MINI Convertible

The new MINI convertible has sprung a leak! These low-res images have appeared on MINI blog website MotoringFile - presumably leaked by an insider at MINI, because they appear to be brochure scans.

The open top MINI isn't due to make its debut until the Detroit Motor Show in January (leaving the Paris show limelight for the MINI Crossover Concept), but the car is evidently ready to hit showrooms now.

As you can see, the look is very similar to the outgoing first-generation car, which has lasted well into the second-generation because it continues to sell well. MINI will, of course, point out the raft of changes that have been made when the car is unveiled, but the winning formula of the current Convertible remains largely intact - most notably the 'pram roof' that stows on top of the rear bulkhead.

Major changes include a new pop-up roll bar in place of the fixed pair on the current car, and a new 'Always Open' display, which tells the driver how many miles they've done with the roof down.

These pictures show Cooper and Cooper S Convertibles, but the complete range of engines powering the fixed head will appear in the rag top, meaning MINI One and Cooper D versions will appear too.