time they have spent driving with the roof down – motivating the driver to really enjoy the thrill of open-air motoring as frequently as possible.

The new Mini Cabrio offers everyday driving qualities through the Easy-Load Function, the rear-seat backrest folding down individually on either side, as well as the through-loading between the luggage and passenger compartment. Luggage compartment capacity has increased to 125 litres (+5 litres) with the roof open, 170 litres (+5 litres) with the roof closed, and 660 litres (+ 55 litres) with the rear-seat backrest folded down.

This variability in the Cabrio, is made possible by the design and construction of the roll bar: The new Mini  Cabrio comes with a single-piece roll bar behind the rear seats extending across the entire interior width of the car, not obstructing the driver’s line of visibility in any way when looking to the rear, and moving up automatically in just 150 milliseconds, in the event of this safety feature being required.

The new Mini Cabrio will enter the Australian market by mid-2009 with two engine variants. The Mini Cooper Cabrio offers sporting qualities right from the start with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit featuring fully variable valve management for maximum output of 88 kW at 6,000 rpm.

The Mini Cooper S Cabrio is even more dynamic and performance-oriented, its 1.6-litre four-cylinder with a Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection delivering 128 kW at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm and thus providing a particularly refreshing feeling of power and dynamic performance.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on the new Mini Cabrio are reduced compared with the cars’ predecessors.

From the start, the Mini Cooper S Cabrio and the Mini Cooper Cabrio are available with a six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard or optional six-speed automatic transmission. At the same time the new Mini Cabrio owes its handling to suspension technology enhanced and upgraded over the former model. Indeed, thanks to sophisticated wheel suspension, electromechanical power steering, the powerful brake system and DSC Dynamic Stability Control featured as standard, the open-air Mini combines agility with safety all round.

Mini Cooper S Cabrio:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 128 kW/175 hp at 5,500 rpm.
Max torque: 240 Nm from 1,600–5,000 rpm (260 Nm with Overboost).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.4 sec, Top speed: 222 km/h (where legal).
Average fuel consumption: 7.2 litres/100 km,
CO2 rating: 171 g/km.

Mini Cooper Cabrio:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 88 kW/120 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Max torque: 160 Nm at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 9.8 sec, Top speed: 198 km/h (where legal).
Average fuel consumption: 6.1 litres/100 km,
CO2 rating: 145 g/km.

Local prices for this new model Mini will be announced closer to the launch date.