After the MINI , MINI Clubman , MINI Cabrio , MINI Countryman and MINI Coupe , now comes the sixth variant: the MINI Roadster , to complete a range of more varied, with which the brand under the umbrella of BMW is to a blow on the table and make it clear that, given the barrage of competing models that try to imitate them, they are the true kings of this disputed segment.
The operation of folding / unfolding is fairly quick and easyThis first roadster brand of British origin, is a direct descendant of a model presented not many months ago.We refer to MINI Coupé about which I offered full information at the time . But the operation has not been as easy as simply removing the roof. We performed a thorough reinforcement work at to achieve adequate torsional stiffness, as well as maintaining adequate levels of safety to their occupants. All this without penalizing an excessive overhead (although some weight gain if there is …). It should also be noted that due to the presence of a canopy made of textile material, the center of gravity of the vehicle is lowered, which positively influences behavior to maintain a flexible and accurate, as sought by buyers of this model.
Linked to the above, include the presence of a stainless steel roll bars, padded on the front, which help to enhance the aesthetics of the MINI Roadster, as it moves top down, while, along with the enhanced framework of the windshield guarantee an adequate protection of occupants in a rollover accident.
The “family” MINI has a new member …But if there is an element that characterizes this unique model is the presence of a soft top , easy folding and unfolding, which gives it great versatility while providing protection to its occupants with only two adverse weather conditions. The system used is quite simple and intuitive, and can take place with one hand without difficulty. If we enjoy the air on our faces, there is nothing more than turning the locking lever is in the windshield frame and support the hood until completely folding the rear seats, which will be collected and will not be perfectly need for a cap. For its size the process is practically the contrary unless the prior release, pressing a button between the two roll bars. With the hood, black, closed, does not detract from the aesthetics at all, assimilating his silhouette more so that of his brother Coupé.
Sticking with the exterior, we see more similarities, as well as the presence of an automatic retractable spoiler that rises when it reaches a speed of 80 km / h and returns to its resting position when the speed drops below 60 km / h .Can also be activated manually, the driver will, by its corresponding command located under the windshield.Depending on the brand, this wing is able to generate an additional burden of about 40 kilograms when the car reaches its maximum speed.
As for the engines, so far only be offered four variants, all “old” known to us all. These are:
• John Cooper Works MINI Roadster : petrol engine uses a four-cylinder 1598 cc, with technology Twin-Scroll Turbo MINI to achieve an output of 211 hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 260 Nm. To get speed from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 237 km / h. Average fuel consumption is 7.3 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 169 g / km.
• MINI Cooper S Roadster : Use a gasoline engine with four cylinders and 1598 cc Twin Turbo technology-Scroll MINI.On this occasion the power supplied is 184 hp at 5,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 260 Nm. The time required to accelerate from standstill to 100 km / h is 7.0 seconds. The maximum speed is 227 km / h and average consumption drops to 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions reach a value of 139 g / km.
• MINI Cooper Roadster -uses the less powerful petrol engine and is also four-cylinder with variable valve, Valvetronic technology thanks to the “house mother” BMW. The displacement of 1,598 cc is also, so that the power output is 122 hpat 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 160 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.2 seconds and top speed is 199 km / h. Average fuel consumption is 5.7 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions are 133 g / km.
• MINI Cooper Roadster SD : Finally I could not miss in the range variant fitted with a turbo four-cylinder engine with variable geometry turbo and 1,995 cc, delivering an output of 143 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 305 Nm .With all that this diesel-powered model accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds and achieves a top speed of 212 km / h. The average consumption is the lowest of all, with just 4.5 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions also very low with 118 g / km.
The only “but” is limited luggage capacityThe only “but” is a limited carrying capacity in the very small trunk, since its volume is even lower than the Coupé, settling for just 240 liters , maybe enough for a quick getaway as a couple on a weekend, but not the weekly shopping for the whole family.
As is the norm in the house, there is an extensive catalogwith numerous customization possibilities (both external and internal) as well as various “gadgets” with which“customize” the model to make it unique. So far they have not been provided or prices, nor the date of marketing of this highly anticipated roadster.
Now I leave my own point of view: If I had enough money to purchase and maintain two vehicles, I have very clear that the MINI Roadster occupy one of the places in my garage.
