Mini does enough to make an impact
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Roadster and Coupe have huge potential in the niche car market
It’s amazing how Mini has been able to maintain its high popularity in the Thai market.
The brand sold 385 vehicles in Thailand last year through the official dealership and is rated as one of the most popular imported models the niche car market has to offer.
Globally, Mini – which is owned by BMW AG – is attempting to expand its product range, and the Roadster featured today is the sixth model from the Mini lineup as well as being the first open-top two-seater Mini.
Before driving the Mini Roadster in Portugal last month, I had previously driven the Coupe version, which offers pretty much the same package minus the rag top.
The Coupe, with six-speed automatic transmission, is priced at Bt2.89 million while the retail pricing of the Roadster has not been officially announced, and is expected to be unveiled close to the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show later this month.
As I finally figured out why car companies like to stage test drives for convertibles earlier in the year when the weather in Europe is freezing (summer is buying season for convertibles), the Thai test drivers arrived at Lisbon airport where the cars were lined up for the international media.
It was cold outside (about 10 degrees Celsius) but there was enough sunshine to convince me and my partner to leave the top down. The canvas roof can be opened and closed manually without too much trouble, and in both positions the luggage compartment offers a storage area of 240 litres.
The Coupe is about 20mm lower than the four-seater MiniConvertible, and has sportier design cues, such as the angle of the front windscreen that has been raked by an additional 13 degrees.
Personally, I thought that the Coupe was a little strange-looking and attention-grabbing, but the Roadster helps lower the awe level to a more pleasant neighbourhood.
The test cars were available only with six-speed manual transmissions, although the model destined for Thailand will be available with a six-speed automatic like the Coupe. Well, an improvement is that there is no torque steer, unlike the automatic that is a little tricky to handle when taking off at full throttle.
Power comes from a turbo-charged 1.6-litre engine capable of pumping out 184hp and 240Nm (there’s also an overboost function that raises max torque to 260Nm allowing for safer overtaking). I’d say that this is about the right power for the Mini – acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7 second flat and top speed is claimed at 227km/h.
There also will be a 211hp John Cooper Works version for those who crave for more power, but in my experience getting the engine’s power to the ground would be an achievement in itself.
The gearbox feels a little rubbery here, and it isn’t the easiest to shift if you move the lever too quickly. But Thai customers will be going for the automatic anyway so this wouldn’t be a problem.
A Sport Button on the centre console – standard in the case of the Mini John Cooper Works Roadster and optionally available for all other model versions – allows the driver to adjust the car’s steering characteristics and accelerator responses. If the optional six-speed automatic gearbox is specified, pressing the Sport Button also shortens shift times.
What you’ll notice is the “backfiring” sound effect that is engaged when you lift off the throttle. Quite fun, actually, as you mentally take on the role of a race driver. Reminds me of the same engine sound concept in the Volkswagen Golf GTi. The handling is always superb in the Miniand the Roadster doesn’t disappoint. The precise steering and grippy suspension provide an exciting experience whether while taking tight mountain corners, or long, high-speed motorway curves.
At the rear is an electric-powered spoiler that pops up at 80km/h to give the car added rear downforce, and automatically retracts when the speed drops to 60km/h.
Brakes are vented discs all-round, which come with a load of electronic assistance systems.
According to Mini, the standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system selectively brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide. The system includes ABS anti-lock braking, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assistant.
There are plenty of safety systems, too, ranging from airbags to rollover protection system.
The Roadster (and Coupe), are definitely the most entertaining Minis that I’ve driven, and I’m confident that it would become a hit in the niche car market.
MINI Cooper S Roadster specs
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with turbocharger
Displacement: 1,598cc
Bore and stroke: 77.0x85.8mm
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Max power: 184hp/5,500rpm
Max torque: 240Nm/1,600-5,000 (260Nm overboost/1,730-4,500rpm)
Transmission: six-speed manual
Ratios: 3.308/2.130/1.483/1.139/0.949/0.916
0-100km/h: 7sec
Top speed: 227km/h
Suspension (f/r): McPherson struts, anti-dive/multi-link
Steering: powered rack-and-pinion
Turning circle: 10.7 metres
Brakes (f/r): vented discs/vented discs
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 3,734
Width: 1,683
Height: 1,390
Wheelbase: 2,467
Track (f/r): 1,453/1,461
Weight (kgs): 1,185
Wheels: 16-in alloys
Tires: 195/55R16
Fuel tank capacity (litres): 50 litres
Price: n/a
Distributor: MINI (Thailand) Co
