- For Cooper S, responsive and free-revving supercharged engine
- For manual transmissions, precise operation; clutch has a light and progressive action
- Engaging dynamics and agile handling
- More compliant suspension than Mini R50/R53 Cooper
- Accurate steering provides excellent feel
- Lack of body rigidity
- For Cooper S, firm seats lack support
- Cabin noise at highway speeds
- Cramped rear seats
Overview
Released in December 2004, the Mini R52 Cabrio was a four-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Cowley, England, the front-wheel drive Cabrio range consisted of naturally aspirated Cooper and supercharged Cooper S models.
Tritec engines
Of the engines,
- the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre Tritec four-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, multipoint sequential fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and
- the supercharged 1.6-litre Tritec engine had a Roots-type Eaton M45 supercharger with an intercooler and a compression ratio of 8.3:1.
Transmission options are given in the table below.
Suspension and body
Compared to the R50 Cooper on which it was based, the R52 Cabrio was 9 mm longer (at 3635 mm) and 2 mm taller (1415 mm), but width (1688 mm) and wheelbase length (2467 mm) were unchanged. The R52 Cabrio, however, had a power-operated, soft-top roof with an integrated, sliding sunroof and the roof itself could be lowered in 15 seconds. Furthermore, the rear section of the soft-top roof could also lift up – when the roof was in position – to provide easier access to the boot (Mini’s ‘Easy Load’).
Suspension and steering
The Cabrio had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension; the Cabrio was also fitted with an electro-hydraulic power steering system.
| Editions | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper | N/A | 2004-08 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 6sp CVT | 85 kW at 6000 rpm | 150 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| Sidewalk, Chilli |
2007-08 | |||||
| Cooper S | N/A | 2004-08 | 1.6-litre s/charged petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto | 125 kW at 6000 rpm | 220 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Sidewalk, Chilli |
2007-08 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the R52 Cabrio included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted head/thorax side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, fixed roll-over hoops and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Cooper S was also equipped with electronic stability control and traction control.
Features
Standard features for the Cooper Cabrio included 15-inch ‘5-Star Rocket’ alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, ventilated glovebox, ‘Octagon Cloth’ upholstery, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, 50/50 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, dual reading lights, tinted windows, tyre pressure monitoring, ambient lighting and an immobiliser; CVT models also featured steering wheel gearshift paddles.
Beyond this, the Cooper S Cabrio was fitted with 16-inch ‘7-Fin Spoke’ alloy wheels with runflat tyres and sports suspension, sports seats, cruise control, front fog lights, and ‘Space Cloth’ upholstery. Visually, the Cooper S was differentiated by its chrome-plated rollover bars and body-colour front grille.
Mini Cabrio Cooper Chilli and Cooper S Chilli
From January 2007, Chilli editions of the Cooper and Cooper S variants were released. Compared to the Cooper variant, the Chilli edition added 16-inch ‘Fin’ alloy wheels, contoured front sports seats with combination cloth/leather trim, front fog lights, multi-function steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Cockpit Chrono Pack and velour floor mats. The Cooper S Chilli was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Bullet’ alloy wheels, eight speaker Harman Kardon sound system, climate control air conditioning and xenon headlights.
Mini Cabrio Cooper Sidewalk and Cooper S Sidewalk
In June 2007, Sidewalk editions of the Cooper and Cooper S variants were released. Compared to the Cooper variant, the Sidewalk edition added 17-inch ‘Night Spoke’ alloy wheels in silver and anthracite, climate control air conditioning, malt brown leather interior with fluted seat facings and contrasting silver piping, front fog lights, sport seats, Chockpit Chrono pack, two-tone steering wheel and gearshift, gloss finish for the dashboard facings and door surrounds, body-colour mirror caps, ‘Sidewalk’ badging and entry plaque. Beyond this, the Cooper S Sidewalk added xenon headlights and satellite navigation.
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