The epitome of stylish open-top driving excitement returns with refined visual appearance and in limited numbers as part of the 60 Years Celebration of MINI. MINI in Malaysia today introduced the New MINI Convertible as part of its celebrations of the 60th birthday of MINI in the country.
The New MINI Convertible features fresh design accentuations, innovations in the field of drive technology and an expansion of digital services available as part of MINI Connected. The new generation MINI Connected with built-in 4G SIM technology offers extensive connectivity capabilities and personalised services to maximise safety and convenience.
The hallmark driving fun in the New MINI Convertible is attributed to elements such as the new engine-transmission combination, an extended range of standard features, newly designed headlights and taillights, additional body finishes as well as cutting-edge connectivity technology for convenience and infotainment. The New MINI Convertible will only be available in 20 units.
The retail price of the New MINI Convertible (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) is RM 279,888.00.
New: 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch, 8-speed Steptronic transmission
As an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch is optionally available for the models MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D. The new transmission type is characterised by very fast gearshifts, enabling extremely sporty acceleration manoeuvres without torque interrupt. It is operated using a newly designed electronic gear selector lever. A 7-speed Steptronic sports transmission with double clutch is also available for the MINI Cooper S. This includes shift paddles at the steering wheel for particularly spontaneous manual intervention in the choice of gear.
The MINI Cooper SD now comes with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. This 8-speed automatic transmission is unique in the small car segment and allows the output of the most powerful diesel engine to be transferred to the front wheels in a particularly sporty and harmonious manner. The 8-speed Steptronic transmission is also operated by means of an electronic gear selector lever, while an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with shift paddles is likewise available as an option.
All Steptronic transmissions available for the new MINI 3-door, the new MINI 5-door and the new MINI Convertible allow use of the coasting function in MID and GREEN mode as well as the latest generation of the auto start/stop function. Navigation and front camera data can now be incorporated in the control of the latter, too. If the vehicle is fitted accordingly, this allows situations to be identified in which it is better not to switch off the engine: for example when stopping briefly before making a turn or entering a roundabout, or if the traffic ahead has started moving again.
New steering wheel with multifunction buttons and radio with 6.5-inch colour screen as standard
The newly designed three-spoke steering wheel in the MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door and MINI Convertible now features multifunction buttons. On the left-hand control panel it is possible to activate the Speed Limit Device to set a maximum speed, while the audio and communication controls are on the right-hand side. A sports leather steering wheel, a MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel and a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel are optionally available.
The standard trim also includes an audio system with 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument and mobile phone integration via Bluetooth. The Control Display offers a touchscreen function in conjunction with the optional Radio MINI Visual Boost and a navigation system.
New options: telephony with wireless charging, MINI logo projection
The innovative optional equipment for the new MINI 3-door, the new MINI 5-door and the new MINI Convertible includes telephony with wireless charging option. A storage compartment integrated in the centre armrest enables wireless charging of mobile phones which offer this capability. This option also includes a second USB socket in the front section of the centre console.
The optional MINI Excitement Package now also includes the MINI logo projection on the driver’s side. When the vehicle is opened and closed, the new MINI logo is projected onto the ground in front of the door from a light source in the exterior mirror and can be seen there for 20 seconds, or permanently if the door is left open.
MINI Connected: a range of digital services that is unique within the segment
With the new MINI Connected functions, MINI offers a diverse range of digital services at premium level that is unique in the small car segment. New features include Real Time Traffic Information and the automatic navigation map update via mobile phone connection, the personal Concierge Service and the vehicle internet portal MINI Online with news, weather and fuel price overview. There is also an optional preparation for Apple CarPlay.
The new services are available in three packages. The option Connected Media includes digital infotainment facilities that can be used with the Radio MINI Visual Boost, while Connected Navigation turns the MINI navigation system into an intelligently networked information centre. The Connected Navigation Plus package includes all the MINI Connected XL functions.
The personal mobility assistant MINI Connected now enables drivers of the new MINI 3-door, the new MINI 5-door and the new MINI Convertible to integrate their vehicle and mobility planning seamlessly into their day-to-day digital routine. Meanwhile the MINI Connected App provides connectivity with digital touchpoints such as a smartphone or smart watch. For example, MINI Connected can draw on calendar entries and contact data entered in a smartphone to plan a route and determine the ideal time to set off based on real time traffic data. The Send to Car function enables planned routes to be sent to the MINI navigation system, while Remote Services allow the driver not just to display vehicle location, fuel level and other vehicle status details on their digital end device, but also activate the headlight flasher, horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock function.
Intelligent networking of the MINI is via a SIM card integrated in the vehicle: this now complies with the mobile communications standard 4G. It also enables the use of MINI Teleservices and the Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity.
Services now available in the new MINI 3-door, the new MINI 5-door and the new MINI Convertible for the first time also include MINI Find Mate. This consists of so-called tags with a wireless tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. Their position can not only be displayed on the on-board computer but also in the MINI Connected App on a smartphone. In this way, MINI Find Mate helps prevent personal items getting lost or left behind.
