MINI Roadster 2012 Review

MINI Roadster and Coupe

What we liked
>> Standout styling
>> Typical MINI treatment for interior(s)

Not so much
>> Roadster's ride
>> Typical MINI torque steer

These are the final offerings from the current platform before the introduction of the new UKL (compact car) version which will also serve BMW's 1 Series. MINI claims the Coupe is the "first premium two-seater in its category" and the Roadster "gives the small car segment another shot in the arm".

As for the first assertion, the likes of Audi and Mazda would beg to differ, while the small car segment is actually healthy enough without the addition of a two-seat only option. Is MINI stretching the friendship?

MINI Australia executives told motoring.com.au that the brand anticipates the addition of the Coupe and Roadster will help prevent the current situation whereby "people come to MINI and for whatever reason, go..."

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

Cooper S standards include park assist, bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor, Bluetooth hands-free/USB connectivity and chrome side plates. The JCW spec adds interior trim upgrade (to dash and roof lining), "aerodynamic kit" and 10-speaker sound system which stuns us, considering the small size of the cabins...

The Roadster's standard-fit rear wind deflector remains upright with roof up or down and can be removed.

Cooper S and JCW models come standard with leather/cloth trim but a range of leather trim styles can be ordered, including contrasting colours and an attractive perforated design.

MECHANICAL

At speeds over 80km/h the rear spoiler on the Cooper S and JCW-spec Coupe and Roadster models will raise to provide 40kg extra downforce, according to MINI.

17-inch alloys come standard on Cooper S and JCW models, but in different (Conical Spoke versus Cross-Spoke Challenge) designs. Other wheel designs (for example, twin-spoke) are available as option-fit.
Cooper S and JCW models use a single-strut front and multilink rear suspension set-up. Electric steering comes standard.

PACKAGING

The Roadster doesn't have the Cabrio's neat lines but its profile is more streamlined than the Coupe. MINI calls it a "classical" soft-top silhouette... MINI also says engineers spent considerable effort stiffening the Roadster for controlled ride.

A MINI spokesperson told motoring.com.au the company contemplated using a folding hard-top but chose fabric for its lighter weight and compactness when folded.

In both models the windscreen is raked lower. It's been managed because the two-seaters don't require matching the roofline to accommodate rear passengers, and the redesign gives the new MINIs sloping, sporty profile.

The Roadster is 20kg heavier than the Coupe due to its roof mechanism (bars, fixed structure for rollover bars (see SAFETY) and the soft-top folds neatly at the top of the boot. The Coupe uses a (removable) shroud to act as a cargo cover in the rear.

In terms of dimensions, the Coupe is 5mm longer than the hatch's 3734mm and 29mm lower in height. The Roadster's roofline is 21mm lower.

SAFETY

Both new MINIs come standard with front and side airbags, stability control, ABS with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and cornering brake control.

The brand also argues the standard-fit run-flat indicator -- and even the optional run-flat tyres -- serve as safety features.

COMPETITORS

During the launch presentation the MINI Australia team did however refer to the TT and Megane, in addition to Peugeot's RCZ and the most obvious: Mazda MX-5.

As with Megane CC and RCZ (though the rear-seat in the latter is miniscule), there's a decent selection of sporty coupes and convertibles with four seats. Perhaps strongest competition will come from those looking to buy its own Cabrio four-seater.

So for visual impact they win the fancy dress parade. They also win for fun behind the wheel. The 1.6-litre four's performance is strong whether Cooper or JCW with ample urge throughout the range. Especially impressive is mid-range pick-up, making the MINIs excellent cruisers in addition to darty city runabouts.

The six-speed auto is well-behaved and has paddle shift for sports manual mode, but the manual is extra special for its smooth, unperturbed shifts. We drove both models mostly using the Sport button which provides sharper (sooner) shifts again, and even after some spirited driving around Melbourne's hilly outskirts we used less than 8.0L/100km.

MINI models (except, maybe, the Clubman) have two particular traits: a susceptibility to torque steer and vulnerability over poor surfaces. Both steer wonderfully and encourage sporty approaches to corners and the like, however the Roadster and Coupe quickly become unsettled and require correction to help 'hop' over terrain.

The drive program took in great roads, but we'd like more time in the Roadster because first impressions leave us underwhelmed. Spokespersons made much of the extra strengthening the open-top received so we're wondering why we felt so rattled by the drive experience.

Not only did the Roadster shake and creak but cabin comfort is also severely affected with the roof down. Our test car didn't have the standard-fit deflector but we suggest the slim mesh fixture wouldn't make enough difference to calm the situation.

A MINI spokesperson suggested the Roadster's extra stiffness generated the 'chassis shake' but guaranteed a sportier drive.

The Roadster's outward vision is compromised at the rear by the roll over bars and both models rearward vision is somewhat obscured by the active spoiler... Still, it's a cool feature and we'd learn to live with the extra use of the side and rear-view mirrors.

While the Roadster's roof is manually opened and closed, it's well-weighted and easy to do, even while sitting in the car.

The Roadster is designed as a more performance-oriented drive than the MINI Cabrio model but we're happy enough with the four-seater. Between these two, we'd choose the Coupe but MINI execs reckon the Roadster is attracting more interest... Time will tell.

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