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The MINI range continues to grow, and here’s one of the most desirable additions yet – the Roadster. Aimed at the Mazda MX-5, it’s a sporty two-seater that goes on sale next spring priced from £18,015. It’s essentially a drop-top version of the already launched Coupe,

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The MINI range continues to grow, and here’s one of the most desirable additions yet – the Roadster. Aimed at the Mazda MX-5, it’s a sporty two-seater that goes on sale next spring priced from £18,015.

It’s essentially a drop-top version of the already launched Coupe, and looks identical to the concept car that previewed it at the 2009Frankfurt Motor Show.
It has a lower body than the four-seater MINI Convertible, more heavily raked windscreen pillars and a stepped rear end.
These touches are mixed with instantly recognisable MINI styling cues such as large circular lights and short front and rear overhangs.
Unlike European versions, which get a manual fabric roof, UK cars feature a semi-automatic fabric hood – just twist the overhead lever and it folds away by itself, behind the seats.
The outer skin of the hood faces upwards, too, so there’s no need foran additional tonneau cover, while 10 seconds is all it takes to raise or lower the roof entirely.
The cabin will be familiar to MINI owners, but sports seats are available on certain models. Boot space is decent for a small convertible at 240 litres – 90 litres more than an MX-5 – and there’s a ski hatch that can be opened from the driver or passenger seat.
Stiffened chassis components, electric power-steering and a lower centre of gravity – the Roadster is 20mm lower – should ensure it is great fun to drive. The engine line-up, meanwhile, will consist of three petrols and a diesel.
The range kicks off in £18,015 Cooper trim, with a 120bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while the Cooper S costs £20,900 and has a 181bhp version of the same engine. The 141bhp 2.0-litre Cooper SD is the only diesel, priced at £21,630.
Sitting at the top of the range is the £24,850 John Cooper Works, which has a 208bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and is the fastest model, with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds and a 147mph top speed. All Roadsters get stop-start.
The newcomer will be available in two non-metallic and six metallic paint colours, but the roof is only offered in black. Sporty stripes for the bonnet, bootlid and rear bumper – available in three colours – are optional, as is a selection of different alloy wheels.
source from: autoexpress

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