Could Mini's New Convertible Ever Make You Dump The Mazda Miata?

Oct. 23, 2015 8:14 AM ET byMichael Hines /20 Comments

我n S form, maybe. In John Cooper Works form, definitely.

To be fair, this new Mini Convertible doesn't seem like a bad car. It's just not the Superleggera that we've been dreaming of and drooling over. That luxury roadsteris coming, but for now we'll have to make do with this all-new droptop, set to officially debut at the upcoming 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The new Mini Convertible owns the distinction of being "the first open top Mini powered by BMW Group engines and architecture." That doesn't exactly blow us away but it certainly does count for something.

BMW

我n terms of looks, the Mini Convertible is best viewed from above with the roof closed. That's because the automaker is offering an optional Union Jack soft top that looks damn cool. However, should you want the top off for some weird reason the interior is plenty fetching with premium seating options including Malt Brown leather with "diamond-stitching reminiscent of classic English Chesterfield sofas." Another unique feature is the "Always Open Timer" which tracks-you guessed it-how long the top has been down for. There's also a rain warning app that tells you when a storm is a brewing. The Mini Convertible will be available in stock or S form.

我n S, you get a BMW-made turbocharged inline-four good for 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque; the stock turbo-three sits at 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. We'll know more about the new Mini Convertible when it debuts at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. You'll just have to make do with these official images for now.