MINI Roadster

The MINI Roadster is the first two-seater convertible MINI has ever produced, and is deisgned to compete with the Mazda MX-5 and Audi TT Roadster. The fabric roof folds away in just 10 seconds and the boot is a useful 240 litres, whether the roof is up or down. Only Cooper models are available, including one diesel, the Cooper SD, with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.


Only Cooper models are offered, with just one diesel, the 143bhp Cooper SD. The petrol range includes Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, with 120bhp, 181bhp and 208bhp respectively – the latter is capable of 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. All engines are smooth, but the powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engines in the Cooper S and JCW suit the car's playful character best. Remove the roof and the exhaust sounds fantastic, letting out pops and bangs when you lift off the accelerator. The car reacts quickly to your steering inputs and stays flat in the corners, so it's great fun to drive enthusiastically. An automatic rear wing pops-up when you drive faster than 50mph and retracts when you drop below 37mph.