The new MINI convertible is due to launch in 2024 and will be built in the UK’s Oxford factory again.
New MINI boss Stefanie Wurst confirmed that a convertible model will join the all-new MINI Cooper range – due to launch in 2024 – and that it will be ‘coming home’ with production in the UK at the MINI Oxford factory. The rendering above image shows how that new, British-built MINI convertible could look.
So far only petrol and electric versions of the new hatch – set to be called MINI Cooper with Cooper becoming a model name rather than trim level – had been confirmed. But now MINI has also said that a petrol convertible will join the UK-built line-up.
Only petrol MINI Coopers will be built in Oxford, in three, five and convertible forms. A new all-electric MINI Cooper will be built in China with identical looks and dimensions to the UK-built models, but sitting on its own platform, developed in conjunction with Chinese car maker Great Wall.
Only a three-door version of the all-electric MINI Cooper will be made, with the new MINI Aceman crossover – previewed by September’s Aceman concept – taking care of five-door duties.
The current MINI Convertible is made in the Netherlands, but production there will cease with the introduction of the new model. MINI Oxford will then focus solely on internal combustion-engined MINI Coopers for the rest of this decade, meaning it will stop making the existing electric MINI, which currently accounts for one in two cars built at the plant. Wurst also confirmed bold expansion plans for MINI including a new petrol and electric Countryman model – bigger than the current car – set to be built in BMW’s plant in Leipzig.
On her trip to the UK, Wurst not only visited MINI Oxford to reassure workers that the UK was still the heart of MINI production, she also met with UK designer and MINI fan Paul Smith. She confirmed that there would be a stronger collaboration with the Paul Smith brand, with a unique trim level likely rather than previous special editions.
Hot John Cooper Works models were also very much part of her plans, with JCW versions of electric and petrol MINI Coopers confirmed.
The new MINI Cooper line-up is likely to start with entry-level E models, moving up to SE, SE Paul Smith and then range-topping JCW cars.
Steve Fowler