- Responsive 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines
- Impressive dynamics
- Sensitive, fast-ratio steering
- Unlike Mini R59 Roadster , useful luggage space
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Poor rear visibility
- Some examples have in-cabin rattles and vibrations
- For petrol engines, reports of premature wear of the timing chain tensioner
Overview
Released in March 2012, the Mini R58 Coupe was a two-seat coupe with a high-opening rear tailgate. Manufactured in Cowley, England, the front-wheel drive R58 Coupe range initially consisted of Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants, though a Cooper variant was introduced in November 2012.
Engine
Of these engines,
- the Cooper had a naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre ‘Prince’ engine with a cast aluminium cylinder block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve lift (based on BMW’s ‘Valvetronic’) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1;
- the Cooper S engine added a twin-scroll turbocharger (with boost pressure limited to 0.8 bar), common-rail direct injection, infinite intake camshaft adjustment, sodium-filled outlet valves (for greater cooling) and the compression ratio was lowered to 10.5:1; and,
- The John Cooper Works engine increased boost pressure to 1.2 bar, had a stronger cylinder head and valves, a modified air intake, free-flowing exhaust and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Furthermore, both the Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants had a ‘Sport’ driving mode which – when engaged – would provide greater throttle response as well as increased steering resistance and feel.
Dimensions
Compared to the R56 Cooper , the R58 Coupe was 29 mm longer (at 3728 mm) and 29 mm lower (1378 mm), though width (1683 mm) and wheelbase length (2467 mm) were unchanged.
Suspension and steering
The R58 Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension; the R58 Coupe also had an electro-hydraulic power steering system.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper S | 1.6-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
135 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 1600-5000 rpm (O/boost: 260 Nm at 1700-4500 rpm) |
| John Cooper Works | 1.6-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
155 kW at 6000 rpm | 260 Nm at 1850-5600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the R58 Mini Coupe included dual front airbags, seat-mounted head/thorax airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, cornering brake control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Cooper S had 294 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 259 mm solid rear discs, while the John Cooper Works had 316 mm ventilated front discs and 280 mm solid rear discs.
Features: Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW)
Standard features for the Cooper S Coupe included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod), climate control air conditioning, leather trim, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, bi-xenon headlights with washers, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser. Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.
The John Cooper Works variant was further equipped with run-flat tyres, sports suspension and a ten speaker Harman Kardon sound system; an electronic differential lock was also fitted as standard. Visually, the John Cooper works variant could be identified by its twin racing stripes and tinted headlights.
Specifications
- Specifications: MINI R58 Coupe (March 2012)
- Specifications: MINI R58 Coupe (November 2013)
- Specifications: Mini John Cooper Works – Clubman, Cabrio, Coupe, Roadster, Countryman and Paceman (September 2013)
Related links
