NEWS MINI Electric Convertible concept
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PREVIEW
MINI bosses say the droptop EV is a one-off, but it gives a taste of what to expect from the next version of the MINI Electric
Contact Tristan Shale-Hester
HOT TOPIC Speed limiters
Concept teases convertible version of next MINI Electric
FROM: TA I THINK this could cause more accidents, especially if you’re in the middle of an overtaking manoeuvre. Furthermore, it feels as though the freedom of driving is being gradually stripped away by measures like this. Hopefully the UK deviates from this particular rule now we’re out of the European Union.
FROM: Gerry Marsh THIS may sound bad, but realistically we already have harshly enforced speed limits. In view of this, I don’t think drivers on the whole would object to their cars being restricted to 90mph or even 80mph on the road. Perhaps the motorway speed limit could be raised to 80mph along with this as a compromise.
Richard Ingram
Richard_Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ingram
BRANDS often roll out wild concepts previewing cars that will never see the light of day. Some are closer to production, while others, like this one-off MINI Electric Convertible, are previews of the future. The existing MINI Electric has been on sale since 2019, and is only offered as a three-door hatch. The firm has promised the all-new, next-generation car, due in 2023, will offer a Convertible by the middle of the decade. So, this concept is designed to give us a taste of what’s to come. While it might look like a normal MINI Convertible, the underpinnings are closely aligned with the Electric Hatch. The body, we’re told, already has the strengthening that’s required for the lack of a roof not to adversely affect the car’s handling. Space for the batteries is catered for, too. This prototype features the same 32.6kWh battery and 181bhp electric motor as the Hatch. Range stands at around 140 miles, while a 10-to-80 per cent charge takes less than half an hour with a 50kW feed. The powered roof can be operated in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 19mph. Visually, this one-of-a-kind MINI is identifiable via its subtle acid-green details and plug-inspired wheels, along with its
not-so-discreet ‘This toy is electric’ branding on the sides and back bumper. MINI says the electric Convertible weighs around 140kg more than an equivalent Cooper S. But while it feels different to drive, with the heavy batteries mounted low in the floor, the grip, body control and steering feedback are MINI through and through. It isn’t quite as quick as the Electric Hatch; 0-62mph takes 7.7 seconds – half a second slower – but you’d never know it. With a hit of instant torque, the drop-top feels constantly alert and ready to go. Bosses at the firm insist this is a one-off, although we’re told that if there is interest, there are no existing constraints preventing MINI from building the cabrio alongside the standard car in Oxford for as long as the Electric Hatch remains in production.
Larger CR-V looks set for Europe A NEW version of the Honda CR-V has been revealed in the US, meaning a similarly updated version of the SUV is all but certain to follow soon in Europe. It features a stronger look thanks to a new hexagonal front grille, while an updated platform means that the car grows, with a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks. There’s also an interior makeover inspired by the new Civic, while an e:HEV hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are likely to be offered when the car is confirmed for Europe.
18 20 July 2022
STYLING New CR-V’s hexagonal grille will be accompanied by a fresh, Civic-inspired interior
New cars launched in the EU must have speed limiters. The UK is set to follow
Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk ■ “I have a speed limiter: it’s called my right foot. That and common sense are all you need.” Richard Booth-Trussell
■ “I drove a new Volvo V60 that was restricted to 112mph. Did it cause a problem? No.” Joe Elias
■ “If they can be turned off for every journey, what’s the point? No one will keep them on.” Ian Linton
It’s time for a car design revolution
Government should be helping motorists
FROM: Keith Blanchard WHAT has happened to car design? Here we are with an opportunity to redesign the shape of automobiles for the future with the supposed end of internalcombustion engines. All that space going to waste up front for starters; can no one in the car design world see the opportunity for a new shape? Time to revolutionise.
FROM: Bill Trussel IT’S absurd that, when oil prices are set to remain high (Issue 1,737), the Government in the UK is still doing so little to help drivers. Where are the subsidies that those in other countries, such as Spain, are seeing? Fuel duty should be temporarily scrapped or VAT on petrol and diesel removed. This is so unfair on ordinary drivers trying to cope.
Great to see future of superminis is safe
Hoping it’s not end of road for big exec cars
FROM: Richard Carne IT was good to read about the future of small cars (Issue 1,737). With the SUV trend seeming not to be going away anytime soon, I think it’s important to remember that not everyone wants or needs a large car. For me, a supermini with five seats and a decent boot will do the job and some can do with less.
FROM: Harold Tyne IT’S really annoying that the Volkswagen Phaeton Mk2 was scrapped (Issue 1,737). The first model was oddly fascinating in a quirky way. It’s similarly disappointing that we never saw the new all-electric Jaguar XJ appear. I wonder if the large executive car is on its way out as a breed. I certainly hope not.
www.autoexpress.co.uk
