Winter is just around the corner, but MINI is already prepped for the spring sun with the unveiling of its new MINI Cooper Convertible. Set to go on sale in March 2016, the new MINI drop-top will cost from £18,475, an increase of £750 over the outgoing car and we've taken a good look at it on the MINI stand at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

While that may seem steep next to the £15,295 DS 3 Cabrio, we expect an entry-level ‘One’ variant to launch later on in 2016 and close the gap. For now the three-strong MINI Convertible range consists of the turbo petrol Cooper, turbo diesel Cooper D (starting from £20,225) and the range-topping Cooper S variant (from £22,430) with 189bhp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Though we've also spotter a super-hot MINI Convertible JCW out testing which should arrive later in 2016.

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We’ve spied the third-generation droptop MINI a number of times previously, so its looks aren’t a surprise. Based on the latest MINI hatch, which launched last year, the Convertible cuts a familiar silhouette but has increased in size all-round compared to the outgoing car. It’s 98mm longer and 44mm wider than the last cabrio, but just 1mm higher. A 28mm longer wheelbase means increased legroom for all passengers and 36mm more knee-room in the back. MINI claims more headroom than before, but the rear seats are still strictly for two.

Thankfully, the better packaging means the tiny boot has grown by 25 per cent to 215-litres, or 160-litres with the roof down. The bootlid is still hinged from the bottom, giving a split-tailgate that can support up to 80kg and an opening top deck for better access. For an extra dose of practicality, the rear seats split-fold as standard.