If you're familiar with the recently launched MINI Coupé then you know what to expect from the Roadster. It shares that car's two-seat cabin with through-loading to a relatively large boot. The biggest news is the adoption of a manually-operated fabric folding roof. It had been assumed that an electric roof would be used, but MINI opted for the fabric version to save weight - and ease packaging no doubt. Indeed, MINI makes a big deal of the fact that the Roadster has the lowest centre of gravity of any of its current models.
Obviously that should enhance the all-important 'go-kart' handling. Like the Coupé, only the more performance oriented engines are offered. Entry-level is the 1.6-litre Cooper Roadster with 122hp. The Cooper S comes in petrol and SD diesel forms, while the top of the range is a 211hp John Cooper Works (JCW) model. All versions are driven from the front wheels, and while a six-speed manual gearbox is standard, an automatic transmission is offered on all variants other than the JCW.
Equipment levels will mirror those of the Coupé.
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