For a small premium over a regular Cooper S hatch, you lose two seats, but gain a lot more fun out on the roadIf you are planning to throw down your credit card for the purchase of new MINI Coupe early in 2012, check that your account is clear for a $42,990 debit.
That’s the RRP for the squished, two-seat MINI that becomes the latest variation on a theme which, when the first version was launched here in 2002, didn’t seem to offer that many alternatives.
The $42,900 tag applies to the entry-level Cooper S version. The company has confirmed that a tougher John Cooper Works will be launched at the same time, but has not yet given pricing details.
Although the Cooper S Coupe uses the same 135kW/240Nm (260Nm on overboost) 1.6-litre direct-injection as the regular hatch version, it has a rather different structural/suspension arrangement that sees it being stiffer overall, with more weight over the front wheels. The increased body stiffness is concentrated in the cabin area and adds weight: Both Coupes are heavier than their hatchback counterparts.
However according to our European correspondent Michael Taylor who commented on the John Cooper Works version the Coupe is even more go kart-like on the road.
The John Cooper Works version in Euro tune develops 155kW at 6000rpm and 260Nm of torque between 1850rpm and 5600rpm. On overboost, that stretches to 280Nm. The result is a zero to 100km/h claim of 6.4 seconds, which is a bit more like it . . .
Standard equipment on Australian-spec Coupes will include a pop-up rear spoiler that activates at speeds above 80km/h, 17” alloy wheels, “sport” button, park distance control, Xenon headlights, sporty leather steering wheel, sports seats, climate-control air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Coupe will come with just four airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes and an indicator for the run-flat tyres.
MINI Australia’s acting chief Matt Schmidt said: “While the Coupe has introduced a new element of design into the MINI Family, it embodies the brand’s true go-kart feeling with a whole new level of excitement, achieving the best performance figures ever recorded by a volume-produced MINI.”
That said, the appealing two-seat MINI will be up against some tantalising competition, including two French cars – the $55-grand Peugeot RCZ and the $42-grand Renault Megane RS250.
But, for little more than a regular Cooper S hatch, the MINI Coupe will be tempting for those who don’t have a need for more than two seats. The MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works Coupes go on sale in February 2012.
carpoint.com.au 2 Dec 2011
Motoring companies are deliberately holding back on engine technology to the general public.
Advancements in engine technology are far greater than what is being release to the masses, which is done on purpose in order to maximise profits, and justify the release of 'new models' and 'vast engine improvements' which are already available at the time of manufacture.
In this media perpetuated "Global Financial Crisis" and with political and environment groups pushing towards a 'greener' future, it would be of benefit (to consumers) to introduce leaner fossil fuel burning technology as soon as possible.
The political and business agendas are to rape the masses of as much monies as possible, and not to 'save the environment'.
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