back	March 13, 2012 RSS

Adventure, Here We Come – Exploring Jamaica with the MINI Roadster

Whether it’s full-speed ahead on Jamaica’s only race track, tackling the narrow, bumpy roads through the mountains of the hinterland, refuelling on fried fish, jerk chicken or goat curry from the fabled array of street food at Faith’s Pen, or chilling out in the evening on the Caribbean beach of Silver Sands – with the MINI Roadster the rallying cry is always: another day, another adventure. A close relation of the MINI Coupé in terms of its technical genes, the MINI Roadster offers all the driving enjoyment two people can handle. On top of that are looks that push the boundaries of cool: a snappy rear end, heavily raked windscreen and black cloth soft-top turn heads with the roof up or down. It will only take the first ray of sunlight – and a short stop at a red light – to have you peeling back the cloth roof with a couple of flicks of the wrist. Lock it in place behind the seats and you’re back on the move with the wind in your hair. No other roadster can match its purity, dynamic excellence and sporting flair. Steering is sharp, its centre of gravity low, and from 80 km/h (50 mph) the extending rear spoiler generates handy downforce at higher speeds. The MINI Roadster is available with a choice of three 1.6-litre petrol engines and a 2.0-litre diesel, giving outputs from 122 to 211 hp. At the top of the tree is the turbocharged four-cylinder MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, which develops 155 kW / 211 hp and offers an even sharper sporting edge. Top speed is a breathtaking 237 km/h (147 mph), the first 100 km/h (62 mph) ticking by in just 6.5 seconds. Despite this cheeky turn of pace, the sports roadster sips just 7.3 litres per 100 km (38.7 mpg imp). For those who like the scent of even greater economy with the roof down, the 143 hp MINI Cooper SD Roadster sweetens its 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 8.1 seconds and top speed of 212 km/h (132 mph) with fuel consumption of just 4.5 l/100 km (62.8 mpg imp). The MINI Roadster is more than a fun car, it is also a practical one boasting fine everyday usability. As well as a 240-litre boot and compartments behind the two seats, it also offers a 36 x 20 cm through-loading facility into the interior. Welcome to paradise. For the fully story by Patrick Solberg on the MINI Roadster, along with travel tips for Jamaica and pictures from the photo shoot, see the latest issue of THE MINI INTERNATIONAL.