Closely following the design of the Mini Convertible, the new Roadster model is designed to offer a more sporty profile than its sibling, with a roofline 20 mm lower, allowing the Roadster to cut a low-slung and visually stretched stance.The car maker says the Roadster is the first premium model of its kind in the small car segment.
Selling alongside the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman and Coupé, the Mini Roadster features heavily raked A-pillars and a unique canvas roof. The tailored soft-top offers robust, all-season durability with an easy opening and closing semi-automatic operation as part of the standard specification. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats.
Inside, Mini fans will recognise brand familiar features such as the large central circular speedo, the rev counter behind the steering wheel and the toggle switches. Standard spec also includes sports seats as featured in the Mini Cooper S Roadster, Mini Cooper SD Roadster and Mini John Cooper Works Roadster, which provide outstanding lateral support during cornering.
By ditching the back seats, the Mini Roadster still has 240 litres of luggage space, plus the high-opening tailgate, low boot sill and ski hatch to make for simple loading. The Mini Roadster also comes with large door bins, three cupholders, and a cross-rack behind the seats.
Minimalism
There is also a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 90 kW/122 hp in the MINI Cooper Roadster to 155 kW/211 hp in the flagship MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. Mini’s performance diesel engine, the 105 kW/143 hp Cooper SD launched earlier this year, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 135kW/184 hp.
Fuel economy stretches from 38.7mpg to 62.8mpg, while CO2 emissions are as low as just 118g/km on the Cooper SD.
All versions of the MINI Roadster come with the brand’s Minimalism environmental technology as standard, for improved powertrain efficiency. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include innovative thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start.
The MINI Roadster’s list of standard equipment includes speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, rear Park Distance Control, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player, DAB radio and AUX IN connection. Safety features include front and head-thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars for outstanding occupant protection.
On sale now, prices start from £18,020.
