NAIAS debut for new Mini Cabriolet Sidewalk – and NO it’s not the MINI II…

Jeez, we got all red and excited when we first saw the press release, but I believe you’ll forgive us as it’s not as if one can easily distinguish the MINI I & II from each other. Anyway, the Sidewalk is a new addition to the MINI Convertible range which will make its premiere at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The Sidewalk model offers a host of exclusive and additional options, and is available on the One, Cooper and Cooper S. It includes a choice of four paintwork colours, Malt Brown English Leather upholstery, 17” Night Spoke light alloy wheels, bi-colour leather steering wheel and gear knob and special ‘Sidewalk’ interior trim, floor mats, badges and door inserts.

Additional MINI options that are standard on Sidewalk models are Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T), multifunction leather steering wheel, mirror caps in body colour, chrome line interior, passenger seat height adjustment, sports seats, storage compartment pack, front fog lamps, manual air conditioning, on board computer, interior light pack and white indicators.

According to MINI, should a customer wish to specify these options on any other MINI Convertible, the cost of the extra kit would be approximately 25 per cent higher than if purchased as part of a standard package on the Sidewalk edition. Sales start in April 2007.