The Roadster is the sixth model to join MINI’s line-up, and the drop-top complements the Coupe that was launched earlier this year. The MINI Roadster is the first-ever two-seater convertible for the MINI brand, and the company aims to target the Mazda MX-5 with the new Roadster.

The MINI Roadster measures 3,734mm long, 1,683mm wide and 1,390mm tall, but it is a strict two-seater only, unlike the standard MINI Convertible. Other changes include a more steeply raked windscreen and a height that has been reduced by 20mm. Boot space is also doubled over the MINI Convertible at 240 litres, thanks to the removal of the rear seats. MINI also promises a more "go-kart feeling" than the four-seat Convertible thanks to the lower centre of gravity, bespoke chassis set-up, improved rigidity and optimized aerodynamic properties.

The Roadster features the same engine line-up as the Coupe, with four powerplant options available. The base Cooper variant will have a 1.6-litre petrol which produces 122bhp, the Cooper SD diesel version will have a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 143bhp, the Cooper S will have a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 184bhp, and the top-line John Cooper Works variant will have a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 211bhp.

Source: MINI