Supermini Shootout: MINI Cooper S Roadster

For a car company whose name basically means 'small', MINIs oddly come in all shapes and sizes. There are hatchbacks, estates, SUVs, and now two-seater sports cars thanks to the new MINI Roadster. Packing a 184bhp punch from its familiar 1.6-litre turbo engine, the Cooper S version we tested at SMMT is pitched to do battle with proper sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GT86. It might sound unlikely, but with a Cooper S featuring a few optional goodie packs weighing in at over £23,000, this is serious sports car money.

So, what do you get for your wedge? Well, brace yourself MINI fans, but for a first MINI experience the Roadster S was slightly disappointing. The rock-hard 'sport car' ride doesn't really agree with typical British roads, and can make the stiff, pert little rear really lively. Not that you can see what's happening at the back, as the rollover hoops and pop-up spoiler fill the rear-view mirror completely.

There's also a dead spot of turbo lag to endure before the motor winds itself up - once it does, you’ll get 0-60 in 7 seconds. Keep it on boost and it’s a perky performer, but it’s not just the speed numbers which climb – insurance is group 32, and you won’t be seeing MINI’s claimed 47mpg any time soon.

It does make a proper parpy hot hatch noise from its twin central exhausts though, which you can enjoy with the fabric roof lowered as long as you're under 6 foot - buffeting can get a bit extreme if you're of a lanky persuasion.

If you’re small enough to be comfortable inside it, the Roadster does have a trademark classy interior. There’s chrome, leather, a whacking great infotainment screen in the middle of the speedo and a real quality feel to everything you touch. If you’re into the retro scene you simply can’t do better. And of course, it’s endlessly customisable to your personal tastes.

It's a strange car, the MINI Roadster Cooper S. It's beautifully made, chuckable to drive and sounds the part, but it's not quite the true sports car MINI might hope. The stiff ride also harms its crucial posing credentials, and you'll pay for the privilege of being seen in one. Our advice is to check out the rest of MINI’s maxi-sized range before deciding whether the Roadster is best for you.

Sitting writing these thoughts in scorching (rare) British sunshine though, I’m thinking I’d quite like another crack at the topless tearaway – it’s close to being a young’uns’ dream summer car.

Car Throttle Cool Rating: 6/10