Mini has just taken the wraps off their latest creation, the Cooper EV, and it’s generating quite a buzz in the automotive world. In our humble opinion, this could very well be the finest Mini since the days of the iconic Alec Issigonis original. But hey, if you’re not convinced, don’t fret because Mini has a few more tricks up its sleeve. They’ve confirmed the imminent arrival of the five-door, JCW (John Cooper Works), and convertible variants.
Now, initially, Mini rolled out the electric version in a two-door hatch configuration. But here’s the kicker - traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models are poised to make a comeback. We’ve already caught a glimpse of the gas-guzzling John Cooper Works model through spy shots, but recently, our eagle-eyed CarBuzz photographers managed to snap the first shots of the highly-anticipated drop-top variant.
At first glance, it’s apparent that Mini has opted to stick with the tried-and-true roof structure seen on the current Cooper Convertible. And who can blame them? It works seamlessly, and thanks to its fabric top, the Mini Convertible avoids that all-too-common pitfall of having a rear end that looks like it’s been hitting the dessert bar a little too hard, as often seen in convertibles with bulky folding metal roofs.
One minor gripe, though, is the size of the trunk. The outgoing model barely offers 5.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the roof down, that space dwindles even further. Luckily, Mini has retained the rear seats, so you can always cram your belongings back there.
In the aesthetics department, the front end is expected to remain largely unchanged, but the rear taillight clusters seem to deviate from the triangular design found on the electric version. However, this could be a clever use of camouflage to keep us guessing.
Our photographers also managed to capture an image of the same circular infotainment system that debuted on the electric model. This leads us to believe that it might become a standard feature across the entire Mini lineup in the future.
But here’s the most exciting tidbit - this is unquestionably a gas-powered model. A single exhaust outlet protrudes from the middle of the car, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t do much for its aesthetics. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this is still a prototype, and Mini might revert to their signature dual-outlet center exhaust setup.
Notably, the grille on this particular model remains unobstructed, and there are prominent openings in the lower bumper. These signs suggest that there’s an engine lurking under the hood that requires adequate cooling.
We doubt that BMW will develop an entirely new ICE engine for this Mini, so it’s highly likely that they’ll carry over the existing powertrains. That means you can expect an entry-level variant featuring a turbocharged triple, a Cooper S boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerhouse, and a spanking new JCW model that might just borrow BMW’s most potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine to date. Buckle up, folks; the future of Mini is looking pretty exciting!
Stay tuned for the latest 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible Price in Ethiopia.