Changing everything but nothing at all - as intriguing as it may sound, the notion is actually possible. Take the 911 for example - a good number of automobile enthusiasts would agree that Porsche has been at it for decades, and is without doubts the best at it.
In MINI's case, it seems that family expansion plans got the better of it - the marque needs to churn out a variety of new variants to boost its production volume, yet at the same time retaining its identity. In that sense, the latest drop-top offering seems to fit snugly into the new philosophy - exterior wise there is no doubt that the Roadster is more of an evolution than revolution.
We bring you the first two-seater convertible in MINI's illustrious history.
Exterior
The roadster is distinctively MINI - steeply raked A-pillars, roundel headlamps, wheel-at-each-corner layout, and purposefully squat stance. The A-pillar, in fact, is more steeply raked than the 2+2 Cooper variants, cutting the roadster's height by 20mm.
Distinctively MINI - Aesthetics are more of an evolution on the Roadster
In MINI's case, it seems that family expansion plans got the better of it - the marque needs to churn out a variety of new variants to boost its production volume, yet at the same time retaining its identity. In that sense, the latest drop-top offering seems to fit snugly into the new philosophy - exterior wise there is no doubt that the Roadster is more of an evolution than revolution.
We bring you the first two-seater convertible in MINI's illustrious history.
Exterior
The roadster is distinctively MINI - steeply raked A-pillars, roundel headlamps, wheel-at-each-corner layout, and purposefully squat stance. The A-pillar, in fact, is more steeply raked than the 2+2 Cooper variants, cutting the roadster's height by 20mm.
Distinctively MINI - Aesthetics are more of an evolution on the Roadster  |
Elsewhere, there is not much to differentiate the Roadster from the earlier Coopers, and not surprisingly the more recent Coupe which the Roadster was heavily based on.
One may realise that the Roadster has its woven-top kept snugly behind the anti-roll bars, without taking up precious boot space. This also means that the simple structure frees up more room for rigidity strengthening - a crucial aspect to any drop-top offering.
The Roadster's A-pillar is more steeply raked than the 'standard' Coopers, resulting in a 20mm reduction in height  |
Interior
Like its external sheet-metal, much of the Roadster's interior is carried over from its stablemates. In the shoes of the brand's loyal followers, the Roadster is a harmony of heritage and modern functionality at play.
The larger-than-life speedometer encircles a LCD screen, which acts as a display for the on-board infortainment system. The latest MINI still lacks the much-needed centre glovebox - in its place are a couple of less-functional cup holders.
The Roadster optimises limited boot space with clever designs; tray behind seats are good for flat items but lacks supportive structure
Like its external sheet-metal, much of the Roadster's interior is carried over from its stablemates. In the shoes of the brand's loyal followers, the Roadster is a harmony of heritage and modern functionality at play.
The larger-than-life speedometer encircles a LCD screen, which acts as a display for the on-board infortainment system. The latest MINI still lacks the much-needed centre glovebox - in its place are a couple of less-functional cup holders.
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Like the earlier variants, the Roadster has some clever tricks up its sleeves when it comes to space management, such as the through-load opening for longer items. Equally handy is the trenched boot, which comes tagged with a cargo net.
Comparatively, the Roadster packs a decent boot space amidst its drop-top competitors. Cabin wise, even with its top down, one would find commensurate head room, a novelty trait that would please the vertically-inclined.
As a whole, the cabin feels well put together, with high-perceived quality of the materials used. In true MINI-style, hardy for the everyday use, with nick-bits of niceties that are unique - a nod to the funky characteristic of the marque.
Comparatively, the Roadster packs a decent boot space amidst its drop-top competitors. Cabin wise, even with its top down, one would find commensurate head room, a novelty trait that would please the vertically-inclined.
As a whole, the cabin feels well put together, with high-perceived quality of the materials used. In true MINI-style, hardy for the everyday use, with nick-bits of niceties that are unique - a nod to the funky characteristic of the marque.
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The Drive
In every bit a MINI should be, the go-kart-ish driving characteristic is very much alive and kicking in the Roadster. Now blessed with access to the open skies, any manoeuvres is intensified by the external elements. For instance, the cross-winds would make one feel more at speeds than in an encumbered environment.
In its more potent 'S' trim, the twin-scroll turbocharger propels the Roadster more vigorously than many others that shares a similar powerplant (think Citroen and Peugeot). Presumably, the tight chassis package coupled with stiff springs add to the launching sensation, although, the force-induced engine is not without the usual lags.
While enthusiasts will welcome the spruced-for-performance damping, the rigid settings seem a tad one-dimensional, especially when it is comes to experiencing it over the pocketed local roads.
The local Roadster variant receives a manual fabric folding-top. That's right - a hand-operated drop-top with no electronic aids. Although operation of the roof is relatively straightforward, one may however, lament on having to get out of the cosy cabin to work the chore, whereas in most others a simple flick of button would have had it accomplished. The twist on the locking mechanism may also invite comments from members of the fairer sex as it does require a flex of the wrist muscles to work.
In every bit a MINI should be, the go-kart-ish driving characteristic is very much alive and kicking in the Roadster. Now blessed with access to the open skies, any manoeuvres is intensified by the external elements. For instance, the cross-winds would make one feel more at speeds than in an encumbered environment.
In its more potent 'S' trim, the twin-scroll turbocharger propels the Roadster more vigorously than many others that shares a similar powerplant (think Citroen and Peugeot). Presumably, the tight chassis package coupled with stiff springs add to the launching sensation, although, the force-induced engine is not without the usual lags.
While enthusiasts will welcome the spruced-for-performance damping, the rigid settings seem a tad one-dimensional, especially when it is comes to experiencing it over the pocketed local roads.
The local Roadster variant receives a manual fabric folding-top. That's right - a hand-operated drop-top with no electronic aids. Although operation of the roof is relatively straightforward, one may however, lament on having to get out of the cosy cabin to work the chore, whereas in most others a simple flick of button would have had it accomplished. The twist on the locking mechanism may also invite comments from members of the fairer sex as it does require a flex of the wrist muscles to work.
Conclusion
Remarkably, the Roadster feels just as robust as its hard-top stablemates, suffering only from a wee-bit of rigidity compromise - all thanks to the room for additional strengthening in the absence of the rear seats.
The stiff ride may not be to everyone's liking, but put simply, one in search for a comfortable drop-top ride wouldn't have roped a Cooper S Roadster into his or her shopping list.
In short, the Cooper S Roadster offers an open-top motoring experience that is unsurpassed by any in its segment - one helluva drive it is.
Remarkably, the Roadster feels just as robust as its hard-top stablemates, suffering only from a wee-bit of rigidity compromise - all thanks to the room for additional strengthening in the absence of the rear seats.
The stiff ride may not be to everyone's liking, but put simply, one in search for a comfortable drop-top ride wouldn't have roped a Cooper S Roadster into his or her shopping list.
In short, the Cooper S Roadster offers an open-top motoring experience that is unsurpassed by any in its segment - one helluva drive it is.
