2016 Mini Cooper Convertible review, price, specs & release date: check out latest photos from 2015 Tokyo Motor Show here

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The release date of the 2016 model of the MINI Cooper won't be until March of the following year, but the new convertible has made its debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show a few days ago to tease all the MINI brand and car enthusiasts out there.

"The new MINI Convertible has a great balance of playful personalization and sophistication. It's open-top driving without compromise," said David Duncan, vice president MINI of the Americas. "The bespoke levels of customization set it apart from other convertibles on the market while the front wheel drive BMW architecture and engines make it fun-to-drive and practical in any driving conditions."

Review and Upgrade

The newest offering from the MINI stable would also be the first open top MINI to be powered by BMW Group engine technology and architecture. The pint-sized stunner can fit four people snugly, and has made some upgrade in its size, according to Motor Authority.

The upcoming model is 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 in wider and 0.8 in higher as compared to its harbinger. The wheelbase is also slightly longer by more than an inch, while the front and rear tracks were also increased by 1.9 inches and 1.6 inches, respectively. Not only did the interior space get a bit bigger because of these, but the luggage volume was also up by more than a quarter of the previous one--- 7.6 cubic feet with the top up and 5.7 cubic feet when down.

The added bulk would result to extra weight, though. Car and Driver recommends going for the faster Cooper S variant with more powerful engine, which costs higher but could prove to be a good investment.

Price and Specs

The new model will be available in MINI dealerships across the country with the option of a three-cylinder Cooper version and a faster four-cylinder Cooper S, both of which can come with a 6-speed manual transmission or steptronic automatic transmission. Potential buyers can choose from 11 exterior colors such as the new Caribbean Aqua and Melting Silver, based on the press release by MINI USA.

The new MINI will be powered by an engine with Twin-Power Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected that can come up with a top speed of 128 mph for the Cooper that can accelerate 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, and 142-143 mph for the Cooper S accelerating 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

The pricing for the new vehicle will be officially announced in January 2016.