Mini Cooper Roadster

Overview: Is the Mini Cooper Roadster a Good Sports Car?

The Mini Cooper Roadster is a two-seat convertible variant of the iconic Mini Cooper. As a sporty and stylish drop-top, it aimed to provide an engaging driving experience and a fun open-air motoring option during its 2012-2015 sales run in the U.S. Despite its short lifespan, the Roadster's unique combination of Mini Cooper charm and convertible thrills makes it an attractive choice for buyers seeking a compact and spirited two-seater that won’t break the bank. The Mini Cooper Roadster is frequently cross-shopped against the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Mini Cooper Roadster cars for sale.

Find a used Mini Cooper Roadster near me.

Related: The MINI Cooper Roadster Years to Avoid

Key Features

The Mini Cooper Roadster offers:

• Two-seat convertible body style
• Front-wheel drive
• 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, including turbocharged options
• 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Available John Cooper Works (JCW) performance package

Trims

The Mini Cooper Roadster has three trims: Base, S, and John Cooper Works (JCW). The Base model is well-equipped with features like a soft top, sport seats, and a six-speaker audio system. The S trim added a more powerful engine, larger alloy wheels, and additional amenities. The range-topping JCW trim offers the highest performance, with an upgraded engine, sport suspension, and exclusive styling elements.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Mini Cooper Roadster's unique two-seat layout is cozy but focused on driver enjoyment. The sport seats are supportive and provide adequate legroom. There’s a small storage area behind the seats. The car’s snug feel complements its character. Available technology features include a Harman Kardon audio system, a navigation system, and Mini Connected infotainment. Cargo space is limited, with a small trunk that offers a modest 8.5 cubic feet of storage.

How It Drives

The Mini Cooper Roadster's driving dynamics are a highlight, with sharp handling, responsive steering, and a firm but compliant ride. Its low-to-the-ground stance gives off go kart vibes. The Base model is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower, while the S trim features a turbocharged version of the same engine with 181 horsepower. The JCW trim boasts 208 horsepower and even sportier suspension tuning. All models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although most are equipped with an optional six-speed automatic. The Roadster's compact dimensions make it well-suited for city driving.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the Mini Cooper Roadster.

Reviews

Mini Cooper Roadster reviews on Kelley Blue Book are excellent, with an average rating of 5/5. The Roadster gets top marks for quality, reliability, performance, and styling.

Learn More: Are Mini Coopers Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

FAQs

Why was the Mini Cooper Roadster discontinued?

The Mini Cooper Roadster was discontinued after the 2015 model year due to several factors, including slow sales, changing consumer preferences, and Mini's decision to focus on core models like the Hardtop and Clubman. The Roadster's niche status as a two-seat convertible in an SUV-focused market likely contributed to its short production run.

Which MINI Cooper is the fastest?

Among the Mini Cooper Roadster models, the John Cooper Works (JCW) trim is the fastest, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower. This allows the JCW Roadster to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 147 mph.

What is the difference between a Mini Cooper Roadster and a Mini Cooper Coupe?

The main difference between the Mini Cooper Roadster and the Mini Cooper Coupe is their roof design. The Roadster features a retractable soft top, allowing for open-air driving. The Coupe, on the other hand, has a fixed hardtop roof with a unique "helmet" design. Both models share similar two-seat layouts and performance options.

How much horsepower does a Mini Cooper Roadster have?

The Mini Cooper Roadster's horsepower output varies depending on the trim level. The Base model has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower, while the S trim features a turbocharged version of the same engine with 181 horsepower. The range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) trim boasts 208 horsepower from its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine.

Check out a Mini Cooper Roadster for sale.