MINI has officially unveiled its first-ever open-top two-seater- the gorgeous MINI Roadster.
The model range includes MINI Cooper Roadster (90kW/160Nm, 1.6-litre petrol), MINI Cooper SD Roadster (105kW/225Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel), MINI Cooper S Roadster (135kW/240Nm, turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol)) and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster (155kW/260Nm, turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol).
With a wheelbase of 2,467mm, the MINI Roadster is almost the same size as the MINI Convertible , but the new two-seater is 20mm lower and the windscreen is 13-degrees more raked – giving the Roadster a stretched, low-sling look which stands out.
The MINI Roadster’s soft-top is operated manually via a single lever on the windscreen frame. The beautifully tailored soft-top then cascades into position – just like the classic British soft-tops from yesteryear.
And – also in the tradition of British roadsters – the roof is only available in just black colour while the usual wide variety of customizable exterior and interior hues provide MINI Roadster buyers with the expected variety.
Practicality is not overlooked – the high-opening tailgate and low boot lip provide easy access to the 240-litre luggage space (with a through-loading aperture for long items).
Safety is predictably impressive with twin padded rollover bars behind the seats and an active rear spoiler deploys above 80km/h and provides up to 40kgs of aerodynamic downforce.
No word yet on local prices but the MINI Roadster will join the Australian lineup early next year.
