In a world where soft top convertibles have been overshadowed by the new hard roofed coupe cabriolets it still comes as a surprise to see that BMW are considering a version for their sucessful mini range. Up to now the new mini has been based on the traditional classic one, including the mini clubman even though the car is much bigger with larger engines to suit the times. But at teh Frankfurt motor show this year a concept mini coupe cabrioletis on show to show how the car would look should it be made.
The first impressions is from the back and it looks a bit too chucky of a traditional mini, and with its roof down it doesn’t really look that much different from a soft top mini, except the folding roof means it can only have 2 seats. This also means the boot section extends over where the rear seats were. It is difficult to decide if this car looks any better than a soft top mini, but with the usual UK winter there will be benefits.
When the roof is up, the coupe shape looks unusual on a mini, as it has never been seen before and would guess it would take time to get used or to like. This car is likely to be compared to marmite, you either like it or you don’t. The price should it be made will probably define its success.