The 2016 Mini Convertible is bigger, fancier, drop-top-ier (pictures)

The new Convertible is much larger than its predecessor. Length is up by 4.5 inches, width expands by 1.7 inches, and height grows 0.8 inch.

The Convertible receives a makeover for 2016, bringing the car in line with Mini's updated Hardtop and Clubman models.

The Convertible's textile soft-top will open or close in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph. It can be activated both inside the vehicle, using a switch, and outside the vehicle, using the key fob.

When the top is down, the Convertible will automatically deploy hidden protection bars when the sensors detect an imminent rollover.

The Mini Convertible will come with two powertrain options -- a 134-horsepower three-cylinder in the base Cooper, and a 189-horsepower four-cylinder in the hot-to-trot Cooper S.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the Convertible lineup, but buyers can drop additional coin to add a six-speed automatic.

If you don't like the black convertible top, you can opt for a Union Jack-themed variant.

The Convertible's long list of standard features includes automatic dual-zone climate control and a 6.5-inch non-touchscreen infotainment system with auxiliary and USB inputs.

The US-bound Convertible also comes standard with Mini's Excitement package, which adds LED interior, ambient and puddle lighting.

If you want a bit of extra fanciness inside, there's an available Chesterfield leather interior upgrade, same as on the new Clubman.

Tech aficionados will find plenty of optional equipment to choose from, including an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with navigation capability, adaptive suspension and a head-up display.

Mini's Driving Assistant package throws a whole bunch of safety tech into the mix, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and automatic high beams.

The Convertible's trunk grows by nearly 25 percent over its predecessor's, to 7.6 cubic feet with the top up and 5.7 cubic feet with the top down.

15-and-16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Convertible, but you can always spring for a set of 18-inchers if that's what you're into.

The 2016 Mini Convertible goes on sale in the US in March 2016.