2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster
For the first few days I had the 2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster I kept muttering, “I’m getting old.” The little sportster’s rough ride, invasive road noise and playful character were at odds with my middle-aged disposition. Yet gradually, like a German/British fountain of youth, the MINI began to bring my vitality and love of driver’s cars back, such was its eager, enthusiastic nature.
The rev-hungry 181hp four that powers most of the S models was part of the reason, with terrific throttle tip-in, little turbo lag, and a hunger for the redline that was addictive. Combined with a perfectly weighted gear lever and clutch, super-smooth shifts—up or down—were child’s play (unlike the otherwise excellent 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe reviewed here). Not only is the MINI fast, with 60 coming up in just about six seconds, but it is admirably frugal as well; I managed to surpass the EPA estimated average of 29mpg (combined) whilst driving with all the verve anyone could, on a regular basis. The only disappointment was the exhaust note, which was so restrained and apologetic as to make me wonder what the engineers were thinking. The otherwise soundly-beaten Abarth 500 (tested here) just sounds so much more like a little sports car should.
The Roadster exhibited the trademark MINI dynamics of brutal ride (even without the optional, firmer Sport suspension) that is due partially to the runflat tires, and is exacerbated by the cheap interior plastics rattling and rubbing against each other. The flip side is a zest for corners that make most vehicles—and even many sporty ones—feel inert and lifeless. The Roadster turns in—now!—and blasts around corners with such élan it is exhilarating. Steering is high-geared and very direct, yet settles down enough at freeway speeds to keep the MINI from feeling over-nervous. But it never stops being noisy, top up or down, and is quite fatiguing on longer runs.
But the Roaster is practical; the trunk is very roomy, there’s lots of space behind the two seats, and the top goes up and down quickly. It’s like a less expensive Porsche Boxster in all these areas, and it gets even more attention, with most of that being positive.
MINI has been very successful in the US, exceeding even parent company BMW’s expectations, and as they have grown they have given us more and more niche products, such as the Roadster. It is loud, brash and unashamedly flaunts its polarizing styling to the world. More please.
EPA ratings: 26/35; 29mpg combined
Price as tested: $33,845
Here is what MINI thinks of their 2014 Cooper S Roadster.
Compare to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe here.
