With its eyes set on conquering a slice of the convertible market from the popular Mazda MX-5, MINI has revealed the final production version of the Roadster. The Roadster is the soft-top variant of the Coupe introduced earlier this summer, and is the sixth model to be added to MINI's line-up as well as the first open-top two-seater in the brand's history. 
As is the case with the Coupe, the Roadster is based on the current Mini hatchback so it doesn't come to much of a surprise that its dimensions largely mirror those of the Mini Convertible at 3,734mm long, 1,683mm wide and 1,390mm tall. However, unlike the Convertible, the Roadster has space only for two with other changes including a more steeply raked windshield (by 13 degrees) and a 20mm lower height. The absence of the rear seats has almost doubled the capacity of the boot that stands at 240 liters.
The British brand also promises a more "go-kart feeling" than the four-seat Convertible thanks to the lower center of gravity, bespoke chassis set-up, improved rigidity and optimized aerodynamic properties.
Besides the soft top, there are no other cosmetic differences inside or out between the Coupe and the Roadster, while the engine offerings are the same.
In Europe, the Roadster will launch next spring in four flavors including the base Cooper with a 122HP 1.6-liter petrol, the Cooper SD with a 143HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel, the Cooper S with a 184HP 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol and the flagship John Cooper Works model fitted with a 1.6-liter turbo petrol pushing out 211HP.
In North America, the Roadster will most likely be available exclusively with gasoline engines.
Transmission choices include a standard 6-speed manual gearbox for all models and a 6-speed automatic for all variants aside from the JCW.
