Vehicle Overview
The Mini Coupe and Roadster are sport-oriented offshoots of the regular Hardtop that have room for two people. The Coupe has a unique helmet-style roof design, and both body styles are available in base and S trim levels, with S models turbocharged for more power. Although there’s no car quite like a Mini, competitors include the Volkswagen GTI, Mazda MX-5 Miata and Scion FR-S.
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New for 2013
Bluetooth connectivity is now standard while the previously standard satellite radio feature is now optional.
Exterior
Compared to the Mini Hardtop, the Coupe’s most noticeable styling difference is its unique helmet-style roof, which eliminates the Hardtop’s traditional hatchback appearance. A deployable rear spoiler extends automatically at speeds above 50 mph, and the sloping rear window makes for a forward-swept liftgate.
The Roadster, meanwhile, has a manual-folding soft-top with a glass rear window. Adding to the Roadster’s sporty attitude are chrome roll bars behind the front seats. Exterior features include:
- Available 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels
- Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Folding power side mirrors
- Hood scoop (S models)
- Optional heated mirrors, washer jets
- Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Optional fog lamps
Interior
The two-seat interior features a center-mounted speedometer in a console that also incorporates the stereo and optional navigation system. The navigation system can update maps through a USB port in the glove box. Cargo room behind the seats is nearly the same for the Coupe and Roadster, with 9.8 and 8.5 cubic feet, respectively. The Roadster’s Openometer tracks how much time you’ve driven with the top down. Interior features include:
- Cloth, simulated leather or leather upholstery in multiple colors
- Standard air conditioning with a climate-controlled glove box; optional automatic air conditioning
- Standard multifunction steering wheel with audio and speed controls
- Optional Recaro sport seats
- Optional heated seats
- Optional Mini Connected system with a 6.5-inch screen, USB/iPod port, smartphone connectivity and voice recognition
- Optional Harman Kardon premium stereo
Under the Hood
A 121-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powers the base model and a turbocharged version with 181 hp powers the S. Both engines require premium gas. Mechanical features include:
- Standard six-speed manual transmission; optional six-speed automatic
- Performance-oriented suspension
- Optional electronically locking differential
Safety
Safety features include:
John Cooper Works
A John Cooper Works version of both the Coupe and Roadster is offered.
John Cooper Works models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 208 hp and 192 pounds-feet of torque. (The engine, according to Mini, can briefly raise boost-pressure when accelerating to achieve 207 pounds-feet of torque.) With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Mini says the John Cooper Works Coupe can hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
Besides the performance upgrades under the hood, these hot-rod Minis also feature unique 17-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and a different exhaust system. As with other Minis, the automaker offers a number of ways to personalize John Cooper Works cars. There are also John Cooper Works dealer accessories, such as a sport suspension. Back to top
