MINI’s designers can’t stop producing new variations of their modern classic, and the newest addition to the MINI family is a two-seater coupé, no less.
And then there were five.
Not content with bringing out the MINI Hatch, the Convertible, the Clubman and the MINI-on-steroids that is the chunky Countryman, they’ve gone and come up with a sporty two seat variant of the historic brand.
Remarkably, it’s the first time that the car brand that handles like a go-kart has ever created a two seater sports vehicle. Even in its pre-BMW days, when it was a teeny bubble of a car, it was a car with back seats.
Not anymore (well not if you buy the MIN Coupé). The BMW designers have ripped out some of the upholstery and made the roof lower and more curvy.
Obviously they’ve done a lot more than that, but that’s what you’ll notice.
According to MINI, their mission with the Coupé is a simple one: “to maximise the thrill of being behind the wheel”. Keen drivers will be rewarded with a level of handling agility unmatched in the small car segment.
They’ve gone all out for handling agility and delivering optimum dynamic performance – from the choice of engines and chassis set-up to weight distribution and aerodynamics.
To prove the point, the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé has the fastest acceleration and top speed of any volume-produced MINI to date.
The new four-version MINI Coupé range will go on sale through MINI dealers from 1 October 2011. There’ll be a MINI Cooper Coupé, a MINI Cooper S Coupé, a MINI Cooper SD Coupé and a MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.
Customers can expect their cars to come equipped with DAB digital radio, air conditioning, park distance control, alloy wheels, 3-spoke sport leather steering wheel and sport stripes on the body work.
A wide range of accessories and personalisation choices will also be available.
The cost? From €24,010 (on the road) for the base model up to €37,040 (OTR) for the John Cooper Works model.
Nick Bradshaw
Follow Nick on Twitter: twitter.com/twitbradshaw
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
