- Cooper S and JCW variants have responsive 1.6-litre turbocharged engines
- Impressive dynamics
- Sensitive, fast-ratio steering
- Firm ride
- In-cabin noise and soft-top roof lacks insulation
- Poor rear visibility with roof up
- For petrol engines, reports of premature wear of the timing chain tensioner
Overview
Released in March 2012, the Mini R59 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a manually operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Cowley, England, the front-wheel drive R59 Roadster range initially consisted of Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants, though a Cooper variant was introduced in November 2012.
Engines
Of the engines,
- the Cooper had a naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre ‘Prince’ engine which had 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 and soft-top
Compared to the R57 Cabrio , the R59 Roadster was 29 mm longer (at 3728 mm) and 30 mm lower (1384 mm), though width (1683 mm) and wheelbase length (2467 mm) were unchanged. The Roadster, however, had a black, soft-top roof which was opened by turning a lever on the windscreen frame through 130 degrees and swiveling the roof behind the seats (where it would lock into place). To close the roof, a button between the roll-over bars needed to be pressed in order to extend the roof out of its anchorage points; the roof could then be pulled forward – using a recessed grip and assisted by gas-pressure springs – and fixed into place.
Steering and suspension
The R58 Coupe had electro-hydraulic power steering system, MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper | 1.6-litre petrol I4 |
6sp man., 6sp auto |
90 kW at 6000 rpm | 160 Nm at 4250 rpm |
| 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 Mini Roadster 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 was fitted with 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 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 immobiliser; models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.
As standard, the Roadster was fitted with an active rear spoiler which would automatically deploy at 80 km/h and retract at 60 km/h.
The John Cooper Works variant was further equipped with run-flat tyres, sports suspension and a ten speaker Harman Kardon sound system; the John Cooper Works was also fitted with an electronic differential lock. Visually, the John Cooper works variant could be identified by its twin racing stripes and tinted headlights.
Related links
- Specifications: MINI R59 Roadster (October 2011)
- Press Kit: MINI R59 Roadster (January 2012)
- Specifications: MINI R59 Roadster (November 2013)
- Specifications: Mini John Cooper Works – Clubman, Cabrio, Coupe, Roadster, Countryman and Paceman (September 2013)
- Wikipedia.org: MINI R58 Coupe and R59 Roadster
