MINI Roadster: first details announced
31.10.2011 - Stuart Milne
(18)
The MINI Roadster has been announced, hot on the heels of the two-seat Coupe and Countryman SUV.
Marking MINI's sixth model in its line-up, the soft-top Roadster will compete with the Mazda MX-5 when it goes on sale next spring.
MINI's line-up now includes two open-roofed cars, but the Roadster has a sleeker look and does without the cramped rear seats found in the four-seat MINI Convertible.
The Roadster features a canvas roof which opens and closes semi-automatically and folds flat behind the seats keeping the car's flowing lines intact.
The cabin will be familiar to existing MINI owners, with the car's trademark large centrally-mounted speedo, rev counter behind the steering wheel and toggle switches all being retained. Supportive sports seats are fitted to Cooper S, SD and John Cooper Works models.
Impressively, the MINI Roadster has a 240-litre boot which coupled with the high-opening tailgate, low boot sill and ski hatch makes it more practical than most of its rivals.
Engine choices include the 122bhp Cooper, 184bhp Cooper S and 211bhp John Cooper Works models, while the most fuel efficient model in the range is the Cooper SD, which returns 62.8mpg from its 2-litre diesel engine. It is also the CO2 champion of the range, with emissions rated at 118g/km.
MINI says the Roadster offers a "go-kart feeling" on the road, and points to the canvas roof, which lowers the car's centre of gravity, and a stiffened bodyshell as evidence. Sports suspension is be available optionally for a more focused drive.
A rear spoiler which raises automatically at 50mph to increase grip, power steering which adjusts its assistance depending on speed and a Sport button which adjusts steering feel and throttle response are fitted as standard.
Standard equipment includes electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, rear park sensors, air-con and an MP3-compatible CD player, digital radio and AUX connections. Safety kit includes front and head-thorax airbags, and polished stainless steel roll-over bars.
Prices range from £18,015 for the Cooper to £24,850 for the John Cooper Works range-topper.
