Mini Springs into Summer with a hot new model. The ever-popular high-specification Chilli model, so beloved by Mini hardtop buyers, is now available in the Always Open Mini Cabrio.
Due to arrive in showrooms in December just in time for the summer holidays, the Mini Cabrio Chilli models gather together an outstanding array of additional features.
Both the 85 kW Mini Cooper Cabrio and 125 kW Mini Cooper S Cabrio variants will be available in Chilli guise alongside the exiting models.
And as with the Mini Cooper S hardtop, Cabrio lovers will be able to further specify their Chilli-spec cars with the optional John Cooper Works Tuning Kit, which boosts engine output of the 1.6-litre supercharged engine to a feisty 154 kW.
The Mini Cabrio Chilli models add a similar level of specification to that of the hardtop model.
For Mini Cooper Cabrio buyers, the Chilli package adds a choice of two cloth and leather seat facings for the sports seats, a multi-function leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, Cockpit Chrono Pack, 16-inch light alloy Fin’ design wheels, chic Chromeline exterior highlight package, front fog lights and velour floor mats.
For the supercharged Mini Cooper S Cabrio, the Chilli package delivers the cloth and leather seat cover choices, sports leather steering wheel, 17-inch, Bullet light alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, Automatic Climate Control, Cockpit Chrono Pack and Harman Kardon HiFi as well as velour floor mats.
The Mini Cooper Cabrio Chilli is priced from $41,100 and the Mini Cooper S Cabrio Chilli is priced from $50,100.
Since launch in January 2005, more than 1,000 Mini Cabrio models have been delivered in Australia. In 2005 alone, 675 Cabrio models boosted MiniI sales to an all time high of 2,097 cars in Australia.
The success story has continued in 2006, despite supply constraints as the Oxford factory juggles ever-increasing demand from burgeoning world markets.
Aside from the blindingly obvious chic appeal of the instantly-recognisable exterior, the go-kart handling and zesty powertrain, the Mini Cabrio has been a rip-roaring success thanks to the high level of personalisation options offered to customers.
There’s no other cabrio in its premium price bracket that offers customer the ability to add safety vision cameras front and rear, colour coded dashboards, Xenon headlamps, satellite navigation or Bluetooth phone preparation to their cars.
The Mini Cabrio Chilli models add additional specification over a very high standard of equipment fitted to all Cabrio models, including:
four airbags, Anti-lock brakes,
Cornering Brake Control,
air-conditioning,
power operated one-touch folding roof with unique sunroof function and heated glass rear window and
Easy-Load luggage system, and Park Distance Control.
“The Mini Cabrio has quickly driven itself into the hearts of topless car buyers in Australia,” said Justin Hocevar, National Manager, Mini.
“The arrival of the Chilli will add even more spice to the Mini brand.
The Mini Cabrio Chilli will fire up customers who want to personalise their purchase even more. It’s the ideal car for fun-loving, always open drivers who want to make the most of Australia’s fabulous summer.
Mini is enjoying unprecedented success in Australia. The reason is simple. The Mini is a stand out car. You only have to look at how many wannabe rivals are said to be scrambling to follow in Mini’s wide wheel tracks.
They will have a long way to travel though, because the Mini is authentic, the genuine article. It delivers on all of its promises. That’s why it is a success in Australia and world wide,” Justin said.