Review Spec Price and Manual

The next exciting chapter in the continuing MINI success story has begun with the launch of the all-new MINI Coupé, the fifth unique model in the family.

Selling alongside the MINI Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman, the British-built MINI Coupé is the first two-seater sports car in the UK brands long and proud history. Its a contemporary and authentic reworking of the classic performance car concept, bringing MINIs intoxicating blend of go-anywhere attitude and practicality to a new type of customer.

The MINI Coupés mission is a simple one; to maximise the thrill of being behind the wheel. Keen drivers will be rewarded with a level of handling agility unmatched in the small car segment. Every aspect of the MINI Coupé - from the choice of engines and chassis set-up to weight distribution and aerodynamics - is focused on delivering the optimum dynamic performance. To prove the point, the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé has the fastest acceleration and top speed of any volume-produced MINI to date.

The four-strong MINI range will go on sale through MINI dealers from 1st October 2011 and MINI Coupé customers can expect an exceptionally high standard of equipment including; DAB digital radio, air conditioning, park distance control, alloy wheels, 3-spoke sport leather steering wheel and sport stripes on the body work. A wide range of accessories and personalisation choices will be available.

Striking styling meets practicality
Key to the MINI Coupés appeal is its stunning exterior design, unlike anything else in the compact sports car segment. Immediately identifiable as part of the MINI family, its a genuine and appealing re-interpretation of the classic MINI design cues which have become so familiar on UK roads in the last decade. The cars design language - the clever combination of athletically sculpted surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines - takes the brands styling in an exciting new direction, with a fresh and clear emphasis on the marques sporting DNA.

The MINI Coupé is also an innovative new vehicle. Its the first modern MINI to adopt the traditional three-box body structure, splitting the car into distinct segments - the engine compartment, cabin and boot. While the overall length and width are almost identical to the dimensions of the MINI Hatch, the Coupés overall height is 29 millimetres lower. Visually, this and the stepped rear end give the car a more aggressive, forward-thrusting profile. The lower roofline doesnt come at the expense of driver and passenger comfort, though. Oval recesses in the headlining provide extra headroom, perfectly illustrating MINIs no compromise ethos.

The styling team led by Head of Design Anders Warming has given the MINI Coupé a distinctive appearance from every angle. The most striking view is undoubtedly the profile, with horizontal layering of the car into three separate tiers - the body, the wrap-around glass and the eye-catching helmet design roof. The A-pillars and windscreen are sharply raked by 13° compared to the MINI Hatch, resulting in a smaller frontal area that gives the MINI Coupé excellent aerodynamic properties.

Air flow is also optimised by the integrated spoiler at the rear of the roof, and via a unique active rear spoiler housed in the bootlid. It deploys automatically when the car reaches 50mph - and drops down again at 37mph - but can be operated manually via a button in the overhead control panel. The Coupé is the first MINI in history to feature an active rear spoiler, which reduces lift at the rear axle to improve aerodynamic balance and road grip.

MINI enthusiasts will immediately recognise the interior of the Coupé. The much-loved large central circular speedo, chrome toggle switches and numerous other MINI trademark features are all present in the two-seater cabin.

Behind is a spacious 280-litre luggage area - 20 litres larger than the MINI Clubman - easily accessible by the driver or passenger from inside the cabin as well as externally via the boot. The large, high-opening tailgate makes for simple loading and the car offers excellent cargo-carrying possibilities that will suit a wide range of needs. Whether its for daily routine, fun weekend leisure trips or more adventurous touring for two, the MINI Coupé is ideal transport.

Tried and tested engines
Power for the MINI Coupé comes from the latest generation of BMW Group four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Outputs range from 122 hp/90 kW in the MINI Cooper Coupé to 211 hp /155 kW in the highly desirable flagship MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. The recently launched performance diesel engine, the 143 hp/105 kW Cooper SD, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 184 hp /135kW.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8mpg in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model, while CO2 emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé emits only 165g/km. The full technical specification for each model is given below.

Likely to prove popular with many potential MINI Coupé customers is the Cooper SD variant, which offers the best fuel economy, lowest emissions highest torque output of any MINI. Whats more, it will still sprint to 62mph in under eight seconds and carry on to a top speed of 134mph. With a BIK value of just 13%, and zero first year road tax, user chooser company car drivers and fleet managers will also see its obvious appeal. No official figures are available yet, but the MINI Coupé is expected to have class-leading residual values.

Outstanding MINI dynamics and record-breaking speed
In the MINI Coupé, engine power is converted into pure driving fun more directly and comprehensively than ever before. This car is the clearest illustration yet of MINIs legendary sporting DNA being transposed into a cutting-edge new vehicle. The MINI Coupé provides a complete re-interpretation of what a contender in the compact sports car class should offer the driver.

The MINI Coupé takes the legendary go-kart handling of every new MINI to a new high. That each of the four model variants carries the Cooper name in its designation is indicative of MINIs faith in the performance credentials of its newest car. Traditionally, this badge has been a sign of outstanding sporting ability and a nod to the brands long-time association with legendary Formula One designer John Cooper.

A level of chassis quality unmatched in the small car segment gives the new MINI model the handling flair you would expect from the brand. Designed to be the ultimate expression of go-kart handling, the cars suspension system provides a fun-filled, sharp and agile driving experience.

With a multi-link axle at the rear and MacPherson strut suspension up front, the outstanding quality of the chassis engineering, steering and brake system ensures confident control of the vehicle at all times, even when pushed hard in dynamic situations. Compared to the MINI Hatch the Coupé is also equipped with optimised springs and dampers and an uprated rear anti-roll bar to further enhance its sporting credentials.

Work to enhance overall body rigidity has seen a slight forward shift in the MINI Coupés weight distribution compared with the MINI Hatch. This has major benefits for vehicle dynamics because the slight increase in front axle load increases traction, helping to ensure engine power is effortlessly translated into sporty acceleration.

A low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase measuring 2,467 millimetres, and a front and rear track width of 1,459 mm and 1,467 mm respectively also contribute to the sure-footed handling. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is standard across the MINI Coupé range and makes an important contribution to safe and agile handling. In extreme driving situations and on slippery surfaces the system can selectively brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide at the earliest possible stage. The system includes integral ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) is on the options list but standard on MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.

The optional Sport Suspension has firmer damper settings and comes with uprated anti-roll bars front and rear. For a more hard core racing experience, the MINI Coupé accessories range includes a John Cooper Works Suspension, with a 10 mm drop in ride height, ultra-firm damping and further upgraded anti-roll bars.

One of the main attractions of owning a new MINI Coupé will be its straight-line speed. In the case of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, its a MINI record-breaking performance. With a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, its the fastest volume-produced MINI to date on both counts.

MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard
All versions of the MINI Coupé come with the brands critically acclaimed MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard, providing exceptional powertrain efficiency. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop+, Shift Point Display+, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include innovative thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start. All of these result in the MINI being the cleanest Coupé in the market place today.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox sets a new benchmark in the segment with its short-shift travel and precise action. A ready-to-drive weight of 44.8 kilograms makes this the lightest gearbox of its kind. The carefully considered ratios guarantee unbeatable agility in mid-range acceleration. In addition, the MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper SD Coupé models all come with an innovative self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the cars entire life.

For drivers who prefer the simplicity offered by an automatic transmission, a six-speed gearbox with Steptronic function, available with shift paddles, can be ordered as an option for the MINI Cooper Coupé, MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé.

The MINI Cooper Coupé comes with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a 16-inch version fitted to the MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé is specified with 17-inch, weight-optimised alloy wheels in JCW Cross Spoke CHALLENGE styling.

Advanced technology
The MINI Coupés compelling driving experience is helped by the cars Electric Power Steering (EPS). This electro-mechanical system is particularly effective at soaking up steering shocks and other vibrations.

It features speed-dependent power assist, reducing the effort required from the driver during parking and other manoeuvres. It cuts the amount of assist at higher speeds to improve road feel and directional stability.

A Sport Button on the centre console is standard on all MINI Coupé models, pressing the Sport Button alters the response characteristics of the accelerator to deliver sharper, sportier reactions and is designed to support a more performance-minded driving style which requires more steering input but provides more responsive feel.

The MINI Coupés model-specific braking system provides powerful, fade-free deceleration under even the hardest pedal pressure. The vented front brake discs have a diameter of 280 millimetres on the MINI Cooper Coupé, 294 millimetres on the MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé, and 316 millimetres on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.

Technical Specifications
All MINI Coupé four-cylinder petrol engines come with BMW Groups VALVETRONIC technology - a fully variable valve control system which adjusts valve lift and opening times in direct relationship to the drivers command on the throttle pedal, delivering more torque and better fuel consumption.

MINI Cooper S Coupé

MINI Cooper Coupé

MINI Cooper SD Coupé

Exterior dimensions
    Length
        MINI Cooper Coupé: 3,728 millimetres
        MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD Coupé: 3,734 millimetres
        MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 3,730 millimetres
    Width: 1,683 millimetres (1892 millimetres including door mirrors)
    Height
        MINI Cooper S Coupé: 1,378 millimetres
        MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 1,384 millimetres
    Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Prices (UK - OTR)
    MINI Cooper Coupé: £16,640
    MINI Cooper S Coupé: £19,775
    MINI Cooper SD Coupé: £20,510
    MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: £23,795