With an exterior length of 3, 734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 3, 728 millimetres, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 3, 758 millimetres), wheelbase of 2, 467 millimetres and width of 1, 683 millimetres, the dimensions of the MINI Roadster largely mirror those of the MINI Convertible. However, standing just 1, 390 tall (MINI Cooper Roadster: 1, 384 millimetres, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1, 391 millimetres), i. e. more than 20 millimetres lower than its four-seater soft-top stablemate, the new two-seater cuts a distinctive, low-slung and elegantly stretched figure from the side.
Roadster's individual and unmistakable style follows in the MINI tradition.
The principles of the MINI design language are faithfully reflected in the body design of the new concept. For example, the athletically taut surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines typical of MINI cars are complemented by a sloping windscreen frame raked by an extra 13 degrees over the MINI Convertible, a short passenger compartment distilled around two seats, and a flat boot lid. The polished stainless steel roll-over bars are another striking feature. The designers went to great lengths with the three-dimensional sculpting of the bars, which are padded at the front and include a mount for the optional wind protection insert.
The MINI Roadster's waistline rises up slightly along the length of the body to its tail end, producing an elegant silhouette which gives the MINI Roadster an unmistakable allure - with the roof open or closed. This visual appeal is further emphasised by a wraparound chrome trim strip at the base of the windows and roof. A windscreen frame that is more heavily raked and tapers upwards more sharply than that of the MINI Convertible also gives it a clearly distinguishable and undeniably sporting impression when viewed head-on.
In customary MINI fashion, the powerful over-the-wheel stance of the new Roadster also plays a defining role in its appearance. The car's brand identity is further emphasised by distinctive design features such as the hexagonal contours of the radiator grille, the black border around the lower part of the body, an array of chrome strips and edging, large circular headlights with integrated direction indicators, vertically stacked rear lights positioned on the outer extremes of the rear end, and the eye-catching side indicator surrounds on the front side panels.
Clean, classic and black: the manually operated soft-top roof.
Another example of the faithful transposition of MINI design into the compact roadster template comes in the form of the robust, all-season durability of the soft-top roof. When closed, the roof - which shares the simple style of classic British roadsters - "cascades" downwards, broadening as it heads towards the body and underlining to fine effect the powerful over-the-wheel stance. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car's elegantly sweeping lines intact. And since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover.
In keeping with British roadster tradition, the roof is black. A range of two non-metallic and six metallic paint shades are available for the exterior of the MINI Roadster. Sport Stripes - available in Black, Silver and (exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster) Red for the bonnet and boot lid - allow owners to add an extra personal touch. The optional Chrome Line Exterior trim adds chrome surrounds for the lower air intake and rear foglamp.
The light-alloy wheels fitted as standard on the MINI Roadster come in 15, 16 or 17-inch formats, depending on the model variant. A selection of other light-alloy wheels are available as an option in the same sizes.
Interior design: bespoke range of options offers the key to individuality.
The interior of the MINI Roadster features - in typical brand style - a large Centre Speedo and a rev counter positioned directly behind the steering wheel. The sports seats fitted as standard in the MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster offer outstanding lateral support through quickly-taken corners. The colours of the interior, meanwhile, also help enhance concentration on the road ahead. Regardless of the combination of upholstery variant, trim elements and Colour Lines chosen by the MINI Roadster owner, the interior colour remains Carbon Black.
The customary MINI variety of seat and upholstery variants includes ultra-exclusive piped sports seats in the colour shade Toffy. Added to which, black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige-coloured perforations are also available.
Trim strips can be ordered in any of six variants, while an extra Chili Red option is also offered for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. A choice of five Colour Lines is available; the Polar Beige variant, for example, can also be combined with beige-coloured exterior mirrors. The Chrome Line Interior package can be specified as an option, and includes chrome rings and trim elements for the Centre Speedo, rev counter, air vents, gearshift lever gaiter, the cupholders on the centre console, the door openers, the stereo speakers in the doors, the seat belt outlet and the handbrake lever.
The MINI Yours range, meanwhile, offers an additional selection of extremely exclusive exterior and interior design options, including Soda bonnet stripes in White, MINI Yours Tattoo Funky adornments and a leather-covered instrument panel.
