2020 Mini Convertible Reviews

BMW has confirmed key details for the new engine lineup for the 2014 Mini Cooper range, which will make its first public appearance simultaneously at the Tokyo and LA motor shows in November.The new F56 Mini Cooper will be available with a three cylinder engine for the first time, with new 1.5 litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel triples to make up the volume of Mini's most popular model. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine will power the Cooper S model, with the modular units developed by BMW for the first time.The first two Mini generations under BMW's stewardship used engines developed in conjunction with Chrysler and PSA respectively, and the new third-generation BMW model's petrol engines are related to the 170kw 1.5 litre petrol three used by the new i8 hybrid sports coupe.In Mini guise, the direct-injected TwinPower 1.5 litre petrol develops 100kW/220Nm from 1250rpm(with 230Nm on overboost), while the Cooper S-spec direct-injected TwinPower 2.0 litre makes 141kW/280Nm (with 300Nm on overboost).The new 1.5 litre turbodiesel makes 85kW and 270Nm, representing a slight power gain over the current 82kW/270Nm 1.6-litre four.Both petrol engines represent a gain on the existing 90kw/160Nm base 1.6-litre four, and the 135kW/240Nm for the turbocharged Cooper S, while a challenger for the current 155kW/260Nm and 160kw/260Nm John Cooper Works (JCW) range-toppers will likely come later.The 170kW achieved by the three cylinder unit in the i8 suggests that a figure in the vicinity of 226kW is possible for the 2.0-litre JCW models, which could make the smaller Mini a serious rival for the current hot hatch hero Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.BMW claims that all engines will trump their existing counterparts for fuel efficiency and emissions with Euro 6 compliance, but exact figures will have to wait until the Cooper's November unveiling.Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will continue to be offered across the range, and a fuel-saving stop/start system will now be standard. Automatic models equipped with satnav will also be able to downshift in preparation for upcoming hills and intersections, using similar technology to the new Rolls Royce Wraith and Ghost models.Kerb weights of the new Cooper lineup have been minimised through the use of construction technology shared with the i3 and i8 models, but once again, Mini is yet to mention specific figures. The new model will continue the Cooper tradition of a dynamically-focused chassis, with a multi-link rear end and single-link spring-strut front end, and adaptive dampers will be available for the first time on Mini models.Following the Cooper's LA and Tokyo debuts, the new model is expected to make its way down under in the second quarter of 2014.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn  

The recall notice is for 329 of the Mini Countryman diesel and Paceman diesel sold between August 1 2010 and March 18 2013.Mini’s parent brand, BMW, says the defect means moisture can penetrate the plug-in connection of the adapter cable on the electric power steering, causing corrosion on the contacts and in some cases lead to the car catching fire – although there have been no occurrences so far in the local market. "There have been no reported incidences on this current recall in Australia," BMW spokesperson Lenore Fletcher said.The recall on the Mini models follows a larger one last week in which BMW recalled six diesel models: BMW 5 Series E60, BMW X5 Series E70, BMW X6 Series E71, BMW X3 Series E83, BMW 1 Series E87 and BMW 7 Series F01 & F02 – built between August 1 and November 30, 2009.The earlier recall notice cited a defect that means the electric contacts of the diesel fuel filter heating unit could short-circuit, leading to the risk of the vehicle catching fire – also with no local incidences reported.  However the notice also explains that the diesel fuel filter heater unit only operates at temperatures below -1° Celsius.BMW says owners should contact an authorised BMW motor vehicle service centre, or call the BMW Group Australia Customer Interaction Centre on freecall: 1800 813 299. 

I keep joking that someone should hold a seance to find out what the original Mini's designer Alec Issigonis thinks about the new one, especially the growing diversity of models.Old Sir Alec died 25 years ago but back in his day there was just the Mini and the Mini wagon/panel van, as well as a ute but that was about it. Fast forward and we have just finished driving the seventh variation of the new Mini  the Paceman.VALUEA two-door, four-seat coupe, based on the off road Countryman, the Paceman is priced from $35,900, or from $44,100 for the more powerful Cooper S model (the subject of our review). Built in Austria standard kit includes 16 inch alloys, sports suspension, sports seats, leather steering wheel, front and rear fog lights, automatic lights and wipers, Chrome line interior and Bluetooth with USB interface. The Cooper S adds Dynamic Traction Control, Sport Button, 17inch alloys, clear indicator lenses and stainless steel trim for the pedals and footrest.TECHNOLOGYIt's powered by the same 1.6-litre engine as other Minis, this one with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection producing 135kW of power and 240Nm of torque, with an extra 20Nm available briefly via overboost between 1700 and 4500 revs. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual or optional six speed automatic gearbox, with drive to the front wheels.Overseas the car is also offered with all-wheel drive, like the Countryman on which is is based. It's fitted with lowered sports suspension as standard, but still rides about 10mm higher than a regular Cooper S  although the car can also be ordered with regular suspension and ride height as a no-cost option.The Cooper S version also comes with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) that allows controlled slip through the driven wheels. When the system is deactivated an electronic diff lock brakes whichever drive wheel is spinning to enhance handling. In terms of performance the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 217 km/h. Fuel consumption for the manual is 6.6 and for the auto, 7.5 litres/100km (we were getting 7.8 after about 600km of mixed driving).DESIGNWe don't get it, but like a shark the Mini has to keep moving forward or it drown and sink to the bottom. In effect, this is the Mini equivalent of the equally weird looking BMW X6, also described as a sports activity vehicle. It's almost as big and heavy as the Countryman and the only one so far to have a name on the back. BMW of course owns the Mini franchise.SAFETYUnlike the Mini Cooper, which scores a full five stars for safety, Countryman gets only four stars for from the Australian ANCAP organisation and we can only assume Paceman will score the same (it hasn't been rated yet).Comes with a full complement of safety equipment including six airbags, electronic traction and stability control, an electronic differential lock and anti lock brakes with brake assist, corner braking control and electronic brake force distribution.DRIVINGCan't argue with the way it goes. It's a great engine that likes to rev with plenty of torque down low. The manual shift is easy to use and third gear offers a broad range for corner to corner work. But the car has a tendency to move around on choppy, secondary roads when put under pressure, especially the rear wheels which are prone to lift off.Fitted with 205/55 17s, the tyres have plenty of grip but the taller body structure and higher centre of gravity come into play eventually, reducing the limits of its handling. Having said that it was more than a match for a group of motorcycles that we encountered during a searching test drive, although by the looks of them they were still learning how to setup their corners properly.A defining feature of the car, the huge centre speedo is almost impossible to read at a glance, but fortunately the smaller unit atop the steering column offers a digital readout. Although described as a four seater larger passengers may find it a bit cramped back there.VERDICTWe like it. The head says no but the heart says yes  but if we were contemplating the purchase of a Mini any day soon we'd probably opt for the regular one and a Cooper S (the JCW is just too expensive).Mini Paceman Cooper SPrice: from $44,100Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: noResale: 56% (Glass's)Service interval: 12 months/25,000km (condition based)Safety: 5 stars (Countryman)Engine: 1.6-litre 16-valve direct-injection turbo 4-cyl, 135kW/240NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; FWDThirst: 7.5l/100km, tank 47 litres, on test 10.6, 95RON PULP; 166g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.1m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1330kgSpare: run-flats

Mini will celebrate the 107th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the original Mini, by unveiling the third generation of the modern MINI, the 2014 Cooper, at a special ceremony at the car’s plant in Oxford, England. That special ceremony will take place on November 18, after which Mini will make simultaneous presentations at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20. We don’t have to wait until then to see the car, however. In addition to our numerous spy shots, of both the Cooper and sportier Cooper S, Mini has already previewed the new car’s design with its Mini Vision concept that’s set for a debut on September 10 at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. Key design elements expected for the 2014 Mini Cooper include a hexagonal radiator grille (inspired by the one on the 1959 original), ring-shaped daytime running lights integrated with the headlights, and jewel-like tail-lights. Completely new engines and a new platform will feature as well, and for the first time BMW models will share the Mini's technologies. Sales of the 2014 Mini Cooper are expected to start overseas early next year, and arrive here just a few months later. Just like its predecessor, the new Mini will be produced in Oxford in the UK. The oncoming start of production and the November 18 reveal will mark additional highlights in a jubilee year for the Oxford plant, where automobiles have been built for more than 100 years. www.motorauthority.com  

BMW’s Mini seems intent on becoming all things to all men and women, continuing to come up with new versions of the iconic British brand. The John Cooper Works high-performance range is now offered in every model: Mini, Clubman, Coupe, Cabriolet, Roadster, Paceman, Countryman and GP.HISTORYJohn Cooper, who gained legend status during the 1950s and 1960s designing Formula One and Indianapolis 500 race cars, began putting a sting in the tail of competition Minis – he designed the first high-performance Mini Cooper for the 1960 Monte Carlo Rally - and perking up the performance of production models. These days, many gentleman of a certain age glaze over at the mention of the Mini Cooper - enough to bring a tear to a glass eye. John Cooper died in 2000, aged 77. Cooper’s son, Mike, has brought the same passion to the company as his father and John Cooper Works continues to pump JCW Minis into a market attracting enthusiasts of high performance vehicles with individuality, versatility and, in this case, an impeccable pedigree. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONHeart and soul of the range is a new generation 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine featuring twin-scroll turbo technology, direct fuel injection, variable valve lift and timing, and a reinforced cylinder head and pistons, sodium filled exhaust valves and lightweight crankshaft, all fashioned from the racing-car list of goodies With a maximum output of 155 kW and 260 Nm of torque, (280 Nm with overboost), which increases to 160 kW and 280 Nm (300 Nm with overboost) in the ALL4 all-wheel-drive Mini JCW Countryman and Mini JCW Paceman. Mated with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, an optional six-speed automatic transmission is available for all Mini JCW variants except the GP limited edition model. TECHNOLOGYDepending on the model, a Mini JCW sports suspension, with dynamically tuned dampers and anti-roll bars, comes as standard or as a no-cost option. Stopping is guaranteed with a standard high-performance sports-brake system. A ‘Sport’ button on the centre console allows the driver to change engine response and accompaniment, as well as the power steering effort. In auto models, engaging Sport mode also quickens shift times. DRIVE IMPRESSIONSWe tested the latter models to great effect in cold and damp conditions on several sections of the Targa Tasmania route outside Hobart. A raspy motor note rang out through the narrow, twisty tree-lined avenues courtesy of the standard JCW sports exhaust system, which was cut to popping and crackling on over-run. Smiles all round. Precise speed-sensitive steering enabled the steerers to put the cars in perfect alignment over the fast and testing stages, while the tightly tuned suspension maintained the cars’ handling stability. However, there was a downside, with the Paceman producing a choppy ride over uneven road surfaces. It was similarly the case with the GP on the track, a fact that was highlighted by the media minder for the day, Mike Eady, the BMW driver trainer flown in from New Zealand. A former racer in Europe with much experience testing on the Nordschleife of the Nurburgring where the Mini JCW GP was shaken down, he suggested turning down the damping a notch or two would not have sacrificed performance to the production of a smoother ride. We spent time under the direction of Eady in the Coopers barreling around Baskerville circuit, near Hobart, weaving through cones in a rapid direction-changing exercise and scorching up the straight to come to a stop with heavy braking testing to the full the ABS effectiveness. No brake fade became evident in any of the cars – JCW hatch, Coupe, Roadster or GP - throughout the entire uncompromising workout. Star of this event was undoubtedly the limited edition GP which, with its stripped-back 1160 kg unladen weight and highly modified 1.6 litre turbo engine pumping out peak power of 160 kW and maximum torque of 260 Nm, traction control system with a specific GP mode, as well as a bespoke racing suspension and braking system, is the essence of the John Cooper Works philosophy. Aerodynamics, consisting of under-body panelling to reduce drag and a carbon rear wing to improve down-force over the rear axle, give the Mini JCW GP a strong street presence. The driver and co-driver are securely supported in heated leather Recaro sports seats with contrasting red stitching and a special knee roll for bracing during all-out driving.  The fastest series production car to come from the British marque, only 2000 with a single specification will be produced, with 55 pencilled in for Australia, on test in the ‘Green Hell’ of Nordschleife clocked a very respectable lap time of 8min23sec, 18 seconds faster than its predecessor, the Mini Cooper S with JCW GP kit.VERDICT No doubt for the driving enthusiast with a fancy for the ultimate sporting Mini, the new GP cannot come quick enough. MODEL LINE-UPMini JCW: from $50,400Mini JCW Clubman: from$51,800Mini JCW Coupe: $52,600Mini JCW Roadster: $55,100Mini JCW Cabrio: $58,500Mini JCW Countryman ALL4: $56,800Mini JCW Paceman ALL4: $58,600Mini JCW GPII: $56,900Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mini dealer for driveaway prices.Mini John Cooper WorksPrice: from $50,400Engine: 1.6-litre turbo petrol, 155kW/260NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 7.0-litres per 100km, CO2 163 g/km

It means every Mini model including hatch, Clubman, Coupe, Cabriolet, Roadster, Paceman, Countryman and GP now includes a John Cooper Works, or JCW, variant.All are powered by a new generation 1.6 litre four-cylinder direct injection engine featuring twin-scroll turbo technology, variable valve control and a host of technical features.Highlights include reinforced cylinder head and pistons, sodium filled exhaust valves and lightweight crankshaft which help the excellent revving capability With a maximum output of 155kW and 260 Nm of torque (280 Nm with overboost), which increases to 160kW and 280Nm (300Nm with overboost) in the all-wheel-drive JCW Countryman and  JCW Paceman.The exhaust note is trumpeted through a JCW sports exhaust system, which produces a deliberately tuned raw note under acceleration, along with a symphony of burbles and crackles on over-run.In two-wheel drive variants, the drive is transferred to the front wheels via a  six-speed manual transmission. In the case of the JCW Paceman and JCW Countryman, power is channelled via the electromagnetic centre differential of the all-wheel-drive system between the front and rear axles to all four wheels.An optional six-speed automatic transmission is available for all JCW variants except the JCW GP limited edition model. JCW sports suspension, which comes as either standard or a no-cost-option depending on the model, has dynamically tuned dampers and anti-roll bars.  Stopping power is enhanced by a high performance sports-brake system.A Sports button in the centre console allows the driver to tweak the engine's responses and soundtrack, as well as the power assistance provided by the steering. In models fitted with automatic transmissions, pressing the Sport button also quickens shift times.

Mini purists will probably throw their hands up in the air with disgust, but yes Mini bosses have seriously considered offering ‘camper’ versions of the famous (not as small as it used to be) small car.Mini has just unveiled three concept ‘campers’ which could be the perfect home-away-from-home for car buyers looking to get out into nature on the weekends, but still have a fun and easy to drive city car on Monday morning.Now, the idea of whacking a big camper ‘pod’ onto the roof of a Mini may seem a bit weird but you can kind of see some logic beyond at least exploring the idea. The fact is most Mini owners are young well-to-do city-dweller types and having the versatility of a vehicle that couldsafely take them to areas out past the suburbs would probably be attractive to many of them.How comfortable the pods would be and what the driving dynamics of the Mini would be like with that extra weight up-top remain unknown however.Mini also hasn’t spoken about how easy, or difficult it might be to turn your Mini back into a regular car when your weekend escape is over!Never the less, in a statement Mini said the concept vehicles ‘reflect different aspects of the rise in popularity of camping and festivals, creating a choice of premium home-from-home options for the enthusiastic traveller.’The statement then went on to say that at this stage there are no plans to make the concepts a reality; some would say that’sprobably a good idea! In the meantime here’s how Mini described their three ‘camper’ concepts:The Mini Clubvan Camper is the world’s smallest luxury camper van, packed with practical solutions that make it ideal accommodation for an individual on a weekend away.The Mini Cowley is a compact yet comfortable caravan for two people, equipped with a twin-ring gas stove, fridge and sink.The Mini Countryman ALL4 Camp with its innovative roof-top tent is the getaway car for an adventurous couple, evoking images of African safari and expedition vehicles.Joel Helmes is the editor of the Behind the Wheel radio program, heard on more than 150 stations around Australia, and www.behindthewheel.com.au

Our dog thinks he's a lap-dog, even though he's a German Short-Haired Pointer and can comfortably cover three laps if he tries - the Paceman is similarly confused, or optimistic.It's not a dog of a car as such, but it's a Mini, but not necessarily as I'd like it to be - an incarnation of the Countryman SUV platform, but with three doors, it gets the height and the heft of the AWD all-terrain wanna-be, without any AWD underpinnings, unless you ask for the JCW version.The Paceman in Cooper S guise is priced from a not-inconsiderable $44,100 for the turbo-four cylinder front-driver with a six-speed manual - standard gear includes 17 inch alloy wheels on runflats, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a trip computer, power mirrors, remote central locking and a Sport mode to sharpen up steering (through the grippy sports wheel) and throttle response.The six-speaker sound system gets auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth (phone and audio) link, but the overly-complex menu system point-blank refused to play nice and I spent most of my time listening to the radio.Missing from the list is climate control (it's a $715 option, standard fare is air conditioning) and satnav, the latter was fitted as an option for $1150 - but a must-add is the Radio Mini Visual Boost option to get the appropriate control screen, which is another $750.Also on the test car's options list was the six-speed auto (with pointless gearshift paddles) at $2350, $1700 worth of 18 inch alloys, $475 of interior “piano black” trim bits, the double-pane sunroof (for $1990) and $800 for metallic paint - grand total just over $53,000. Ouch.Propelling the Paceman with some vigour is the four-cylinder 1.6-litre 16-valve twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder, which offers up 135kW and 240Nm (between 1600 and 5000rpm) by way of direct injection and variable valve lift control, with an extra 20Nm of torque on offer when demanded by the driver. The auto drives up the claimed fuel use figure from 6.6 to 7.5 litres per 100km - we had 10L/100km showing at the end of our time in the car.Tall and with the Countryman's bulbous snout, the Paceman isn't the most cohesive shape to emerge from the brand's Oxford digs. Function makes way for form in much of this car - four individual seats work for four adults and allowing almost reasonable amounts of space, with the centre tunnel able to have all manner of bits attached to the runners.The retro switchgear on the centre stack remains but handbrake looks more like a throttle lever from a 1980s jet fighter video game and it clashes with the auxiliary and USB inputs, all of which are difficult to get at because of the centre armrest. Bootspace at 330 litres isn't too bad (there's no spare eating into the capacity back there, thanks to runflats.While the NCAP crash testers haven't slammed a Paceman into anything yet, the Countryman donor vehicle has been sacrificed for safety and scored five stars. The Paceman doesn't have the AWD system but gets the full suite of traction and stability control systems, with the Cooper S-specific Electronic Differential Lock Control for extra traction under full throttle, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, six airbags, antilock brakes and rear parking sensors.The spirit is willing but the flesh is considerable - the peppy little powerplant is asked for more by the Paceman than in it is in the 150-odd kg lighter hatch and it feels like it. The auto is not without its charms and makes the most of what it's given to send through the front wheels, but even with all the sport modes in play and manual changes made, the computer can still over-ride the driver's choice. Frustrating when you want or need to hold a gear.While the auto drinks more heavily it is on the pace during take-off - 0-100km/h is claimed in 7.8 seconds in the auto, only 0.3 of a second slower than manual. It zips through a series of bends without causing offence and delivers some fun for the driver, but it doesn't do it much better than a Countryman and is still on the heavy and tall side to live up to the Mini name.

The body is finished and only the swirly camouflage is protecting the final details on a car that is longer and wider with a longer bonnet and slimmer A pillars.

The camouflage is almost gone and the car is revealed as slightly longer and wider, although the big changes are in the cabin where the centre-mounted speedo is gone.