2 Wheels NewCar Review
southwalesargus.co.uk/cars
Friday,July 30th, 2010 Mini One Convertible
The Mini One Convertible is the new entrylevel drop-top
Drop topMiniisastylish addition to the stable
WHATWITH all the newmodel introductions,existing model revisions, special editions and engine upgrades,it mayhaveescaped the attention of many (but, Iconcede,not mini aficionados) that the Mini Convertible line-up has been missing an entry levelOne model. Fans of open top motoring heading for
Mini showrooms cheque book in hand would have discoveredthatthe Mini Convertible rangestarted with the Cooper –boastingamorepowerful engine and a moreexpensive price tagtoomatch. Until recentlythis was not an issue,as
drivers were still keen to invest in the Mini’scombination of charm, street cred and rawdriving appeal, regardless. Morerecently, however,the Mini’s
rapidlyincreasing arrayofrivals has meant thatBMWno longer has the market forsuchamodel cornered. As with the hatchback, the cheaper Fiat500 Cabriolet
has alreadyunashamedlypitched aflag firmlyinthe Mini camp.Morevalue for money competition is likelytocome from the Citroen DS3 in due course and Alfa Romeo Mito and Audi A1 could prove potent premium drop-top rivals,too. Add to thatthe smallmatter of aglobal
economic downturnandamorecost effective Mini Convertible model seems timelyindeed. Slipping in alongside an engine
upgrade across the Mini range, the One Convertiblemakes good use of anew 1.6- litreunit. TheCooper convertible also benefits fromthe newengine,asdothe hatchbackand Clubman models,where the newpower-plant replaces the 1.4-litre unit thatwas present in One and First models alike. Under the bonnet of the Mini One
Convertible the newunit produces a humble 98bhp butraises the bar for current and prospective rivals with CO2 output of 133g/km and 49.6mpg combined, better than anypetrol rival boasting similar powerand performance. Theengine itself
incorporates arange of features thatallow it to offer morepower than the old 1.4-litre unit with better fuel consumption and emissions,including variablevalvetiming (responsible forafive per cent improvement
on its own), an on-demand,map-controlled oil pump,alow friction engine vacuum pump,amap-regulated water pump, reduced friction camshaft and main bearings and improved heatmanagement. All clever stuffand helping the new
model seem, at less than £15,000, likeeven better value formoney.The same can be said of some choice equipment offerings, suchasthe standardrear parking sensors, air-con, four airbags and stability control. But the Mini One Convertible is an
entry levelmodel and,while it offers the chance to getbehind thewheel at a reduced price,itnaturallydoesn’t offer the same levelofequipment as the Cooper and higher grades. Perhaps most striking is the absence of
alloywheels fromthe standardequipment list.
Steeringwheel controls areacost
option too,but the extensive list of optional extras availablemeans customers can drive adecadentlyequipped model while benefitting fromthe One’sincreased fuel consumption and loweremissions,if they’re willing to payfor it. Behind thewheel, the spirited driving
experience livesuptothatof the higher grade models.Even with the canvasroof folded –an operationwhichcan takeplace at up to 20mph –the Mini One Convertible remainsanimble, point and shoot affair. Thesteering is brilliantly
precise and the gear change crisp; aclass leading combination. Even the brakes offer sports car feel and feedback. Afirmride is the price occupants payfor the
agility in changing direction and fantastic levelofgrip,but it stops shortofbeing jarring even if it can pickout imperfections. Even in asubstantial, moderncar
98bhp goes along waywhen the delivery is as linear and predictableasthatofthe new1.6-litreunit. Revs build steadilyall the waytothe
red-line and the lively exhaust notemakes it apleasuretodrive the One Convertible enthusiastically. Front seatoccupants will enjoythe
experience morethan anyone brave enough to ventureinto the token rear seats butatleast boot space can be increased by folding them flat.The roof folds onto the backofthe car,too,meaning boot space remains with the roof up or down. With no shortage of thrills at thewheel
and just as muchstyle and customisation potential, the Mini One Convertible is by no means apoor relation to the rest of the range. Cost conscious buyers should be pleased to see it in its rightful position; not propping up the rangebut rather setting a high standardfromthe ground up.
Facts at aglance
Model: Mini One Convertible, £14,895 on the road. Engine: 1.6-litre petrol unit developing 98bhp and 113lb/ft of torque. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 112mph, 0-62mph 11.3 seconds. CO2 emissions: 133g/km. Economy: 49.6mpg.
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