Winnipeg Mini Blog

Mini has kept up its responsibilities by updating the convertible to second generation status. When the second generation Mini Cooper was introduced in the 2007 model year, the first generation convertible continued on the same platform as the first. Now the second gen cabriolet catches up to Mini’s two-door sedan.

That means the Convertible has the same wheelbase as the sedan—97.1 inches—and the same drivetrain as the standard-size sedan. A naturally-aspirated 1598 cc inline four set transversely and driving the front wheels is rated at 118 hp and is standard in the Mini Cooper Convertible. The Mini Cooper Convertible S is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter, rated at 172hp.

The second generation Convertible continues the spirit of the first with a low roadster-like roofline the gives the Convertible a rather jaunty attitude when not clocking time on the Openometer. Top-down time can also be increased with the Mini Convertible’s ability to drop the canvas at speeds up to twenty miles per hour. No more I’d-have-to-wait-while-the-top-goes-down excuses for you
The Mini Convertible minds impact safety with frontal airbags and side seatback-mounted airbags that protect both body and head. A new electromechanically-operated rollover bar behind the rear seat deploys in case of a rollover.

Back to the fun stuff: the Mini Convertible will be available near the end of the year, in an expanded range of body and top colors, wheels, and upholstery and interior trim options. There are model-specific trim options as well.
The Mini Convertible minds impact safety with frontal airbags and side seatback-mounted airbags that protect both body and head. A new electromechanically-operated rollover bar behind the rear seat deploys in case of a rollover.

New model broader, more muscular
By: Myron Love (Updated: March 2 at 02:00 AM CST)

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/autos/story/3897368p-4507328c.html

SUBTLE changes characterize the ‘07 Mini Cooper and Cooper S models which arrived at MINI Winnipeg’s showroom at the beginning of the week.

“The original design was very successful,” says MINI Winnipeg sales rep Patrick Hasselmann. “The designers did everything right with the original design so there was not a lot to change in the new model.”

The new model has broader, more muscular-looking shoulders, wrap-around windows that gives the roof a floating image, a cascade effect in the rear and chrome surrounds on the tail lights that accentuate the Cooper’s vertical lines.

Hasselmann reports that the model has an all new 1.6L, 16V engine, increased horsepower – 118 hp at 6,000rpm (172 hp for the Cooper S model), some changes in the suspension and new twin-scroll technology that almost completely eliminates turbo lag.

“Our new Cooper models have more standard equipment, more safety features, more power, better fuel economy and a more luxurious interior,” Hasselmann says.

MINI Winnipeg and Birchwood BMW (which share the same building) are in the process of redesigning the dealership’s customer lounge. The lounge used to be in the centre of the building between sales reps’ offices.

Management has relocated the lounge to the corner near the entrance where it is in a more open area with more natural lighting. Also new is a flat screen television. The renovations began in early December.