the new mini cabrio

[mihai]

here are the first undisguised pics

click here (http://www.d1auto.as.ro/news/2160.htm)

what do you think?

[KevinR]

My perspective: I have owned an '87 VW Cabriolet since new and used to own a '97 BMW Z3.

In the pictures, it looks a little odd. The windshield seems to be swept back further than on the hardtop models. It takes on a little of the bathtub look. The picture with the top up looks good, but visibility will be severely decreased. In the end, I'll have to wait until seeing it in person to reach an opinion.

I have questions about rollover protection. I assume there is something similar to that of BMW's 3 series convertibles.

I also wonder how much weight the convertible (and all of its required mechanisms/bracing etc...) adds to the MINI chassis. It will most likely be a fun convertible to drive, but I wonder if it will lose some of the fun to drive characteristics of the MINI hardtop.

I'd like to see it come here.