Top 5 differences between new and pre-June 2018 Mini Convertibles.
The current-generation Mini Convertible was refreshed in June 2018, with a number of visual and mechanical updates. Here we list our top five differences.
The Mini as built by BMW has been around since 2002 in this country, although the much smaller original Mini was introduced here in December 1959. BMW had bought the British Rover Group in the 1990s and acquired the Mini nameplate. In a masterstroke driven by BMW’s innate enthusiasm for all things motoring, the all new BMW-built Mini was launched globally in 2001.
The second-generation (new) Mini was launched in 2006 internationally and the third model came on stream in 2014. The latest model is slightly bigger than the previous generation, but the differences are small. What makes Minis cool is that they are instantly identifiable, in the same way that a Porsche 911 has retained much of its original shape over the decades.
The Convertible
A convertible version of the Mini has been available from the first generation and this trend continues today. The convertible is highly coveted amongst the pavement-café society, but the cool thing about it is that it is available in both Cooper and Cooper S derivatives, which means it has performance and handling to go with its chic looks.
AutoTrader currently lists over 40 New and Used Mini Convertibles for sale.
Latest range revision
The most recent range revision to the Mini Convertible occurred in mid-2018, when BMW’s Mini division introduced a number of stylistic as well as mechanical changes. These included cosmetic, mechanical and tech innovations.
Our Top 5 differences between the new Mini and the pre-June 2018 model
- New gearbox: The good news is that the Mini in both three-cylinder Cooper form and four-cylinder Cooper S form gained a new dual-clutch transmission from June 2018. This new transmission provides much sharper gear shifting and is much more in character with the Mini fun-to-drive essence than the previous six-speed automatic transmission was.
- New headlights: The headlight surround has been redesigned, and LED headlights are available as an option. The daytime running LED lights now form a ring around the headlight outer perimeters, which are very distinctive out there on the highways and by-ways.
- Union Lack taillights. This is such a cool feature! The option LED tail lights feature a Union Jack design, so it looks you are a flag-waving Brit when you switch on the lights or hit the brakes! Or maybe you just appreciate the fact the Mini was conceived in Britain over 60 years ago and is still built there! Actually, the sedans are still built in England but the Convertibles are assembled in Holland.
- Restyled Mini Logo. A new Mini Logo was introduced at this time.
- New cabin features. A new multifunction steering wheel was introduced, with a 6,5-inch colour screen infotainment unit, along with Bluetooth and USB interface, as standard.
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