MINI
Roadster
2012
2012 MINI Roadster
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Expert Rating
Unavailable
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Select a Trim Price: - From $24,350
2012 Cooper 2dr
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2012 Cooper 2dr
most popular
2012 Cooper S 2dr
Price: - From $27,350
2012 John Cooper Works 2dr
Price: - From $34,500
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Select a Trim Price: - From $24,350
2012 Cooper 2dr
Select a Trim
2012 Cooper 2dr
most popular
2012 Cooper S 2dr
Price: - From $27,350
2012 John Cooper Works 2dr
Price: - From $34,500
Overview
Resuscitated and reinvented by BMW in 2001, the Mini Cooper line has grown and proliferated beyond the expectations of its parent company, and far beyond the vision of Sir Alec Issigonis, who designed the 1959 original.
The 2012 Mini Roadster is the sixth and most recent addition to the modern Mini lineup, a soft-top front-wheel-drive two-seater that's a first-ever model for the brand, BMW revival or original. It brings affordable sports car fun to a segment that previously consisted of one car, Mazda's MX-5 Miata. Although the Mini Roadster's price range soars higher than the Miata's, pricing for the next group of roadsters, all German brands, begins well over $40,000.
All the revivalist Mini variants were developed from the 2001 three-door Hardtop. However, the Roadster, as well as the recently introduced Mini Cooper Coupe, is more directly descended from the 2+2 Convertible. Coupe and Roadster were designed simultaneously, but the Coupe preceded the Roadster in the U.S. market by about four months, and immediately drew mixed reviews for its awkward looking roofline.
The Mini Roadster substitutes a conventional folding soft top for the Coupe's hard roof, yielding a look that's a little more conventional and distinctly more appealing. With the soft top stowed in the well behind the seats and the rear decklid spoiler deployed (automatic at 50 mph or more, but manually operable as well), the Roadster becomes a brawny little sports car with the active persona of a Jack Russell terrier.
Like other entries in the Mini Cooper collection, the Roadster offers three levels of engine power, all delivered by the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. With direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, it's on the cutting edge of current internal combustion technology. The basic version is naturally aspirated, whereas turbocharging adds thrust to the variations offered in the higher-performing S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models.
Two transmissions are available for the basic and S versions, a 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed automatic. The latter offers a manual operating mode, but is a conventional automatic. The more powerful JCW model is limited to a manual transmission.
Respectable fuel economy is a strong suit for all Minis, and the Roadster is no exception. Standard and S models both carry EPA ratings of 27 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway or 26/34 mpg City/Highway for the Mini Roadster S automatic. The numbers fall only slightly with the JCW version, to 25/33 mpg.
The Mini Roadster's soft top is stretched over a span of sheetmetal at its leading edge, which serves as a tonneau cover when the top is snugged down behind the seats. Top stowage doesn't subtract from trunk capacity, which is respectable by small roadster standards. The top secures to the windshield header with a single latch, and is easily raised and lowered by hand, though a power option is available.
Even in larger scale versions such as the Clubman wagon and Countryman crossover, Minis place a high priority on fun-to-drive, and the Roadster arguably delivers more of it than anything else in the growing lineup. It's quick on its feet, responsive, and eager, and the snug two-seat cockpit provides the sense of intimacy, driver engagement, and open air motoring that make roadsters so entertaining.
There are caveats, practicality foremost among them. Like any small two-seat convertible, the Mini Roadster's strong suit is driving entertainment. Considered as an all-around automotive implement, though, the elements that make it appealing as a driver's toy limit its usefulness for more mundane motoring chores such as hauling multiple passengers, bulky cargo, or both.
The suspension tuning that makes the car a blast to drive on a smooth stretch of twisty country road renders its ride quality distinctly unpleasant when the pavement is punctuated by warts, potholes, and sharp bumps. Also, wind noise stifles conversation above about 60 mph with the top up.
Nevertheless, the Mini Roadster rolls onto the sports car stage as an appealing new entry at the affordable end of the two-seat spectrum, with the same blend of sassy styling and snappy handling that separates all Minis from the herd.
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 121 HP / 118 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
6-spd man w/OD
Available:
6-spd Steptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 35 / 31 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
2
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 1.6L I-4 / 121 HP / 118 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Front-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 27 / 35 / 31 Mpg |
Brakes | 4-wheel Disc |
Front Suspension | Strut |
Rear Suspension | Independent Multi-link |
Spare Tire And Wheel | |
Fuel Tank | 13.2 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $50 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 8.5 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | |
Exterior Length | 146.8 " |
Exterior Width | 66.3 " |
Exterior Height | 54.5 " |
Front Headroom | 39.6 " |
Rear Headroom | |
Front Legroom | 41.7 " |
Rear Legroom | |
Front Shoulder Room | 50.3 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 2,635 Lbs. / 2,712 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 97 " |
Turning Radius | 17.5 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 2 Doors |
Wheels | 16.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Aluminum |
Paint | Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Stripe / Metallic Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Power Remote / Dual Power Remote Heated |
Bumpers | Body-colored / Body-colored With Chrome Insert |
Grille Moldings | Chrome |
Rear Spoiler | Power |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | Seat Mounted |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | Seat Mounted |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | Front |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | Directionally Adaptive |
Parking Sensors | Rear |
Security Systems | Security System |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable | Immobilizer |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 48 Months / 50,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 48 Months / 50,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Roadside Assistance Months | 48 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 144 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months |
Used 2012 MINI Roadster for Sale
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