2012 Mini Roadster Review

The new MINI Roadster is available with the three most powerful petrol engines and the highest-output diesel unit in the brand’s line-up. The state-of-the-art engines all boast sporty power delivery combined with exemplary efficiency, and all variants of the MINI Roadster carry the Cooper name in their model titles. This reference to legendary ex-Formula One racing car designer John Cooper, who used to race the classic Mini, marks out a car with particular sporting capability.

The Mini Cooper Roadster is engined by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine boasts a fully variable valve control system – based on the VALVETRONIC technology used in BMW engines – which sharpens the engine’s responses yet also lowers fuel consumption and emissions. With output rising to 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 160 Newton metres (118 lb-ft) generated at 4,250 rpm, the powerplant accelerates the MINI Cooper Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 199 km/h (124 mph). Its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (49.6 mpg imp), while CO2 emissions come in at 133 grams per kilometre.

The secong car is MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, features a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection – a technology package that makes the 1.6-litre engine in the MINI Cooper S Roadster the world’s most efficient in its displacement class. The powerplant develops its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm. Peak torque of 240 Newton metres (177 lb-ft) is available as low down as 1,600 rpm and can hit 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) in a short burst courtesy of the Overboost function. All of which means the MINI Cooper S Roadster powers from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph). These performance figures contrast with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres (47.1 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre.

The latest model variant from MINI’s John Cooper Works sub-brand showcases its sporting potential with even greater intent. The MINI John Cooper Works Roadster is powered by a 155 kW/211 hp four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. The 1.6-litre unit generates its maximum output at 6,000 rpm, with peak torque of 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) on stream at 1,850 rpm. The Overboost function briefly pushes this figure up to 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft). 6.5 seconds is all it takes the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster to blast from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). Top speed is 237 km/h (147 mph). Added to which, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres (38.7 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 grams per kilometre, the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster boasts extraordinary efficiency for an open-top car in this output class.

To reduces their fuel consumption and emissions,  The MINI Cooper Roadster and MINI Cooper SD Roadster are equipped as standard with extensive MINIMALISM technology that features Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and ancillary components working according to need. The MINI Cooper Roadster, MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI Cooper SD Roadster can also be specified with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function as an alternative to the six-speed manual item fitted as standard across the MINI Roadster range.