BUYER'S GUIDE: MINI Coupé & Roadster

FROM £4,000 Short-lived two-seat pair aimed at upping the MINI's fun factor for driving enthusiasts

IT'S fair to say that BMW's revival of the Mini marque (before it was even dead, strictly speaking), was an inspired move.

From the day that the first hatch went on sale in 2001, BMW's sub-brand hit buyers' imaginations. The MINI was such a success for BMW that it decided to capitalise on this enthusiasm by expanding the range significantly, with models such as the Clubman and Countryman.

They survived, along with the Hatch and Convertible, but two that didn't make it were built for a relatively short period only: the MINI MK2-based Coupé and Roadster. Intended to be two-seater sporting editions, the Roadster and Coupé put fun ahead of ultimate practicality, and to great effect.

History

THE MINI Coupé went on sale in the UK in October 2011, with the Roadster following six months later. Four variations were available from the outset, and there was no development of the two ranges before they went out of production in 2015.

The entry-level version was the 122bhp Cooper, at £16,640 for the Coupé and £18,020 for the Roadster. Next was the 184bhp Cooper S (£19,775 and £20,905), while at the top of the range was the 211bhp John Cooper Works (£23,795 or £24,860).

All of these models were powered by a 1,598cc petrol engine, but diesel fans could buy a Cooper SD (£20,510 or £21,630), with a 143bhp 2.0-litre motor. Each derivative came with a six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed auto was optional; the latter has a significant impact on fuel economy and hence CO₂ emissions.

How much?

WE found almost 300 Mini Coupés and Roadsters for sale, with slightly more of the former available. You can buy a Coupé for just £4,000, which nets an early Cooper with 80,000 miles on the clock; an equivalent Roadster is priced at £1,000 more.