Design features and proportions that are characteristic of the Mini have been carried over to the convertible, while the steeply raked windscreen and optimum seating position have been designed to provide an unforgettable open-air experience when driving with the roof down. This is possible through a cleverly devised overall concept comprising a high degree of functionality and optimum use of space.

The convertible, which was launched on Friday evening by local agents Muscats Motors at the Malta Fashion Weekend, is a fully-fledged four-seater and is instantly recognisable as a genuine Mini, regardless of whether the roof is up or down.

The roof folds back completely in 15 seconds at the push of a button which first opens the integrated sliding roof, then the entire soft roof. With the roof folding to the rear, the roof pillars are also retracted and the rear side windows move down at the same time. An intelligent Z-folding mechanism allows the complete roof to fold up in a compact arrangement behind the rear seats, with no need for a tonneau cover.

A 1.6-litre engine delivers 115 bhp at 6,000 rpm providing a go-kart feeling so typical of the Mini. Maximum torque of 150 Nm at 4,500rpm helps the vehicle to accelerate from 0–100km/h in 9.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 120 mph.

The Mini Cooper is available in ten exterior colours, two of which are reserved exclusively for the convertible – Hot Orange and Cool Blue. For greater individual choice, the roof is available in black, blue and green.

The standard features on the new convertible include an electrically-operated roof with sliding roof function, heated rear glass window, two front and head/thorax side airbags, four-channel ABS, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, run-flat tyres, electric windows and mirrors, electro-hydraulic power steering and park distance control. It can also be specified with optional equipment such as xenon headlights, a TV navigation system, high quality HiFi audio systems, heated windscreen, automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, rain sensor and a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function.