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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 MINI Cooper Roadster

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Overview

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2013 MINI Cooper Roadster Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.2

The 2013 Cooper Roadster takes Mini's trademark brand of British automotive minimalism to a new level. Now in its second year of production and part of Mini's strategy to expand its lineup, the Roadster is a tiny 2-passenger ragtop that emphasizes fun over practicality. The Mini Roadster is available in three trims with progressively mightier engines, of which the John Cooper Works edition ranks highest. Mini Roadsters are zippy, fuel-efficient, immensely nimble vehicles that can also perform surprisingly well on the open highway. But with a base price of $26,250, this small car's big joys don't come cheap. As with vehicles from Mini's parent company, BMW, the Cooper Roadster has impressive fit and finish, and its predicted resale value is strong.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Mini Cooper Roadster has managed to capture the sassy, built-for-fun nature of the Mini Cooper Convertible and condensed it even further. Though it's front-wheel drive, the Roadster is a an ace in the corners.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Roadster is strictly a 2-person affair, and cabin storage room is accordingly miniature. With prices approaching and exceeding $30,000, higher-trim versions can induce sticker shock.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.2
Driving Dynamics

7.8
Comfort & Convenience

5.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.8
Value

7.2
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#2

out of 5

MPG

#4

out of 4

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

10 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 MINI Cooper Roadster Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

As with all other 2013 Mini models, Bluetooth wireless connectivity is now standard on the Roadster, replacing Sirius satellite radio, which becomes an option. A semi-automatic roof and wind deflector are now standard on all Roadsters. John Cooper Works editions get improved fuel economy and the option of an automatic transmission.

Driving the Cooper Roadster

2013 MINI Cooper Roadster Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Mini has done a laudable job of adding structural rigidity to compensate for removing the roof in the Roadster. But doing that has made it heavier than the Coupe, and...

some chassis quiver remains on bumpy roads. On open highways, the Roadster is surprisingly composed. We drove one mostly top-down from New Mexico to California, and were impressed at how solid this car feels on freeways. In twisty mountain passes, the Roadster truly excels with its quick steering. Those willing to do the extra work of shifting for themselves will be treated to an excellent manual transmission that also helps lower the car's acceleration time. In that respect, all but base Roadsters with an automatic transmission feel quick to 60 mph. Hitting that mark in the base auto model takes 10 seconds, but a manual transmission shaves more than a second off. Roadster S and John Cooper Works models get there in the 6-second range.

Favorite Features

6-SPEED GETRAG MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Mini says more than 30 percent of its models are ordered with a manual transmission, and we can see why: They have a splendid one. Short on throws, long on enjoyment, a manual just makes sense in a Mini.

OPENOMETER
Ever wonder just how much fun you're having in the sun? You'll always know with Mini's tongue-in-cheek Openometer feature, which tracks just how much time you've spent properly motoring in your Roadster – that is, with the top down.

2013 MINI Cooper Roadster Details

2013 MINI Cooper Roadster Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

In a word, the 2013 Mini Cooper Roadster's 2-passenger interior is snug. Elbow room is limited, but legroom and headroom are abundant (the latter, of course, unlimited with the top down). The bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. Despite a lot of plastic, interior materials are better than average. Like other Minis, the Roadster is full of idiosyncrasies in its controls, which can be cute at first but frustrating over time, i.e. the tiny toggles used to open the windows. With the top up, rear blind spots are surprisingly large for a car little bigger than a shoe. The Roadster's 8.5-cubic-foot trunk is larger than expected, and offers a trapdoor behind the seats that allows you to stow odds and ends without stopping.

Exterior

Like the rest of Mini's lineup, the Cooper Roadster is descended from the original Hardtop hatchback that debuted over a decade ago. At 147 inches, the Roadster is actually a smidge longer than the Hardtop. But make no mistake: It's still small. The Roadster's ride and handling benefit from a relatively long wheelbase, with the front and rear wheels stretched to nearly the ends of the chassis. Roadsters' front fascias are defined by large, "mezzaluna" grilles that are blacked-out in Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) versions. Like S versions, JCW models boast a hood-scoop intake and twin tailpipes. A small rear spoiler on the trunklid automatically rises at 50 mph.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Mini Cooper Roadster comes with remote entry, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with HD Radio and an auxiliary input, Bluetooth wireless communication, and a heated glass rear window. Base and S models have 16-inch alloy wheels, while John Cooper Works models ride on 17-inch alloys. All models use run-flat tires. On the safety front, there are four airbags, roll-over protection bars behind the seats, and frame and A-pillar reinforcements. Complimentary maintenance such as oil changes, fluid services and brake work is included for the first three years or 36,000 miles.

Optional Equipment

Part of the allure of Mini vehicles is that they are highly customizable. Whether you want white mirror caps, sport stripes or Recaro racing-style seats, a Mini can be ordered as you want it. Mini states there are over 10 million possible configurations, so we won't try to name them all here. Among the notable are a navigation system, a 6-speed automatic transmission, heated front seats, leather interior, a 10-speaker harman/kardon sound system, iPhone integration, an alarm system, and upgrades to the suspension and brakes.

Under the Hood

Like the rest of Mini's model lineup, Roadsters employ a 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, offered in three states of tune for various degrees of power output. The base engine is a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) version that makes an adequate 121 horsepower. S and JCW versions are turbocharged to make 181 and 208 horsepower, respectively. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, with a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters optional. Minis are fuel-efficient vehicles, but require premium gasoline.

1.6-liter inline-4
121 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
114 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35 mpg

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
181 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
177 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,600-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (manual), 26/34 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
192 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,750-5,600
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (manual), 26/34 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Mini Cooper Roadster vies with the 4-passenger Convertible as the most expensive in the model range, with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $26,250. Load up a range-topping John Coopers Works edition, and you can pass the $40,000 mark. At these prices, the 2013 Cooper Roadster eclipses the cost of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 500c convertible, and begins to encroach on that of a Volkswagen Eos. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are actually paying for the Mini Cooper Roadster. In terms of resale value, the Roadster's residuals are expected to hold up very well when your days in the sun are done.

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2013 MINI Cooper Roadster Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

10.0

Out of 10

Based on 3 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

10.0/10

Quality

10.0/10
Reliability

10.0/10

Performance

10.0/10
Comfort

9.7/10

Styling

10.0/10

Fun to drive sports car w/ striking looks!

By Noojin3 (FL) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 162

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Sporty Looks, Performance, Ride & Fuel Econ."

Cons: "only 2 seats; no voice activated Bluetooth"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The 2013 Mini Cooper Roadster is a great sports car with striking sporty looks in which heads turn every time it drives by. I already liked the performance, ride and sporty looks of this car as I upgraded from the coupe in which both were new models in 2012. The roadster has the same great qualities and features of the coupe with the addition of a convertible top. The top is semi automatic which is very nice. You unlock the top manually with the turn of a knob and the top can be powered down and up by the press of a switch. As with the coupe, the ride is comfortable even on long drives, handling and performance is excellent on mountain road driving as well as down the coastline; fuel economy is great and only 1 mph less than the coupe at 35 mph versus 36 mph. This is with the automatic which also has the manual shifting capability which works very well. The trunk is large. I expected the convertible top to eat up the trunk as it does with the Audi A3 and A4, but the top is not stored in the trunk. I have as much room in the trunk as with the coupe. There is room for 2 standard suitcases and a briefcase. Behind the front seats is more storage space enough for two brief cases or sports equipment and a duffle bag. There is also a pass-through from the cockpit to the trunk for skis or other items. Interior luxury is very good with plenty of options. A lot of options are standard, including Bluetooth. Also, the automatic spoiler is great and really helps the car hug to the curves. The only con was the decision by Mini to eliminate the voice activated Bluetooth in all Mini models. (I really liked the feature but many customers found it frustrating at times when the computer misunderstood a number in a phone number as it was spoken, and the driver had to repeat the number again). Overall, I am very pleased with the car so far."

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Hands down, an awesome vehicle!

By texas dirt (TX) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Dynamic driving experience, loads of fun!"

Cons: "Haven't found any!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love this vehicle. I have a black JCW edition roadster, loaded with options. It is fast fun and well designed. Plenty of trunk space for either road trips or trips to your local stores. It is fast, responsive, and fuel efficient. This thing turns heads wherever I go. I've had several fast and fun vehicles over the years, some very desirable, but this is thus far my favorite. Was it costly? Yes, but I believe you get what you pay for and the resale should be reasonably good also. However, I plan to keep this till I die!"

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Love this vehicle

By Red (MD) on Friday, August 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great look, great to drive"

Cons: "Haven't found one yet!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"After driving both a Miata and a TR-7for 20 and 30 years, I am in love with this vehicle. It handles like a dream and the S has all the power to accelerate and handle the mountains. It is so much fun to drive up and down the mountains around all the twists and turns. I am getting about 36 mpg on long trips. This vehicle gives me a sense of security when driving on an interstate, something I did not feel with the other two vehicles. The trunk holds an amazing amount of luggage or groceries. The top is easy to put up or down. Everywhere I stop people admire it. I plan to keep this one for 20 to 30 years."

15 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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