Mini wants to ensure that the Roadster and Coupé are seen as sports cars to help separate them from their identically-powered and similarly-sized hatchback and convertible cousins, but also in an effort to attract a younger buying group. If you can believe it, a big portion of Mini buyers in Canada are actually middle-aged or older adults, looking to downsize now that the kids are out, or needing a second “fun” car.
And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I buy it. Even though I’ve known for years that Minis have had back seats, I’m somehow still surprised whenever I encounter one. I mean, how many times has the back seat in that used 2008 Cooper you may be considering actually been occupied? Three times? Ten? Sure, they’re nice to have, but not necessary. Instead, I’d take the trunk space and weight savings earned by dropping two seats (the Mini Convertible S weighs 1,665 kilograms, the Roadster 1,510), which makes a big difference in a car this small. Then, I’d rather have the squat stance and slanty windshield provided by the Roadster, not to mention the dollars saved; at $32,900, the Roadster starts at a lower price than the Convertible S.
In fact, if I were to go the Mini route, I think this just might be the one I’d have.
