2014 Mini Cooper convertible | spy shots

Mini has just unveiled the new third-generation at the Los Angeles motor show, but only in one variation: the three-door hatch. However, other models are on the way, and our latest spy shots show the Cooper Convertible, snapped while being transported for testing.

It's likely to follow very shortly after the on-sale timing of the hardtop -- March next year for overseas markets, and arriving here not long afterwards.

Like the Cooper hatch, there's no reason to expect any startling departures from the Mini recipe, which means the convertible will carry on with a powered folding soft top. However there will be changes to the interior, echoing those of the hatch: the speedo and tacho have been ditched from the massive 8.8-inch circular gauge in the middle of the dash and moved to a more conventional position in the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel (with heads-up displays for upper spec variants).

The plate-sized feature still dominates the centre of the dash, but now contains just audio and airconditioning controls and an optional reversing camera and satnav. There'll also be extra safety kit on offer with a parking assistant, and collision and pedestrian avoidance systems.

Based on the new UKL platform we'll eventually also see underpinning some BMWs, the convertible will echo the hatch in offering more space, having grown grown in length, width and wheelbase. Mini says that translates to more cabin room and an additional 51 litres of cargo capacity.

Drvetrains should similarly echo the hatch, with the entry level droptop powered by a turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with outputs of 100kW of power between 4500-600rpm and 220Nm of torque at a low 1250rpm. The Cooper S convertible will carry a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, developing 141kW of power between 4700-6000rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1250rpm. Transmissions for all variants are a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed auto.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott