The British have contributed a great deal to the global car industry. Some of the most beautifully designed cars (the likes of Jaguar E-Type), benchmarks in car luxury (Bentley, Rolls Royce) and iconic car brands (Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini Cooper etc.) have all been contributions made by the British. When it comes to iconic car brands, Mini Cooper is amongst the most popular worldwide. Mid-1960’s onwards Mini has not only been a widely regarded car brand but also a popular British cultural icon. The Mini story began because of the fuel crisis in 1956, which gave rise to the demand for a city car which was efficient and easy on the pocket. The Mini was launched in an era where the rear-wheel powered cars were the norm, the engineers at BMC (British Motor Corporation) challenged that norm by creating the first front-wheel drive hatchback with an engine mounted diagonally. This remarkable decision made the Mini lighter and more spacious, making it a comfortable, fuel-efficient and perfect car for the urban environment. The first Minis to hit the roads were sold as branded Austin (Austin Mini) and Morris (Morris Mini) cars. John Cooper at the Cooper Car Company realized the potential of the Mini in motorsports. This led to the creation of the Mini Cooper brand as we know it today. The famed Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S were launched in 1960’s and have been loved by car enthusiasts’ worldwide ever since. Mini Cooper is world-renowned for producing fun to drive cars, having a superior ride and handling, a good balance of retro design and modern technology, car customization etc. The BMW group took over Mini Cooper from the Rover group in 2000 and gave the brand a lifeline – BMW relaunched the Mini Cooper brand with a range of refreshed, new models. Amongst the new line up of Mini Cooper cars is the Mini Cooper Convertible.
The Mini Cooper Convertible is a convertible roof variant of the Mini Cooper S hatchback. The Convertible is an ideal car for both city and highway drives with the added benefit of a convertible roof. Just like any Mini, the Convertible stands out and is a certain head turner wherever you go. With a distinctly retro design and curved body, you will surely be noticed in your Mini Cooper Convertible. The iconic racing stripes are an indication of the rich racing heritage the Mini Cooper brand is proud of. The retro theme continues as you move inside, unlike modern car cabins Mini has used a lot of buttons, knobs, and switches without compromising on luxury. The central console is a round screen housing all infotainment functions. Though it is a 2-door hatchback there is sufficient space at the back, but only for 2 adults. The big highlight of this car is its ride and handling. What makes a Mini so special is the driving pleasure it gives to anyone who drives it! Driving a Mini is like driving a go-kart, the perfect ride and handling of the Mini have made it a favorite amongst people who love driving. The low-center of gravity coupled with a very well-engineered suspension makes the Mini an effortless drive, it just doesn’t seem to leave the road! The Mini is one of those cars that just pushes you to your driving limit around corners at the same time hugging the road keeping you safe and high on confidence, finally – with a huge smile across your face! The Mini Cooper is a masterpiece not only to the eye but also when you drive it…giving the ultimate satisfaction. With a heavy but well weighted, balanced steering wheel the Convertible is a confidence and safety inspiring drive. The Mini Cooper Convertible is powered by a 2 L naturally aspirated engine producing a massive 189 bhp of max power output mated to a fine 6-Speed automatic gearbox. Now that’s some serious power for a hatchback! This engine makes the Mini Cooper one of the most powerful hatchbacks on the market. The true beauty of the Mini lies in the sport mode. Once you put the car in sport mode, you shall experience the joy of driving a powerful go-kart! With heightened responses and throttle inputs, driving the Mini just goes to a whole new level. Mini Cooper has been a brand that has always created products that can be fully customized for customers, offering over 600 odd customization options. If you are keen on something even more powerful, you can always opt for the JCW (John Cooper Works) package – this includes an engine tuned to more power, sportier body kit amongst other items.
With convertible cars being very expensive in India, Mini Cooper has an awesome alternative to other German rivals. The Mini Cooper Convertible is available at nearly half the price! With prices starting at around Rs.37 L (Ex-Showroom, Mumbai) the Mini Cooper Convertible is the most affordable of its kind in the Indian market today. So…if you have always wanted a luxury convertible and love to drive, but do not want to spend a lot – the Mini Cooper Convertible is the best choice for you!
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