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Mini Roadster R59 Cooper 1.6 (122 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mini Roadster:
The Mini Coupé and Mini Roadster are two-seater sports cars that were engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW under the Mini marque between 2011 and 2015.
The hardtop Coupé was unveiled in June 2011 and formally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. Production was shown in the 2011 documentary Megafactories. It is the first two-seater Mini. It was joined by a convertible version called Mini Roadster in 2012, following its showing as a concept car in 2009. The Coupé is known by the internal code R58 and the Roadster by code R59....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R59 Overview:
Mini Roadster (R59). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1120 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 199 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mini Roadster R59 was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, it shares its platform with the Mini Hatch (R56), which received a 5-star rating in 2007, suggesting a solid underlying safety structure.
Cooper 1.6 (122 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
More engaging than the automatic version, offering a nimble feel for city driving and spirited backroad fun, though not overtly fast.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a petrol roadster, making it a reasonable choice for everyday use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging and fun handling characteristics
- • Distinctive and stylish design
- • Open-top driving experience
- • Good fuel economy options (especially diesel)
- • Compact size for city maneuverability
Cons:
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and small boot
- • Firm ride quality may not suit all drivers
- • Some engine variants (N14/N18) have known reliability concerns
- • Higher price point compared to some rivals
- • Interior space can feel cramped for taller occupants
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mini |
| Model: | Roadster |
| Generation: | R59 |
| Modification (Engine): | Cooper 1.6 (122 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 76.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N16B16A |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.2 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 199 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.2 kg/Hp, 108.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 142.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1120 |
| Max. weight: | 1410 |
| Max load: | 290 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 240 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3728 mm mm |
| Width: | 1683 mm mm |
| Height: | 1384 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2467 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1459 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1467 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 134 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/65 R15 84H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Does the Mini Roadster live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!