Mini offers more bang for your buck

The Mini marque is adding entry-level models to its new Coupe and Roadster ranges - launched in March this year - that will be in showrooms from November.

The two-seater models were originally launched in Cooper S and John Cooper Works guises but the BMW-owned badge is looking to broaden its appeal with naturally-aspirated petrol entry-level models but don't hold your breath for any diesel models.

The 1.6-litre Cooper models sans turbo represents almost a third of the hatch volume for Mini - so far this year, 28 per cent of the hard-top range wears a Cooper badge. Coupe variants will be starting from $34,900 and the Roadster will carry a $37,500 price tag when the S is lopped from the Cooper badge, which lowers the entry-point for new Mini sports cars by more than $8000 and below the $40,000 psychological barrier.

Mini Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz said the new Cooper variants will be in hot demand. “The Mini Cooper engine is extremely popular in other body styles in the MINI range offering punchy performance and frugal economy at a great price.” “With the addition of this engine variant, the striking new Mini Coupe and Roadster are now even more attractive and more attainable to the young and the young at heart,” he says.

The two-seater sporties will lose a yard of pace in the bid to grab more buyers - the Cooper models are powered by a naturally-aspirated variable-valve 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 90kW at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250 rpm - down 45kW and 80Nm over the S but enough, says Mini, to hit 100km/h in 9 seconds. The payoff comes at the petrol pump, where the Cooper's fuel use drops 0.6 to 5.8 l/100km with emissions of 136 g/km of CO2.

The Mini Cooper Roadster covers the sprint to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds - about two seconds slower - with a slightly reduced fuel use figure of 6.1l/100km. Both models will be offered with the new engine hooked up to either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed auto. Standard fare for both of new models includes 16in alloy wheels, sport seats, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth phone link, a USB sound system input, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights.