BMW took the wraps off the new Mini convertible which will be on sale from March 2016 in the international market.

The new generation Mini convertible has grown in terms of dimensions. The convertible is now 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the vehicle it replaces. The length, width and height of the car now stand at 3821mm, 1727mm and 1415mm, respectively.

The exterior of the convertible features circular headlamps, rear lights with chrome surrounds and hexagonal radiator grille. The new model is also available with the new Caribbean Aqua shade.

The design of the car closely resembles its three-door hatchback version barring the hard top. The metal roof of the hatchback has been replaced with a fully electric retractable soft top that needs only 18 seconds to open or close at a speed up to 30kmph. Being a British brand,  a graphic of the Union Jack on its retractable roof is optional.

The convertible is spiced up with features such as adaptive suspension, an 8.8-inch infotainment display with navigation and a touch-sensitive controller, LED headlights and a head-up display. A driving assistant package includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic high beams, road sign detection and parking assistant.

The new Mini Convertible is available with three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines. The three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine develops 134bhp and 220Nm while the 1.5-ltre diesel engine develops 114bhp and 270Nm. The powerful S version employs an in-line four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that churns out 189bhp and 280Nm.

The engine mated to six-speed manual gearbox powers the convertible to reach 0 to 100kmph in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 230kmph. The same engine mated to six-speed automatic reaches 100kmph in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 228kmph.

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