The MINI Cooper S Convertible: the first convertible in its class to produce a maximum output of 170 bhp.

All MINI fans who have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the top version of
the MINI Convertible do not have to wait any longer: the MINI Cooper S
Convertible is making its world debut on the occasion of the 2004 International
Motor Show in Madrid, almost coinciding with the presentation at the Birmingham
International Motor Show. The most powerful version in the MINI Convertible
line-up will be available in a few European countries as of August this year,
being followed by the introduction to the other European countries in
September.

High fun factor and astounding value.

The powerful driving machine offering supreme handling combines unique
performance with the pleasure of open-air motoring into one, and leaves no
doubt that great importance has been attached to the fun factor.
The MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Cooper S Convertible excels through its
clever overall concept and sets a new standard of driving fun thanks to its
performance and agility.
The arrival of the MINI Cooper S Convertible enables Canadian customers to
choose from 170 bhp, and to configure their very own MINI Convertible as there
is a wide range of exterior and interior colour and equipment options.

Compact power unit.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with supercharger and intercooler technology
produces a maximum output of 170 bhp at 6,000 rpm. In conjunction with the
six-speed manual gearbox, which comes as standard, this engine gives the MINI
Cooper S Convertible its outstanding performance. A maximum torque of up to 162
at 4,000 rpm provides for supreme acceleration and makes sure that driving this
car is sheer enjoyment.
Thus the open four-seater takes a mere 7.4 seconds to accomplish the sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h. Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in fourth
gear comes in only 6.6 seconds, the same task being carried out in fifth gear
in a mere 8.4 seconds. Top speed is reached at 215 km/h.
This powerful convertible has a fuel consumption of 8.8 litres/100 km - a
moderate figure considering the power of the engine.
Thanks to a unique suspension set-up and its extremely stiff body, the MINI
Cooper S Convertible is currently the only vehicle in its class to convey 170
bhp onto the tarmac with no problem at all.

Convertible with a sliding sunroof.

The roof, which is available in three colours, folds back fully automatically
in a mere 15 seconds. At the push of a button, you first open the integrated
sliding roof, then the entire soft roof. With the soft roof folding to the
rear, the roof pillars are automatically retracted and the rear side windows
move down at the same time. The intelligent Z-folding mechanism allows the
complete roof to fold up in compact arrangement behind the rear seats, with no
need for a tonneau cover.
The sliding roof integrated in the soft top can be opened infinitely up
to 40 cm while driving, up to a speed of 120 km/h.
Clearly, a feature quite unprecedented in the convertible market.

Optimum utilisation of space.

The MINI Convertible has a drop-down boot lid which is held in position when
open by two steel cables on a spring-mounted retractor system. This allows use
of the rear lid with its exterior hinges as a practical loading platform able
to hold a weight of up to 80 kg.
The luggage compartment accommodates 165 litres with the roof closed. And even
with the roof down, driving in the open air, luggage compartment capacity
remains a substantial 120 litres. And in conjunction with the rear seat
backrests folding forward and fastened securely in position, luggage
compartment capacity can be increased to no less than 605 litres.
Those who wish to get even more out of this versatile car can make use of the
generous Easy Load through-loading system designed for even the most bulky of
loads. With the roof closed, all you do is turn two levers in the luggage
compartment to fold up the bottom section of the folding top and attach it in
position. Then, with the rear lid open, you have very convenient access to the
luggage compartment through a large opening.
Boasting features such as a highly functional roof, a variable luggage
compartment even with the roof down, an ultra-strong and stiff bodyshell,
as well as a chassis with a multi-arm rear axle, the powerful MINI Cooper S
Convertible sets the standard in its market segment.

MINI-specific go-kart feeling.

The drive concept, the long wheelbase, the low centre of gravity, the widened
track, the stiff body structure, the sporty suspension set-up, the multi-arm
rear axle and the direct power steering all contribute to the MINI's excellent
driving behaviour. This is why the open-air top model with its unique go-kart
like driving feel leaves no doubt that the most exhilarating distance between
two points is a bend.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible comes as standard with 16-inch light alloys in X
Lite design and runs on 195/55 R16 tyres. However, the car can be optionally
equipped with attractive 16- or 17-inch light alloys. The 17-inch 5 star bullet
light-alloy wheels have been developed especially for the new model variant.

Safety to the fore.

Like all other MINI models, the MINI Cooper S Convertible complies with the
world's most stringent crash test standards thanks to a stiff body structure
and an efficient restraint system comprising, inter alia, two "intelligent"
front airbags and two seat-integrated head/thorax side airbags.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible's extremely stiff body has been successfully
carried over to the MINI Cooper Convertible. The implementation of numerous
construction-related measures such as an increase in the thickness of the sheet
metal of the side-sills as well as the integration of additional stiffening and
reinforcement plates contribute towards a sturdy floor assembly and a rigid
passenger cell.
All these measures provide occupants with maximum protection in the event of an
impact.
Should the MINI Cooper S Convertible ever be involved in a rollover, the
A-pillars incorporate an ultra-strong steel tube designed to withstand high
loads. And at the rear, double roll bars made of high-strength aluminium tubes,
complete with integrated headrests, afford superior passenger safety.
Four brake discs, four-sensor-ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD),
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) as well as Automatic Stability Control + Traction
(ASC+T) are standard features and provide a high degree of active safety.
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) guarantees superior directional and
driving stability even in an extreme situation.

Powerful profile.

As the design features and proportions so characteristic of the MINI have been
consistently carried over to the Convertible, the MINI Cooper S Convertible is
instantly recognisable as a genuine MINI.
There can be no doubt, of course, that the MINI Convertible looks best with the
roof down. Rising slightly to the rear, the waistline gives the car a powerful,
performance-oriented profile accentuated by the chrome strip along the entire
waistline. The steeply raked windscreen, the absence of B-pillars, the roll
bars behind the rear seats and the space-saving folding roof without tonneau
cover give this attractive four-seater the looks of a classic convertible.
The steeply raked windscreen and the optimum seating position enjoyed by the
driver give him the feeling of being out in the open and ensure an
unforgettable open-air experience.
MINI Cooper S Convertible colour worlds.
The open four-seater is available in ten different exterior colours, two of
which are reserved exclusively for this top model "Hyper Blue" and "Dark
Silver". The roof of this drop-top version is available in black, blue and
green. The rear-view mirror housings are finished in body colour.

Sophisticated ambience.

High-grade fabrics and surfaces dominate the harmoniously designed interior.
Additionally, skilful integration of the extra-strong aluminium roll bars gives
this compact four-seater virtually the same flair and character as a roadster.
The roll bars of the MINI Cooper S Convertible are chrome-plated as standard.
The three-part dashboard and the door panels come with a brushed aluminium
finish. In the case of five different exterior colours, the dashboard and the
door panels are optionally available in body colour.
The MINI Cooper S Convertible is equipped as standard with sports seats with a
choice of one fabric option, three different fabric/leather combinations and
three full leather designs.

Wide range of standard equipment.

Inter alia, the wide range of standard equipment available for the new
MINI Convertible comprises the following items: a fully-automatic roof with
sliding roof function, a heatable windscreen made of glass, chrome-plated roll
bars, two front airbags and two head/thorax side airbags, four-sensor ABS,
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC),
16-inch light-alloy wheels with runflat tyres, Runflat Indicator, electrically
operated exterior mirrors and window lifts, power steering, Park Distance
Control (PDC), rev counter, height adjustment of driver's seat and steering
column and central locking with remote control, and comfort opening function.
MINI provides a wide spectrum of optional equipment and accessories designed
for individual preferences. This includes for example Xenon headlights, a
navigation system featuring a 16:9 colour display, high quality HiFi audio
systems, a heated windscreen, automatic climate control, a wind deflector, a
wide choice of light alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, a rain
sensor and a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function.