Mini News
Cooper S Convertible and update for whole range
The MINI Cooper S Convertible will make its UK debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live on 25th May. It will be priced at £17,595 and will go on sale in the UK at the end of August. Just like the MINI One Convertible and MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Cooper S Convertible will be built at Plant Oxford in the UK.
The Cooper S Convertible is powered by the 1.6 litre, four-cylinder engine used in the MINI One and the MINI Cooper. However, the addition of supercharger and intercooler gives 170bhp at 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of the Cooper S Convertible is 220Nm at 4000rpm. This means that it has an additional 7bhp, and 10Nm more torque than the original MINI Cooper S.
Performance is briskish with 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and accelerates from 50-75mph in fourth gear in 6.6 seconds. Top speed is 134mph and fuel consumption is 32.1mpg.
From July 2004, the MINI hatchback range will receive an update interior and exterior look. In addition, modifications to the transmission will increase engine flexibility in the mid range.
The new five-speed Getrag gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in all MINI One and MINI Cooper models. The modification results in improved acceleration for both models. The MINI One now accelerates in fourth gear from 50-75mph in 11.9 seconds (previously 12.8 seconds).
Torque on the MINI Cooper has been increased from 149Nm at 4,500rpm to 150Nm at 4,500rpm. This minor improvement helps the MINI Cooper knock 0.1 of a second off its 0-62mph acceleration sprint to record a time of 9.1 seconds (previously 9.2 seconds). Acceleration in fifth gear from 50-75mph takes 13.5 seconds, an improvement of one second.
MINI One and MINI Cooper engine power remain the same at 90bhp and 115bhp respectively but the Cooper S posts a 7bhp increase in performance taking its maximum output to 170bhp at 6,000rpm. Top speed is increased by 3mph to 138mph and the all-important 0-62mph is achieved in just 7.2 seconds, a reduction of 0.2 seconds. Also, torque has been increased by ten Newton metres, peaking at 220Nm at 4,000rpm.
All MINI models receive new clear glass headlights that provide brighter illumination. The optional xenon headlights have also been modified to include an additional ring of light spots for increased visibility.
The MINI One and MINI Cooper also get a re-designed front and rear bumper. At the front, the bumper has been lowered, while at the rear, the rubbing strip has been split with the fog light re-positioned neatly between the two halves (previously the rubbing strip was a single unit with the fog light above). Reversing lights are now integrated into the newly designed rear light clusters.
All MINIs will receive the following ergonomic improvements:
· New storage area for Double Decker wrappers
· New 'coin tray' area under the handbrake for loose change and bits of fluff
· Larger rear cup holder
· Door armrest with improved ergonomic grip
· More spacious door bin for improved storage and omnipresent paper clips
· Additional side mounted sun visor for driver
· Improved side support from seat bench side bolsters
· Addition of passenger grab handle above window
· Larger rear view mirror
· Clock repositioned from headlining to central instrument panel
· Improved interior ambient lighting
· ISOFIX and CD preparation as standard
· Rev counter (previously not standard on MINI One)
Prices have been moderately increased by an average of 2.5 per cent across the range to reflect the new additional specification. The price increase is effective on all cars produced from 1st July 2004. Adjusted MINI prices are as follows:
MINI One £10,780.00
MINI One D £11,695.00
MINI Cooper £12,100.00
MINI Cooper S £15,180.00
(Prices shown are on the road prices)
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