The Mini Roadster Cooper S 1.6 (184 hp) was a performance-oriented variant of the R59 Mini Roadster, produced between 2012 and 2015. Positioned as the sportier offering within the Roadster lineup, it aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience than the standard Cooper models. The R59 Roadster itself represented Mini’s foray into the two-seat convertible market, building upon the success of the R56 hatchback and offering a unique open-air driving experience within the brand’s signature retro-modern styling. This particular variant played a key role in attracting enthusiasts seeking a fun-to-drive, compact roadster.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mini |
| Model | Roadster |
| Generation | Roadster (R59) |
| Type (Engine) | Cooper S 1.6 (184 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 227 km/h (141.05 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1730-4500 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | N18B16A |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1185 kg (2612.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Max load | 290 kg (639.34 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 240 l (8.48 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 3734 mm (147.01 in.) |
| Width | 1683 mm (66.26 in.) |
| Height | 1390 mm (54.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm (97.13 in.) |
| Front track | 1453 mm (57.2 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1461 mm (57.52 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 134 mm (5.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16 87V |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cooper S Roadster was the N18B16A 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine was a key component of the second-generation Mini platform (R56/R57/R58/R59). The N18 featured direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve timing (Double VANOS) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. These technologies worked in concert to deliver a responsive and efficient power output. The engine produced 184 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,730 and 4,500 rpm. The standard transmission was a six-speed manual, although a six-speed automatic transmission was also available as an option. The automatic transmission, while offering convenience, was often criticized for being less engaging than the manual counterpart.
Driving Characteristics
The Cooper S Roadster, with its 184 hp engine and relatively lightweight chassis, offered a spirited driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 6.7 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 141 mph. The turbocharger provided a noticeable boost in power, delivering strong acceleration in the mid-range. However, the power delivery wasn’t always linear, with some turbo lag present at lower engine speeds. The manual transmission offered precise shifts and allowed drivers to fully exploit the engine’s power. The automatic transmission, while smooth, tended to hunt for gears and lacked the responsiveness of the manual. The Roadster’s suspension provided a good balance between comfort and handling, offering a firm but not overly harsh ride. The car’s relatively short wheelbase and rear-wheel drive layout contributed to its agile handling characteristics.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cooper S Roadster came standard with a range of features, including sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and a Mini infotainment system. Optional extras included heated seats, a premium sound system, navigation, and various cosmetic enhancements. The interior design was consistent with other Mini models, featuring a large central speedometer and a retro-inspired dashboard layout. Upholstery options included cloth and leather, with a variety of color combinations available. The Roadster’s convertible top was fully automatic and could be lowered or raised in a matter of seconds.
Chassis & Braking
The R59 Roadster utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling precision. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The car’s chassis was reinforced to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, providing adequate torsional rigidity. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mini Roadster Cooper S 1.6 (184 hp) was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fun-to-drive character, stylish design, and premium interior. However, some critics noted the limited trunk space and the relatively high price tag. Compared to the standard Cooper Roadster, the Cooper S offered a significant performance upgrade. It also differed from other Mini models, such as the Cooper hatchback, in its two-seat configuration and convertible top. In terms of fuel economy, the Cooper S Roadster achieved around 39.2 mpg on the combined cycle, which was respectable for a performance-oriented roadster.
Legacy
The N18 engine, while generally reliable, is known to be susceptible to certain issues, including carbon buildup on the intake valves and potential turbocharger failures. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and fuel system cleaning, is crucial to ensure the engine’s longevity. The R59 Roadster, as a whole, has become a popular choice among Mini enthusiasts. The Cooper S variant, with its increased power and sporty handling, is particularly sought after. On the used car market, well-maintained examples of the Cooper S Roadster command a premium price. The R59 Roadster represents a unique chapter in Mini’s history, offering a distinctive and engaging driving experience that continues to appeal to enthusiasts today.
