Yeah, you know we mentioned back when we posted the other two special models that there was a third one, but BMW Group kinda dropped the ball on the official release until today, when it finally came through with said info .. was the wait worth it? Oh yes.. yes indeedy, and here it is:

MINI HIGHGATE: THE EXCLUSIVE NEW SPECIAL EDITION CONVERTIBLE

Hot on the heels of the MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater comes the third in a trio of special editions for spring 2012 – the all-new MINI Highgate.

Continuing the brand’s established policy of taking the names of fashionable areas of London, the Highgate is a sophisticated new version of the drop-top Convertible.

As with all special edition MINIs, this four-seater offers a raft of unique exterior and interior features. Providing a fresh interpretation of MINI’s premium appeal and style, the Highgate is designed to take the fun and excitement of ‘wind-in-the-hair’ motoring to the next level.

The car is finished in an all-new metallic ‘Iced Chocolate’ body colour, which works perfectly with the tailored ‘Silvertouched Truffle’ fabric roof. The distinctive look is enhanced by truffle bonnet stripes with blue edging. Midnight Black metallic or White Silver metallic paintwork can be specified as an option. The door mirror caps are always finished in the same shade as the exterior.

Also unique to the MINI Highgate are 17-inch ‘Double Cross Turned’ light-alloy wheels in a subtle aluminium colour. The design team took its inspiration for the spokes from the Union Jack flag.

Inside, the ‘Dark Truffle’ Lounge Leather seats feature blue piping and contrasting stitching. MINI’s popular Chili Pack; filled with added extras like automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, multi-coloured interior lights, is standard on the Highgate special edition. Sun-touched Brushed Alloy detailing on the dashboard and the Chrome Line Interior and Exterior packages are also included. Exclusive ‘Highgate’ lettering on the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags marks the car out from the crowd.

As with every MINI, customers can enhance the appeal of their car further using the extensive options list of comfort, convenience, design and technology features.

The MINI Highgate is available with four engine options; the MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp). All are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option.

Here’s retail pricing in UK pounds, add about another 500 for OTR:

MINI Cooper Highgate Convertible £20,665

MINI Cooper Highgate Convertible Auto £21,750

MINI Cooper D Highgate Convertible £21,855

MINI Cooper D Highgate Convertible Auto £22,940

MINI Cooper S Highgate Convertible £23,445

MINI Cooper S Highgate Convertible Auto £24,590

MINI Cooper SD Highgate Convertible £24,255

MINI Cooper SD Highgate Convertible Auto £25,400

And the pictures, 18 glorious web pictures for you to drool over before yours arrives at the dealership:

[Source: BMW Press Group UK, Feb 03 2012]