True to the brand's principles, the Roadster retains the MINI design and go-kart handling, while the manual fabric roof it incorporates follows the tradition of British roadsters.

On hearing the name MINI ten years ago, two models came to mind. Either the archetype of Sir Alec Issigonis, or Frank Stephenson's retro revival (Mini Cooper New), which when presented the 2001 charmed the public with its retro design, the beautiful curves and go-kart handling.

Yes, in the coming years, the commercial success of the Mini Cooper was so great that it did not leave the people of Mini idle. So, quickly the range of bodies began to be enriched. First with the Convertible, then with the Clubman, Countryman, Coupe and now with the Roadster. It seems, finally, that tactic that wins, you don't change her...

The Roadster is Mini's sixth model and second (after the Cabrio) which features a fabric opening roof. In fact, this is manual, intentionally by the Mini people, so that the open-close is not complicated and at the same time refers to traditional British roadsters.

The process is relatively easy in theory, since to open the roof (which will be available exclusively in black) all you have to do is unlock by turning the relevant lever on the windshield frame and lower it, while to close it press a button in front of the roll bars. Subsequently, it unfolds assisted by gas springs/shock absorbers. Last move is to secure it again. In practice, however, the whole process is relatively difficult to do from the driver's or passenger's seat, so you may have to get out of the car (or find the right technique). And this is a disadvantage in a sudden downpour.

For this, the option of a semi-automatic roof is also available, which opens and closes approx 8 and 10 δλ. respectively, while the whole process can be done with the car moving up to 30 km / h.

Regarding the external dimensions, as is the Coupe, so the Roadster is based on the hatchback version and its length is longer by 35 mm. than the equivalent of the Mini Convertible. More detailed, the length is in 3.734 mm., the width at 1.683 mm. and the height at 1.390 mm., while the wheelbase is set at 2.467 mm.

Nevertheless, unlike the Convertible, the Roadster only has two seats, while the windshield also has a smaller inclination 13 degrees. The overall height is lower by 20 mm. (1.390 mm.), while in terms of spaces, the absence of rear seats, almost doubled the trunk capacity (240 λτ.) So, now two suitcases fit comfortably, even if the luggage compartment is not completely flat.

In fact, in relation to the Convertible, thanks to the lower center of gravity, in improved aerodynamics, in the minimal transfer of the weight to the front axle and in the best rigidity of the frame by 10%, the Mini Roadster has a little more pleasantness, go-kart driving. We had the opportunity to drive it in Lisbon, Portugal and were so pleased with the chassis, as well as from the margins of adhesion and the suspension, which seems to be a bit softer than the hatchback. The steering wheel as always is direct and rich in information, the rimmed wheels on the body give the feel of a kart and so on, combined with the familiar, excellent engine of 184 horsepower of the S version you prefer the provincial network to the National Road. Wherever there is the Mini Roadster is particularly stable, while even at high speeds, the fabric roof does not sound annoying. With the roof down, the air turbulence in the cabin is limited, however you need (as in most convertibles) a hat or cap for the head.

End, in terms of powertrains, these are the same as the Coupe. More specifically, At the base of the Roadster range is the Cooper version of the 122 horses (0-100 The day for the draw of the two lucky ones 9,2 δλ. and final 199 km / h). As known, above we meet their supercharged Cooper S 184 horses (0-100 The day for the draw of the two lucky ones 7 δλ. and final 227 km / h), while at the top is placed the John Cooper Works version of 211 horses. In everything,what about the diesel options, the present will be given by the 2-liter version of the Cooper SD 143 horses (6,5 δλ. – 237 km / h) . A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while the Mini Roadster is optional (except for JCW) also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Source : autotriti.gr