MINI revealed its new MINI Coupe in June 2011 and formally released it at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September the same year. The new car is based on the Cabriolet version from which it got its genes. The Coupe, though, has only two seats and a bigger boot (280 liters).
This model proves, from the moment you drive it , that it is the sportiest one of the bunch. The suspension is lower than any other model's and the engines deliver very good performance on the road.
The design has been inspired, according to CarBuyer, by shape of a racing helmet and may not be to everyone's taste.
When it comes to the desirable petrol engine range, the Coupe comes in Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SD and JCW versions. The first one is equipped with a 122 HP 1.6 petrol engine, the Cooper S comes with a turbo 1.6 with 184 HP engine and the JCW model brings out a 1.6-liter turbo engine that delivers 211 HP. There's also a diesel option in the form of the sporty yet efficient Cooper SD Coupe, which has a 2-liter turbodiesel delivering 143 HP.
The MINI Coupe has been designed for one thing only - a full on driving experience. It is a tribute to the MINI legend that has worldwide cocognition for just this one thing, the way it made you feel while taking it for a spin.
If you're looking for comfort, look elsewhere, this car is made for fun and that is just what it delivers. The recommended version would definitely have to be the JCW works if you're young enough to put up with the stiff ride. It does 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and it feels amazing. The stability is a bonus, the engine revs superbly and the sound is impressive.
The Coupe also comes with a lot of options, like bluetooth connectivity, support for smartphones, DAB digital radio, AC and many others, as an interesting contrast with the, more than interesting, retro touches.
All in all, the car got 4 out of 5 stars just because of it's hard, sporty suspension and the reduced practicability. But keeping in mind that this car is not destined for the family man but for the young, active adult, it does what is supposed to.
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