MINI celebrated the 30th anniversary its convertible line with a new open top called the Seaside Edition. The premium car maker ended 2022 announcing the release of its latest convertible, which will be available starting February 2023.
The limited Seaside Edition of the MINI Convertible accentuates the DNA of the first Mini Cabriolet,
unveiled at the 1992 British Motor Show. It was the world’s smallest four-seat convertible, at that time and was launched 33 years after the first Mini was produced. Initially produced as prototypes from the British coachbuilder Lamm, the production models were produced by Karmann in Osnabrí¼ck, Germany. Karmann has a long history of convertible-building, including the extremely popular Karmann Ghia based on a Volkswagen chassis.
Even then the classic Mini Cabriolet was considered to be “a car of even sunnier disposition.” The current Seaside Edition will be available with the Cooper and the Cooper S powerplants.
The latest iteration of the convertible reflects the stylish model’s hallmark features with an edition-specific design in the exterior and interior. Double decorative stripes in white run from the side doors to the rear of the vehicle, and the exclusive exterior design is rounded off with a unique graphic on the front apron, where a stylized “30” once again refers to the model’s anniversary.
Whereas, it used to be the just the smallest convertible available, it is now the world’s only premium convertible in the small car segment . Emphasis on premium, as its impressively distinctive look combines with the traditional brand style, offering what Mini calls “a very exclusive and individual open-air driving pleasure.”
Since it is based on the Mini Cooper S, the convertible sports the same a 2.0-litre, 178 hp 4-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology. This enables acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. In the regular Mini Cooper trim, the 3-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 136 hp still provides that Mini “go-kart feeling.”
Both version sport a black, electrically operated soft top that can be opened or closed automatically at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
For the driver, the latest generation of the Mini’s operating system optimizes quick and intuitive control of the vehicle functions, audio program, communication, navigation and apps, while newly compiled equipment packages enable specific individual preferences to be fulfilled in terms of driver assistance and connectivity.
The 30th anniversary colors include Caribbean Aqua and Nanuq White. It will be available in specific markets starting February this year. No word yet as to when it will arrive to the Philippines.
