Currently reading: Mini Convertible facelift due next year with tweaked design

Updated drop-top will get the same aesthetic and technical changes as its solid roof sibling

The Mini and Mini Convertible will be facelifted next year with minor design tweaks and technical upgrades.

Seen here testing in Germany in Cooper S cabrio guise, the placement of camouflaging on the car shows that the mid-life update for the 2018 model will include new surrounds for its headlights and tailights, as well as new day running lights. There are also some minor adjustments to Cooper S body trim.

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BMW has remained tight-lipped on what technical upgrades to expect, but the model, which is built on the firm’s UKL1 platform, will likely receive improved driver assist features that will be carried across from BMW models.

The current car is offered with a Driver Assistance Package that adds adaptive cruise control, parking assist with automatic steering and, for the convertible, a rain warning function that alerts drivers of approaching bad weather if they park with the roof down.

The 2018 car is likely to be equipped with upgraded versions of these systems, along with BMW’s latest driver aid technology, including lane keep assist technology and pedestrian detection systems.

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The regular Mini is offered with a choice of petrol and diesel turbocharged three and four-cylinder engines, mated to manual or automatic gearboxes. That range is unlikely to change, meaning the Cooper S will retain its 2.0-litre engine, which currently produces 189bhp.

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Third-generation drop-top joins Mini’s new and improved line-up, delivering the same vivacious driving experience while exposed to the elements

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Mini boss Peter Schwarzenbauer has said that an all-electric Mini is expected to join the ranks in 2019. Mini also offers a hybrid drivetrain with its Countryman, and it’s possible this could be added to the regular car as well.

Mini saloon to be fifth model in new-look range

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