You remember the bumper stickers, usually on smaller vehicles: “My other car is a Rolls Royce” or similar verbiage.
The 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio may go that one better, “My other TWO cars are Rolls’.”
Carolee Johnston, sales manager at MINI of Charleston, said the sporty convertible is described not so much as a second household vehicle but “a third car, when you don’t need to take the kids, a fun car.”
She said some people plan to buy the softtop, available in the 118-horsepower Cooper and 172-hp turbocharged Cooper S versions, as their “island” car to be used on trips to a beach home or vacation resort at places such as Hilton Head Island.
Whether it is a third, second or primary car, say for a college student, the 2009 Mini convertible has a new look starting with its Interchange Yellow exterior. It has more power at least in the turbo options, a host of high tech extras and added visibility compared with its predecessor.
Yet the model, which has four air bags and rollover protection, has not sacrificed safety.
The convertible is an update to bring it in line with the Mini hardtop, which was redesigned in 2007. The vehicle has a more streamlined outside appearance without losing the boxy Mini shape.
The Mini convertible comes with an automatic transmission with clutchless manual. A sport option gives the car more pep, adjusting the gearing for higher performance. The car also can be purchased with a six-speed manual transmission,
Prices start at $24,500 for the standard inline four-cylinder and $26,500 for the Cooper S with the turbocharged engine, although extras such as a navigation system , rear parking sensors and an aerodynamic package can run the cost up to $32,000 or more.
Mini switched from a supercharged motor which gets added power electronically, to turbo, considered more efficient with blown air recirculated via the exhaust providing the extra surge.
Even with the additional power, the S version is rated in fuel mileage at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The 118-hp engine sports 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway.
A special high performance John Cooper Works Mini convertible, with a beefy 209 hp engine and quirky features such as a G-force gauge, is coming out later this year. Johnston said she expects to get some models in by June.
Thus far, Mini of Charleston has received four Cooper and Cooper S models. “We currently have 23 customers that have requested (convertibles). We have filled all these orders. The next shipment is in May,” she said.
While maintaining its Mini originality, the carmaker made major changes. “It a completely new engine, transmission, body style,” said Ryan Moncman, motoring specialist. “You’ll be surprised how much room there is.”
Mini kept true to its whimsical nature with the new convertible, maintaining the extra large round speedometer on the dashboard and adding an “Open-o-meter,” that monitors how long the top is down.
In a practical move, Mini adjusted the rollover protection bars on the two rear seats to a active mode, thereby permitting a clear view out the back while keeping the car safe, he said. In previous models, the roll bars were locked in the up position.
The softtop can open automatically in less than 20 seconds and that includes a stopping point halfway where the driver can create a pseudo-sunroof. In other new features, the glovebox has a lock now, and you can raise all the windows with the top down.
Another Mini staple is providing loads of choices so buyers can customize their car by color, extras and vanity items. “There are 10 million different configurations of the car,” Moncman said.
To learn more, go to www.miniusa.com or www.miniofcharleston.com.
A short test drive, after Moncman put the Cabrio S through its paces, revealed that Mini has rolled out a fun-to-drive convertible that’s roomier and punchier than its preceding version.
The 1.6 liter motor offered steady acceleration and didn’t strain even with a quick press of the pedal. In the clutchless manual mode, the gear shifts were timely and the car could make short bursts in traffic. There was plenty of muscle on the open highway, too. Steering is outstanding, as the low-to-the- ground, short wheelbase compact hugged the streets.
A few things to remember. The convertible is a two-door, and even with the seats that easily slide forward and back, doesn’t have much room in back. Leather seats are cozy. The trunk is small but useful. The audio system is fine, and there are buttons on the steering wheel and dash to adjust sound and stations. Power window adjustments are on the center console rack, which can be inconvenient to people who prefer them next to the window. Arm pads have replaced some of the storage space on the doors, but there’s still seems like enough space to place drinks or other items.
All in all, Mini Cooper has held to its roots, crafting a vehicle with its own personality without taking away critical features such as safety and comfort.
Today beginning at 11 a.m., enthusiasts can test-drive the 2009 convertibles at Mini of Charleston.
2009 MINI COOPER CABRIO
Type: Four-seater soft top convertible coupe
Models: Cooper, Cooper S, JCW (John Cooper Works) limited edition
Price: (base) $24,500-$26,500, extras can bump cost to mid $30,000s
Engines: 1.6 liter, 118 hp inline four-cylinder; 1.6 liter 172 hp turbo inline 4
Transmissions: Automatic; six-speed manual
New convertible features: “Active” rollover protection bar can be lowered for improved visibility; all windows can be raised when top is down
Safety: Anti-lock braking system, Dynamic Stability Control, Corner Brake Control, tire pressure monitor. LATCH child seat anchors, rear Park Distance Control (optional)
Available extras: Rear Park Distance Control, Bluetooth and USB/iPod adapter, Cold Weather package with heated front seats and mirrors, Premium package with climate control and anti-theft alarm system, Sport package including 17 inch “black bullet” alloy wheels and xenon headlights
Source: Mini Cooper USA
