Al fresco fun in the new Mini Roadster

Mini has revealed the final production version of its Roadster, a soft-top version of the Coupe which we had reviewed in issue 340. The first ever drop-top Mini to come with just two seats, the Roadster promises to offer a “full-blooded go-kart feeling”, and having driven the tin-top we totally believe it. Just like the Coupe, it’s based on the current Mini Convertible, so dimensions are pretty much the same at 3,734mm long, 1,683mm wide and 1,390mm tall. However, its rides 20mm lower than the other drop-top. Expected to be launched early next year, the Roadster will be available in four variants, three petrol and one diesel. In the base Cooper, the 1.6-litre petrol engine will make 122bhp, while the same engine with turbocharging will produce 184bhp in the Cooper S and 211 horses in the flagship John Cooper Works Roadster. Apart from these Europe will get a 143bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel Cooper SD variant.