Mini Convertible Stardust Edition Launched at Rs 62.90 Lakh
Mini has introduced a limited-run Convertible Stardust Edition in India
Deliveries of the new variant have begun with immediate effect
There is something rather charming about a carmaker choosing to celebrate a model rather than simply replace it, and that is precisely what has happened with the Mini Convertible.
The brand has rolled out a new Stardust Edition in India, priced from Rs 62.90 lakh (ex-showroom), and it arrives dressed to be noticed. Built in restricted numbers and brought in through the CBU route, the special edition has already started reaching customers, with deliveries commencing straightaway.
The clue is rather literally in the name. Mini has finished this convertible in an exclusive Sparkling Copper Grey shade, flecked with scattered Champagne detailing that catches the light in a way a standard paint job simply cannot. It gets LED headlamps with three distinct light signatures, a reworked grille, Vibrant Silver mirror caps and 18-inch JSW Rallye Spoke alloy wheels, along with vertically stacked LED taillights that round off the rear.
The real party piece, though, sits above the passengers. The fabric roof carries a woven Union Jack pattern, a detail that has become something of a signature touch for special Mini convertibles over the years. It can be opened electronically in a brisk 18 seconds and shut again in 15, and this can be done at speeds of up to 30kmph, which is handy for anyone caught out by a sudden change in weather.
There is also a neat party trick built in, allowing the roof to be part opened to function like a sunroof, for a stretch of up to 40cm, and this works regardless of how fast the car is travelling.
Practicality has not been forgotten either. Boot space stands at 160 litres with the top down, growing to a more usable 215 litres when the roof is shut.
Step inside and the Stardust Edition brings a familiar but well-equipped experience. There is the now signature circular OLED display running Mini OS 9, a head-up display, Digital Key Plus functionality and a Harman Kardon sound system for those who like their drives with a proper soundtrack.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard, alongside Mini's Experience Modes covering Go-kart, Green and Vivid settings that alter the character of the drive.
The seats are sportier units with electric adjustment and an active seat function, finished entirely in black, while comfort access, cruise control and an electronic parking brake round out the convenience list.
On the safety side, buyers get multiple airbags, dynamic stability control, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, a reverse parking camera and tyre pressure monitoring.
Mechanically, nothing has been reinvented, and that is no bad thing. The Stardust Edition continues with the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, sending 204bhp and 300Nm through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Mini claims a 0 to 100kmph sprint of 6.9 seconds, numbers that should keep this drop-top feeling suitably eager despite its wardrobe upgrade.
With production capped and demand for Mini convertibles historically running high in India, interested buyers would do well not to dawdle over this one.
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