Electric Car Guide

MINI Roadster

April 18, 2012 By Green Car Guide

The MINI Cooper SD Roadster will offer open-top two-seat fun whilst also returning 62.8mpg along with 118g/km CO₂.

The 184 hp Cooper SD Roadster will cost £21,630; the petrol 122 hp Cooper Roadster is cheaper at £18,020 and will still manage 49.6mpg along with 133g/km CO₂.

All versions of the MINI Roadster come with ‘MINIMALISM’ environmental technology as standard, including features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components. Additional features include thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with speed-sensitive assistance is standard, and a Sport button on the centre console, standard on all MINI Roadster models, allows the driver to adjust the car’s steering characteristics and accelerator responses. If the optional six-speed automatic gearbox is specified, pressing this button also shortens shift times.

The standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system selectively brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide. The system includes ABS anti-lock braking, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assistant. DSC also adds DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) for the driven axle as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster and as an option on all other model variants.

The soft-top roof has a semi-automatic operation, and will work at speeds of up to 20 mph. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats. There’s even 240-litres of luggage space.

The all-new MINI Roadster is the sixth unique model in the MINI line-up and is the first open-topped two-seater in the company’s history. It’s also built in the UK at Plant Oxford.

The MINI Roadster will arrive in UK showrooms in spring.