Mini Unveils New Convertible, Moves Clubman Into Compact Market

Mini may be best known in the U.S. as the cool, quirky younger brother to the BMW, but its now looking to show the world that it is growing up, literally. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mini, which is wholly-owned by BMW, unveiled for the first time in North America, the all-new Mini Convertible and the Mini Clubman. Both have substantially upgraded interiors and more technology. Mini’s Global Vice President Sebastian Mackensen said, ‘Mini really is going more premium. The Mini Clubman is growing quite a bit, almost a foot in size versus its predecessor. It’s the first time Mini is now entering the premium compact segment and we’re very excited with that new car.’ Mini said the Clubman will have more luxurious interiors and will be positioned as a luxurious compact car. The convertible, based on the 2014 platform of the two-door Mini hardtop, has allowed the automaker to focus on new additions such as twin turbo engines. As Mini moves upmarket, the most potential may be in the United States where the automaker has been seen as ‘more exotic.’