MINI unwraps Convertible Seaside Edition

MINI Asia and MINI Philippines launched with great fanfare the MINI Convertible Seaside Edition and the MINI Clubman Untold Edition last week at the MINI Bonifacio Global City Showroom in Taguig City.

Currently the world’s only premium convertible in the compact car segment, the MINI Convertible embodies individual open-air driving pleasure. In the MINI Cooper S, 10 of the only 500 manufactured are given to Autohub, a 2.0-litre, 178 hp 4-cylinder power unit with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology enables acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. 

Two of the 10 cars allocated to the Philippines were immediately grabbed by two car enthusiasts that were present during the big night. It costs P3.72-milllion each.

  “With more than 30 years of individual style and top-down driving fun, we are excited to celebrate the anniversary of the MINI Convertible with the Seaside Edition,” said Daren Ching, head of MINI Asia. “This sporty classic showcases exclusive equipment and design features in a shimmering blue Caribbean Aqua paint finish or in a light Nanuq White bodycolor. Only 10 units of the MINI Convertible Seaside Edition are available in Manila, promising each lucky owner an unparalleled level of exclusivity.”

For his part, MINI Philippines president Willy Tee Ten, said: “Riding against the tide has always been in our MINI nature – it makes for fun and thrilling drives. Inspired by this spirit, we’re taking our legendary go-kart feeling further with the new limited MINI Convertible Seaside Edition, inspired by breezy, carefree adventures by the beach. We hope that our loyal MINI family in the Philippines will receive this limited-edition model with BIG LOVE and a warm welcome.” 

The side scuttles with the edition’s discreet “Seaside” lettering pick up on the 30th model anniversary with graphically designed numerals in light and dark blue. Another unique design feature is the exclusive “Seaside” lettering in sporty orange on the rear of the convertible. In addition, the floating wheel caps are constantly still even when the car is in motion, ensuring that the stylised “30” on the wheel caps are presented perfectly at all times.

Upon entering the vehicle, the door sills in edition design with two white stripes and Seaside lettering convey the exclusive aura of the interior. The lower spoke of the sports leather steering wheel features the eponymous “Seaside” lettering of the new MINI edition. The decorative trim strips on the front dashboards with its printed pattern and lettering are another edition-specific design feature. The dashboard pattern also appears on the floor mats in the form of a graphic badge. The Carbon Black leather seats with comfortable knee rolls and armrests in the doors offer comfort for all journeys. 

Even away from the vehicle, owners take a piece of the exclusive edition home with them – the MINI Convertible Seaside Edition vehicle key features the edition-specific graphic wave pattern in iridescent blue tones, picking up on both the open atmosphere and the pure elegance of the sea. The integrated “Seaside” lettering further underlines the model’s unique flair – and definitely rules out any potential key mix-ups.

For the driver, the MINI operating system optimises quick and intuitive control of the vehicle functions, audio programme, communication, navigation, and apps. The MINI navigation system  ensures that drivers are kept on the best possible route. Apple CarPlay is also available for drivers to stay plugged in on the go. 

Driving Assistant is also fitted as standard – this camera-based system increases safety on the road by recognising and reporting speed limits. The collision warning and pedestrian warning systems with city braking function make it easier to avoid dangerous situations, particularly in city traffic. Notable features include lane departure warning, Park Distance Control with sensors at the rear, the rear-view camera, as well as cruise control with braking function.