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Mini has revealed its new convertible hatch ahead of it going on sale in the UK in time for the March plate-change.

The new model is based on the new hatch and will be priced from £18,475.

New features include a fully electric roof that BMW says is quieter and smoother than the previous model, a fully integrated rollover protection system and more rear space.

The new Mini Cooper Convertible and Cooper D Convertible are 3,821 mm long, with the Mini Cooper S Convertible 3,850 mm long. All models are 1,727 mm wide, 1,415 mm high and have a wheelbase of 2,495 mm.

Those dimensions have increased compared with the outgoing model, with 98 mm extra length, 44 mm extra width and 1 mm extra height. The wheelbase is 28 mm longer and track width has also grown a further 42 mm at the front and 34 mm at the rear.

Luggage volume has expanded by around 25% to 215 litres with the roof closed and 160 litres with it folded down.

Standard equipment includes Mini Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch screen, Mini Connected, Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera.

Options include a Union Jack design woven into the fabric roof. There are two new exterior colours – Caribbean Aqua and Melting Silver – with a new Chester leather in Malt Brown available for the interior.

A three-car range will be available from launch – the MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper D Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible – with 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 1.5-litre diesel.