Looks like there could be hoards of 'clocked' MINI Convertibles on the second-hand market in years to come. Buyers of MINI's new open-topped Cooper and Cooper S models will have the option of an 'Openometer', which keeps a tally on the number of hours the roof is down. MINI reckons this will spark up competition between members in MINI owner clubs around the world, so we expect the aftermarket tuning companies to come up with a replacement ECU allowing owners to tweak the results to their liking ahead of club meetings...

Gimmick aside, sales of the new MINI model are predicted to be substantial. The previous generation Convertible found a massive 164,000 homes globally and the new model promises to be even better. Along with the latest engines and raft of EfficientDynamics measures, MINI has managed to reduce the Convertible's weight, while increasing luggage space and improving visibility. MINI also claims that the body shell is stiffer, enhancing torsional rigidity.

Initially, the Convertible will be available in either Cooper or Cooper S guises, sharing powerplants and styling detailing with the hatchback models. Unique to the Convertible will be a strip of chrome circling the base of the windows, while two new colours make their debut in the open-top MINI: Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue. In true MINI fashion, buyers will have the option to choose the colour of the fabric roof too, with Black, Denim Blue and Hot Chocolate among the options.

The roof itself is a new design, retracting in just 15 seconds. Operation is allowed up to a speed of 20mph too, while it also features a sunroof-like sliding front edge. In comparison to the previous generation Convertible, the chromed rear roll hoops are mounted lower down to aid visibility and rear occupants can adjust their headrests.

Built in the UK, the British launch of the new MINI Convertible will be on March 28th, 2009 and it's expected that further engine derivatives will be added in time, including a Cooper D and John Cooper Works models. At launch, the MINI Cooper Convertible will cost £15,995 with the Cooper S version at £18,995. The 'Openometer' is a £115 option...

Shane O' Donoghue - 28 Nov 2008