MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) Review

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The MINI Roadster offers all the fun and style you associate with the brand, but in a two-seat sports car. Although in production for a relatively short period of time, it’s worth seeking out.

+Looks more sporty than the MINI Convertible. Enjoyable to drive.

-Rear visibility isn’t great when the roof is raised. Some of the materials are starting to show their age.

Insurance Groups are between 19–37
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

The idea of a two-seat MINI Roadster soft-top was great – all the fun of a MINI in a sportier package. It didn’t quite catch on as hoped, but it makes for an interesting and able rival to the Mazda MX-5 and its sister car, the Fiat 124 Spider, as well as the Audi TT Roadster. Even hot hatches such as the Renault Clio RS are in its sights. Read on for our full MINI Roadster review.

With the MINI Countryman and the sporty MINI Coupe, MINI’s model range was expanding fast.

And although there was already a MINI Convertible model in the line-up, the brand decided to add a more focused two-seater MINI Roadster.

It’s not much good if you have children, but where the rear seats used to be is a larger, more practical boot.

The MINI Roadster is similar in style to the MINI Coupe, but while the latter has a fixed metal roof, the former came with a folding fabric one.

It can be raised or lowered in eight seconds at speeds up to 20mph, so you really can do it at traffic lights. It doesn’t affect the 240-litre luggage area, either. 

The canvas roof is lighter and less complex than a metal one, which means the MINI Roadster is lightweight and has a low centre of gravity, so none of the famed MINI handling is lost. 

The MINI Roadster is fun to drive on country roads and offers good performance, with an entertaining exhaust note, precise steering and head-turning looks. It’s offered with a selection of petrol engines ranging from 122PS in the MINI Roadster Cooper to 211PS in the MINI Roadster John Cooper Works. There’s also a 143PS diesel.

Much like the rest of the MINI range, there were hundreds of customisation options, covering everything from the caps on the mirrors to little lights behind the door handles, as well as plenty of colours, stripes and various different alloy wheel designs.

As a used car, the MINI Roadster is an intriguing sports car alternative to the more obvious Mazda MX-5, and it has a loyal band of followers in the MINI community.

Fancy a new MINI Convertible? Read our review here.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The MINI Roadster is good fun to drive, rivalling some sports cars for engagement. It’s decently refined, too, although rough, uneven surfaces can highlight an occasionally bouncy ride.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Handling and ride quality

The MINI Roadster was pitched as a sports car, and the brand singled out the Audi TT Roadster and the Mazda MX-5 as key rivals.

In terms of driving enjoyment, it doesn’t disappoint.

The gearchange is satisfying and the steering direct and well weighted, which inspires confidence through bends. Over smoother roads, the MINI Roadster is extremely composed and doesn’t feel flustered.  

It’s not perfect, though. Over rougher, more uneven surfaces, the MINI Roadster is bouncy, which isn’t great for comfort. This problem is less pronounced in the diesel model, though, with its heavier engine.

With the roof down, it’s easy to hold a conversation, even at motorway speeds. There is wind noise, but it’s far from intrusive and at B-road pace the MINI Roadster is a perfectly serene environment.

The exhaust note sounds good and it’s enhanced when the ‘sport’ button is pressed. Sport mode also weights up the steering and sharpens the throttle response. 

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Engines

The MINI Roadster is available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine or a 1.6-litre petrol, the latter of which is available in three outputs – 122PS, 184PS and 211PS.

The sweet spot is probably the MINI Roadster Cooper S model, which provides plenty of enjoyable and usable performance.

Peak torque is 240Nm, available between 1600-5000rpm, plus there’s an overboost facility to push that up to 260Nm for overtaking.

It makes for quite exhilarating pace and the exhaust even pops and crackles when you back off, adding to the experience – particularly with the roof down.

The diesel engine gives the MINI Roadster a completely different character. It’s quiet and refined, save for a little bit of clatter at start up, while it delivers a healthy 305Nm of torque between 1750 and 2700rpm.

Keep it in the power band and it surges forward, but without the same exhaust note it feels much more grown-up. It will be better suited to long-distance touring. It’s the most efficient engine in the range, too.

All cars come with ‘Minimalism’ technology, which reduces fuel consumption by way of a stop/start system, brake energy regeneration and a shift indicator. 

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Safety

Every MINI Roadster comes with four airbags as standard, plus ESP traction and stability control. It also has ABS anti-lock brakes.

The MINI Roadster makes a feature of its twin roll hoops, which are for real-world safety as much as style.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Towing

No towing capacities were quoted for the MINI Roadster, largely as it was never expected that any owners would want to use it for hauling.

As a result, the MINI Roadster is not rated to tow any sort of trailer.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
Cooper 50 mpg 9.2 s 133 g/km
Cooper Automatic 43 mpg 10.5 s 154 g/km
Cooper S 47 mpg 7.0 s 139 g/km
Cooper S Automatic 43 mpg 7.2 s 153 g/km
Cooper SD 63 mpg 8.1 s 118 g/km
Cooper SD Automatic 52 mpg 8.3 s 143 g/km
John Cooper Works 42 mpg 6.5 s 157–169 g/km
John Cooper Works Automatic 39 mpg 6.7 s 153–169 g/km

Real MPG average for the MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

28–63 mpg

MPGs submitted

46

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) interior

Interior Rating
The MINI Roadster’s interior looks the part, but there are some niggling flaws. And there is no disguising that it is now feeling its age compared with more contemporary offerings.
Dimensions
Length 3728–3758 mm
Width 1892 mm
Height 1384–1391 mm
Wheelbase 2467 mm

Full specifications

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Practicality

A minor niggle is the seat height, which is a little high for a sports car, even at its lowest setting.

The biggest problem, though, is the visibility when the roof is in place – there’s just a small rear window to peer through, and no over-shoulder visibility at all, which can make oblique junctions and lane changes tricky.

Nonetheless, the MINI Roadster has a comfortable interior with plenty of character.

Switches for the windows, roof and various other minor controls are reminiscent of old aircraft buttons, which is an interesting juxtaposition against the modern infotainment screen, if specified.

The roof is raised and lowered electrically in eight seconds, but it must be locked or unlocked from the windscreen manually.

When retracted, it folds neatly behind the seats, with no impact on the fairly generous load space of 240 litres. Refinement is acceptable when the roof is in place, but there’s more wind noise than you’d get in a car with a folding metal roof. 

There’s a decent-sized glove compartment, storage behind the seats and a through-hatch for golf clubs, skis or snowboards.

There are also cubby holes under the centre stack, cup-holders and usefully large door pockets.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Quality and finish

Anyone familiar with the MINI hatch of the same period will recognise the interior of the MINI Roadster.

It’s got the same ‘pod’ rev counter and oversized speedo. Everything feels solid and well screwed together, but there are some areas that feel a little dated now, with harder plastics where you might expect to find soft-touch materials.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Infotainment

The MINI Roadster comes with MINI Connected Services, which was the company’s take on hooking up your smartphone to the car.

It’s not a patch on current Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems, but it does let you access some functions via the 6.5-inch screen in the middle of the central speedo.

You also get DAB radio and Bluetooth, plus an Aux-in port.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) value for money

Value for Money Rating
Although it’s a sporty soft-top, the MINI Roadster comes with the same affordable running costs as the hatchback version. Prices for used versions are affordable, but aim for a well kitted out model.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Prices

You can find decent MINI Roadsters from £4500 with 75,000 miles on the clock, but we’d look to spend £1000 more for a car that comes with plenty of additional kit specified when the car was new.

This larger budget will cover most petrol models and the diesel, but a MINI Roadster Cooper S or MINI Roadster John Cooper Works will add £1000 and £4000 respectively to that for an 11-year old model.

Go for a car from the end of the car’s production life and prices tickle up across the range by around £2500, which gets you a motor that’s covered less than 30,000 miles since new.

MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015): Running Costs

When the MINI Roadster was launched, it came with fuel economy ranging from the frugal MINI Roadster SD turbodiesel’s claimed 62.8mpg all the way to the still decent 38.7mpg of the potent MINI Roadster John Cooper Works model.

Our Real MPG data shows the MINI Roadster John Cooper Works pretty much achieves its target, while the MINI Roadster SD offers 52mpg in normal driving. The MINI Roadster Cooper claimed 49.6mpg and delivers a true 37mpg, while the MINI Roadster Cooper S was touted as offering 47.1mpg and achieves a real 40mpg.

When it comes to paying road tax, the MINI Roadster Cooper is easiest on the wallet from the petrol range thanks to its 133g/km carbon dioxide output. This means you pay £190 per year at the time of writing, while the MINI Roadster Cooper S will cost you exactly the same annually with its 139g/km emissions.

The diesel MINI Roadster SD emits 118g/km and pays road tax of only £35 per year, which is much more appealing than the petrol-powered MINI Roadster John Cooper Works’ levy of £305 due to its 169g/km.

Servicing costs for the MINI Roadster will match those for any MINI variant with the same engine.

Getting insurance cover for the MINI Roadster needn’t be costly, as the MINI Roadster Cooper sits in Group 19 with the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Go for the MINI Roadster SD diesel version and that rises to Group 24. The more potent MINI Roadster Cooper S and MINI Roadster John Cooper Works models sit in groups 32 to 37 (out of 50), so you’ll pay more for their premiums.

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MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) models and specs

The three trim levels start with the MINI Roadster Cooper, which comes with a DAB radio, Aux-in, active rear spoiler, air-conditioning and a sport button.

There’s also dynamic stability control (DSC), heated washer jets and mirrors, parking sensors, roll-over hoops, sport stripes and a tyre pressure monitor.

The MINI Roadster Cooper S and MINI Roadster Cooper SD models come with the same equipment as the MINI Roadster Cooper, but with the addition of sports seats.

Opt for the MINI Roadster Cooper JCW and you get the same equipment as the MINI Roadster Cooper S and MINI Roadster Cooper SD, but with the addition of an Alcantara steering wheel, aerodynamic styling kit, uprated brakes and twin exhausts.

MINI also offered a dazzling array of options and packs for the MINI Roadster, and while these accoutrements are welcome, don’t pay any extra for them on used models.

Dimensions
Length 3728–3758 mm
Width 1892 mm
Height 1384–1391 mm
Wheelbase 2467 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1120–1290 kg
Boot Space 240 L
Warranty 3 years / Unlimited miles
Servicing 18000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit / Run-flat tyres
Alternative Run-flat tyres/ Spacesaver
Costs
List Price £18,295–£26,310
Insurance Groups 19–37
Road Tax Bands C–H
Official MPG 38.7–62.8 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2019

Roadster
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 Cooper 2dr £18,295 49.6 mpg 9.2 s
1.6 Cooper S 2dr £21,180 47.1 mpg 7.0 s
1.6 Cooper S Steptronic 2dr £22,395 42.8 mpg 7.2 s
1.6 Cooper Steptronic 2dr £19,435 42.8 mpg 10.5 s
1.6 John Cooper Works 2dr £25,035 41.5 mpg 6.5 s
1.6 John Cooper Works Steptronic 2dr £26,310 38.7 mpg 6.7 s
2.0 Cooper SD 2dr £21,895 62.8 mpg 8.1 s
2.0 Cooper SD Steptronic 2dr £23,200 52.3 mpg 8.3 s

On sale until October 2015

Convertible
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Cooper 122 Auto 2dr £19,430 42.8 mpg 10.5 s
Cooper 122 2dr £18,295 49.6 mpg 9.2 s
Cooper S 184 2dr £21,180 47.1 mpg 7.0 s
Cooper S 184 Auto 2dr £22,390 42.8 mpg 7.2 s
Cooper SD 143 2dr £21,925 62.8 mpg 8.1 s
Cooper SD 143 Auto 2dr £23,200 52.3 mpg 8.3 s
John Cooper Works 211 2dr £25,030 41.5 mpg 6.5 s
John Cooper Works 211 Auto 2dr £26,215 38.7 mpg 6.7 s

Model History

November 2011

MINI Roadster launched

Hot on the wheels of the MINI Coupe comes the launch of the sixth unique model in the line-up, the MINI Roadster.

The semi-automatic operation of the tailored soft-top roof means rapid opening and closing, and it doesn't affect the MINI Roadster's practicality in any way. This is a versatile two-seater with a stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, generous 240-litre luggage area and through-loading system.

Selling alongside the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman and Coupé, the MINI Roadster will arrive in UK showrooms next spring. As with the recently launched MINI Coupé, all variants of the MINI Roadster carry the Cooper name in their model titles. Full details of standard and optional equipment on each will be released nearer the launch. A wide range of accessories and personalisation choices will be available.

Model

OTR Price

CO2

(g/km)

MPG

(Combined)

Power

(hp)

Top Speed

(mph)

MINI Cooper Roadster

£18,015

133

49.6

122

124

MINI Cooper S Roadster

£20,900

139

47.1

184

141

MINI Cooper SD Roadster

£21,630

118

62.8

143

132

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster

£24,850

169

38.7

211

147

Key to the MINI Roadster is its unique canvas roof. The tailored soft-top offers robust, all-season durability with an easy opening and closing semi-automatic operation as part of the standard specification. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car's elegant lines intact. And since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover.

With an exterior length of 3,734 mm (see panel for model variations), a width of 1,683 mm and a wheelbase of 2,467 mm, the MINI Roadster's footprint closely mirrors that of the MINI Convertible. However, the elegant roofline is more than 20 mm lower than its four-seater sibling, allowing the Roadster to cut a distinctive, low-slung and visually stretched stance.

The package includes sports seats fitted as standard in the MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, which provide outstanding lateral support during cornering.

Two-seater roadsters have a tendency to lack practicality but that's not the case with the MINI Roadster. It has a 240 litres of luggage space, plus the high-opening tailgate, low boot sill and ski hatch make for simple loading. The MINI Roadster also comes with large door bins, three cupholders, and a cross-rack behind the seats.

Power for the MINI Roadster comes from the latest generation of fuel-efficient BMW Group four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Outputs range from 90 kW/122 hp in the MINI Cooper Roadster to 155 kW/211 hp in the highly desirable flagship MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. MINI's performance diesel engine, the 105 kW/143 hp Cooper SD launched earlier this year, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 135kW/184 hp.

Fuel economy stretches from 38.7mpg to 62.8mpg, while CO2 emissions are as low as just 118g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster emits only 169g/km. A full technical breakdown for each model is given below.

Engine variants:

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI twin scroll turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 - 5,600 rpm
(280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 - 5,100 rpm).
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds,
top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.3 litres/100 kilometres (38.7 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI twin scroll turbo Turbo technology.

Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm,
max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 - 5,000 rpm
(260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,730 - 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds,
top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 litres/100 kilometres (47.1 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km.

MINI Cooper Roadster: Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology.

Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds,
top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (49.6 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Roadster: Four-cylinder turbodiesel with MINI twin scroll turbo technology.

Displacement: 1,995 cc,
output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 - 2,700 rpm.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds,
top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph).
Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 litres/100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 118 g/km.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

17-05-2017:

Report of degas pipe of 2014 MINI Cooper S Roadster coming adrift in the 'Smart' section of the MI, forcing the driver to carry on and resulting in total engine failure. Owner quoted £11,500 for a new engine, ridiculously including a £1,600 diagnostics fee to discover that the engine was toast.

14-09-2018:

Report of engine failure at 21.991 miles of 2012 Mini Cooper 1.6 Roadster purchased new and maintained by BMW MINI dealer (5 stamps in book). Driving at 70MPH when the car started running a bit lumpy. The display read “drive moderately if problem persists contact MINI service “. Owner slowed down to 40MPH but it was getting worse so stopped and called breakdown service. They thought might be a blown head gasket as expansion bottle was empty and oil filler cap was contaminated. Barons Mini Stansted told owner that the cylinder head core plug was gone and a new engine was fitted at a cost of £6762.70 with MINI goodwill contribution of £2765.67 making it £3997.03.Its done 21991 miles with 5 stamps in service book.

What does the MINI Roadster (2012 – 2015) cost?