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MINI Roadster
About MINI Roadster
Mini’s 2-seat Roadster for 2015 fills the void left by the demise of such classic British roadsters as the Triumph Spitfire and TR6. Unlike these vintage 2-seaters, however, the Mini Roadster is neither anemic nor unreliable. To create the Roadster, the Cooper convertible has been rethought, offering less passenger space but a larger trunk and a big boost in performance. Though not as sleek as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Roadster, nevertheless, has a charm all its own. Like the Fiat 500c, the 2015 Mini Roadster offers three different engine choices, including the high-output John Cooper Works edition. But where the Roadster outmuscles both the Fiat and Mazda, its $27,000 starting price makes it a much more expensive prospect.
Changes to the Mini Roadster for 2015 include the addition of rain-sensing wipers and automatic climate control as standard equipment.
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.
The 2012 Mini Roadster is a first for Mini. Although there were open-top versions in the original range, and a 2+2 convertible among the current models, this is the first-ever 2-seater drophead (British for "convertible").
Consumer Reviews
Love this vehicle
By Red on Friday, August 17, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
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."
28 people out of 33 found this review helpful
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A car to be loved.
By Greg on Tuesday, May 3, 2016
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Open top ride, nibble, and fast response"
Cons: "Like most convertibles noises develop overtime"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"We've had the roadster for some time now (soon 3yrs and 30k miles) and it's always such a pleasure to drive it anywhere with it. We did a 2,500 miles road trip last summer and it was a blast. For us the choice was somewhat easy. If you're looking for a convertible with character, a certain luxury feel, practical for two, and still affordable, the MINI roadster is a great pick over more expensive convertible, or the more cheap feel options. No questions MINI are fun to drive. This is not your most sporty roadster but it makes for a better everyday car and accommodate road travel nicely. It is the most enjoyable car I've driven and for us it remains one of the most convenient convertibles we looked at. Often convenience is expressed in passenger seats and trunk space. Comparing practical use with other convertibles is often miss leading. We don't have passengers most of the year which makes passenger seats a poor choice for space, and the roadster has great storage capacity with the top down which can't be said of many convertibles. So to us it is a really a convenient convertible. So far the biggest concern I would have is the interior part assembly starting to loosen up just a little. Yes, it is always the issue with convertibles and MINI is probably not the best in terms of part assembly longevity quality. Having said that I must be fair and express the other side of the coin. It is still a car you feel has been built by people. In other words there is a more personal touch to it and one can easily develop some attachment. We hope to keep this one for as long as we can. 10, maybe more years!"
7 people out of 9 found this review helpful
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Maximum love for my Min Roadster
By UpforTopDown on Thursday, August 15, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 750
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "peppy, fun, and economical on gas"
Cons: "no auto-up on windows"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Vey well thought out approach o the Roadster class of cars with only a few missing exceptions for a 2013 model: no auto up windows, no built in garage door opener, and the windscreen is left over from Tonka Toy days, making it very hard to see at night as it is not clear. i am looking for an aftermarket product for that. despite these shortcomings in a German-engineered car, the driving is lovely although i previously drove a quattro TT that makes all other driving pale by comparison for handling curves. Peppy, reliable, and great mileage. Trunk is roomier than i thought it would be, and the shelf actually works there. Bluetooth microphone is very good but not great on the receiving end, but i hear everyone just fine. miniapp on the iphone is very good for internet radio too, and an entire year of Sirius radio is a plus. Gas tank nozzle holder is a bit shabby, so be careful when you fill up. Tricked out price was still 30K short of replacing the TT with a new TTS, and with the difference, i can enjoy a lot of holidays. haha."
15 people out of 20 found this review helpful
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