It’s the first open-top model designed strictly for two people in Mini’s history. It’s called the Mini Roadster, is the sixth model in the British marque’s line-up, and according to Mini is the first premium car of its kind in the small-car segment. Coming to South Africa in March, the newcomer will be available locally in Mini Cooper Roadster (90kW), S Roadster (135kW) and John Cooper Works Roadster (155kW) variants.
Based on the recently-launched two-seater Mini Coupé range, the Roadster gets a classic soft-top that opens and closes at a speed in line with your fitness levels. The roof is manually operated, and at the world launch in Lisbon last week I found it a little difficult to reach back and grab when sitting in the car. But it’s easy to use and clips or unclips with minimal effort. A semi-electric option does exist, though, and will be available in SA.
When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats with the outer skin facing upwards. It’s available in black only, which according to Mini is keeping with British roadster tradition.
What is quite cool is the Always-Open timer from the Mini Convertible, which measures and records how long you keep the roof peeled and is an option in the Roadster.
TYPICAL MINI GO-KART FEEL
I’m not the biggest fan of the Coupé in terms of looks, and even with the roof down the Roadster doesn’t get the drop-dead-gorgeous tick. Noticeable on the Roadster is the sloping windscreen frame (raked 13 degrees more than the Mini Convertible) and the waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body. The standard wheels don’t look great; budget for the optional range.
In terms of space there’s a small stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, a through-loading system from the boot, and luggage capacity of 240 litres. Interior space, it must be said, was roomy and not claustrophobic as in some roadsters.
Handling lives up to all expectations, offering that typical Mini go-kart feel. Even without a roof to brace it the body felt rigid, with no traces of scuttle shake and handled as well as any of its solid-roofed siblings. We were told that the chassis received a bespoke Roadster setup from the carmaker with specific strengthening elements added, while the windscreen frame has been reinforced for rigidity.
Cruising through the mountain passes with the roof down you notice how, even with the lower A-pillars, wind is not a big issue in the cabin - the optional wind deflector between the anti roll bars is a must. Wind and road noise with the roof up did seem excessive, though.
ACTIVE REAR SPOILER
On offer at the launch was the 135kW Cooper S Roadster which, as in other ranges, is a perky engine with no turbo lag. It’s eager and loves getting its legs stretched, chirping the front tyres under hard acceleration between gears. Another cool feature is the active rear spoiler which extends automatically at 80km/h for additional downforce - it also gives the Roadster a go-faster look. The roll-over bars are polished stainless steel, which looks good too.
As in other models the Roadster comes with electric power steering and dynamic stability control, while options (standard on the JCW) include dynamic traction control with electronic differential lock control. And being a Mini there’s an endless list of bespoke colours, materials and entertainment options.
South African pricing has already been confirmed with the Roadster becoming the most expensive model in the Mini range. -Star Motoring
PRICING:
Cooper - R296 881
Cooper AT - R314 520
Cooper S – R351 480
Cooper S AT - R368 435
JCW - R401 190