MINI's Roadster, the sixth car in the brand's line-up, has gone on sale with prices starting at £18,015 for the Cooper model.
The new Roadster follows on from the recently launched Coupé model by doing without the rear seats, making the new car the first open-top two-seater in the brand's history. Like the Coupé the Roadster is only offered in 'hotter' variations with the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models all powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with power outputs ranging from 122- to 211hp. The Cooper SD, the solitary diesel offering, is powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre unit.
Despite swapping a hard top for a folding canvas roof the MINI Roadster is (of course) said to retain the famous go-kart handling synonymous with all MINIs thanks to a lower centre of gravity and a rigid body. All cars benefit from DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (though standard in the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster) and an active rear spoiler that automatically pops up at 50mph.
With prices ranging from £18,015 for the Cooper Roadster to £24,850 for the JCW Roadster the drop top range carries a premium of up to £1,375 over its Coupé sibling.
Paul Healy - 31 Jan 2012