Already having proven itself as a formidable small car in the small hatchback marketplace, BMW is releasing the popular small car in a coupe version for the 2012 model year. While this is a departure for the brand, moving away from the traditional hatch configuration, it should by no means be construed as an attempt to redefine the brand. Rather, the Mini coupe is an extension of an already impressive lineup.
The styling of the Mini coupe is, according to BMW engineers, based on the premise of a helmet, which is basically what the roof of the Mini coupe looks like. This is accomplished using wraparound glass in combination with a slightly more raked windscreen than the standard Mini Cooper. To maintain the geometry of the Coupe, the car is slightly longer than the Cooper on which it is based, and is situated an inch lower.
In addition to contributing to the Mini Coupe’s singular looks, the new configuration helps out in the performance department, too. The reduced ground clearance might make you a bit nervous going over speed bumps, but It’ll do wonders for carving up mountain and country roads. Combining that attractive handling package with the John Cooper Works Edition has the ability to carry this ride to the sublime.
The basic Mini Coupe is an economical machine, managing to squeeze a combined 32 miles per gallon out of an engine producing a scant, but still lively 121 horsepower. The mid-range Cooper S edition features 181 horsepower, but still manages to deliver a combined 30 miles per gallon thanks to its turbocharged engine. The top range Cooper Works Mini coupe is also outfitted with a turbocharger, but features some additional tweaking to bring the horsepower to 208. Weighing in a 2,701 pounds, it has a better horsepower to weight ratio than the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen GTI.
Available transmissions for the Mini Coupe include a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and all versions of the car come with a full compliment of airbags, stability control and standard driver aids you would expect from a vehicle produced by BMW. Will the Mini Coupe be able to wrest the popularity away from its full-bodied siblings? Not likely, but they’ll get a run for their money, at least.
MiniUSA.com; “Mini Cooper Coupe”