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By Jonathan Crouch

We at last have a Convertible version of the MINI Electric. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 66

As the current MINI Hatch nears the end of its production run, the brand has taken the belated decision to introduce a Convertible version of the electric model for a limited production run. It's pricey and doesn't go particularly far on a single charge but the concept of an EV convertible is pretty unique and that will be enough for this car to sell out quickly.

Backgroundword count: 98

If you've ever wondered why the MINI Electric wasn't offered as a Convertible, then you're not alone. The brand plans to plug that gap with the next generation MINI, but the drop top version of that won't be on sale until 2025. MINI though, did produce a prototype of the current MINI Electric in Convertible form in 2022 and has decided to put that design into limited series production to round out this current generation MINI's production life. Just 999 examples of this MINI Electric Convertible will be built, with 150 of those set aside for the UK.

Driving Experienceword count: 250

Like the fixed top model, the MINI Electric Convertible uses a 32.6kWh battery pack with a 184hp output and maximum torque of 270Nm. From rest, 62mph takes just 7.3s, which is just under a second slower than the standard MINI Electric thanks to the weight of the roof mechanism. That affects driving range too, which is rated at 125 miles, 20 miles less than the fixed-top. As with all EVs, the maximum speed is restricted - in this case to just 93mph. But then, when was the last time you drove over 93mph? The car sits a little higher off the road than a comparable Cooper S Convertible to give the battery more clearance but the centre of gravity is lower because more of the mass is concentrated further down. Weight distribution is quite different to a normal MINI Hatch too, the battery's bulk dictating a 54/46 front-to-rear ratio rather than the usual 60:40-split. To get the most from the electric motor's torque, you'll need to master the various driving modes - 'Normal', 'Green' and 'Sport', the latter offering slingshot acceleration. The digital dashboard provides information on the current flow of energy and the range, as well as offering ways of increasing range by deactivating comfort functions or boosting energy regeneration. On the navigation map, a circle that indicates the car's range can be shown. When the route guidance starts, it displays the fastest and shortest route and also suggests a GREEN route involving the lowest level of power consumption.

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